Since the invention of the first steam engine, industrial businesses have understood that embracing the latest in technology is the key to success. Today, modern digital tools and data-driven analytics promise to be just as revolutionary as internal combustion and electricity.
Defining Industry 4.0: The Fourth Industrial Revolution
So what is “Industry 4.0?” Also known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Industry 4.0 is the trend of integrating information technology and digital work tools into industrial processes. Prior industrial revolutions were defined by inventions like steam power, electricity, and early automation. Industry 4.0 is defined by the widespread use of industrial computers to monitor and control its various components.
Examples of Industry 4.0 Technology
The technologies and innovations included in Industry 4.0 are being applied in a wide range of roles, such as:
Data Connectivity and Cloud Technology
One of the greatest challenges for national and multinational businesses is sharing information across different branches and worksites. The greater connectivity and information sharing offered by digital technology and cloud services make sharing data far easier. In turn, this helps businesses be better informed about their own operations and prevents information silos from forming.
Artificial Intelligence
Generative AI’s ability to analyze massive amounts of information and develop new insights can help guide a company’s long-term planning and development. AI can look at broader market trends to predict future pricing changes, viable expansion opportunities, and more. AI can also be used in more immediate roles, such as industrial AI box PCs enabling machine vision and enhanced automation.
Robotics
Already widely used, industrial robotics can be further enhanced with Industry 4.0 technologies like cloud computing and Internet of Things (IoT) networks. By letting different robots “talk” to each other on the assembly line, manufacturers can monitor their devices for preventative maintenance and stop dangerous and expensive failures from occurring.
Logistics and Shipping
Managing a global shipping network is a monstrously difficult task; with automated data collection, businesses can master their supply chain and navigate disruptions more easily. With IoT networks and advanced package tracking systems, they can see how long it takes for products to go from the factory to the store shelf and identify any inefficiencies in that process.
These same technologies also make returns and reverse logistics easier, letting businesses accept defective products and offer refunds with less hassle.
Smart Wearable Devices
Electronics have become so advanced and compact that they can be sewn into a worker’s clothing as a wearable device. These devices can then be tracked throughout a facility or worksite, which makes monitoring their location or finding them during an emergency much easier. It can also help alert workers if they wander into an area they aren’t supposed to be in.
Additive Manufacturing
Also known as 3D printing, additive manufacturing is the process of adding material to a structure or object to construct it. Rather than use a mold or frame, additive manufacturing relies on advanced 3D files and imaging software to develop objects and tell the printer what to print. Additive manufacturing is already being used for small-scale objects like dental implants and aerospace parts, but the technology and techniques can scale up to constructing entire buildings additively as well.
Benefits of Industry 4.0
Just like how the first steam engine made mechanized travel possible, the various technologies under Industry 4.0’s umbrella bring their own suite of benefits, such as:
Greater Efficiency
First and foremost, the tools that Industry 4.0 provides lead to greater efficiency for a company’s operations. Empowered by the information gathered by an IoT sensor network, businesses can automate processes they once had to perform manually, such as assembly lines or HVAC system control. By feeding data to rugged mini PCs dedicated to this task, adjustments can be made on the fly without the need for human input, letting workers focus on more essential tasks.
Predictive Maintenance
Unexpected downtime due to mechanical failure is one of the biggest and most expensive time-wasters for manufacturing businesses. IoT offers a solution by closely monitoring a machine's performance and developing a baseline. Whenever the IoT sensors detect a deviation from that baseline, they can alert workers that there may be an issue, allowing maintenance to be scheduled before a major failure occurs.
Improved Safety
As previously mentioned, IoT-enabled wearables can help keep employees safe in hazardous or unpredictable work environments, such as construction sites. By preventing workplace injuries from ever happening, businesses can enjoy a healthier workforce and fewer interruptions to their workforce.
Easier Data Collection
In the past, employees have had to manually collect data, such as counting the number of products manufactured, the span of time between mechanical breakdowns, etc. However, this introduces the possibility of human error. IoT sensors can automatically collect this data, creating accurate records that lead to better-informed decisions.
Considerations for Implementing Industry 4.0
Like any other great technological shift, Industry 4.0 does have its challenges associated with its implementation. The most important factors that need to be addressed are:
Cost
Everything has a price tag, and the tools and technology of Industry 4.0 are no different. While there will always be expenses associated with upgrading to new equipment, there are also ways to reduce that cost. One of the best is to work with an original equipment manufacturer (OEM), who can customize industrial computers to fit your specific needs. This lets you get the most out of your purchase while avoiding unnecessary peripherals or features.
Infrastructure and Integration
Another serious hurdle can be supporting Industry 4.0 technologies and integrating them into pre-existing workflows. Many businesses rely on older equipment that is still perfectly functional but lacks modern I/O ports that most computers rely on. In other words, their machinery and computers can’t “talk” to each other.
That’s why it’s so critical to use industrial-grade computers with legacy I/O ports. These computers have the hardware and software features necessary for communicating with older machinery while still being capable of supporting Industry 4.0 applications and equipment as well.
Training
The last major hurdle for implementing Industry 4.0 technologies is the training process necessary for employees. Most businesses can’t afford the pause in operations to familiarize their workers, so any new tools need to be intuitive and user-friendly right out of the gate. Industrial panel PCs are perfect for addressing this issue; not only are they powerful and rugged enough for industrial operations, their touchscreen controls are naturally intuitive and easy to use.
Industry 4.0-Capable Computers from Cybernet Manufacturing
What is Industry 4.0? It is the next step in industrial technology, delivering greater speed, efficiency, and safety than ever before. However, taking advantage of this new paradigm requires computers that balance processing power with the demands of the industrial sector.
If you’re looking for rugged industrial computers to support these new technologies, contact the team at Cybernet today. We’d be happy to explore our products and how they can help you innovate.