In this section we would like to look at Industry 4.0 from a technical perspective. Specifically, the question is which technologies are necessary to realize the aspects "networking" and "self-control". In particular, the following should be mentioned:
In the following we describe these technological aspects of Industry 4.0 in more detail due to their high relevance.
Communication Technologies
Industry 4.0 stands or falls with the transmission of data in real time (or at least in near-real time). For the most part, communication does not take place in local networks but via the Internet. In addition to stable broadband connections, a powerful mobile communications standard is required, which is currently being established in the form of 5G. However, there are other wireless transmission paths that play a role in Industry 4.0. These include:
Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)
Networking and self-control can only be realized if every object is digitally recorded and can communicate. The objects must therefore be equipped with digital storage media, communication solutions and sensors. This linking of real objects with the Internet is also called Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) in the industrial environment.
Robotics
This technology is not new, but in the context of Industry 4.0 it gains even more importance, because without it a complete automation of production processes is hardly possible. Robots also play an important role in the individualization of production in all industries. They are becoming more and more flexible and are therefore also suitable for smaller quantities. In combination with machine learning, they are able to carry out tasks independently and to optimise themselves continuously.
Artificial Intelligence
A key technology for autonomous production processes in Industry 4.0 is artificial intelligence (AI). It is able to make deductions from patterns or recurring states. This is relevant in many areas - such as production planning, machine control and logistics (internal and external). AI also enables so-called predictive maintenance.
Additive production processes (3D printing)
An important goal of Industry 4.0 is to make production more flexible. This extends to the so-called batch size 1, the production of unique items according to customer requirements. However, this represents a challenge, especially for companies in series and mass production, because traditional production facilities are designed for large quantities. Therefore, new production processes are necessary, where the expensive conversion of plants can be avoided. 3D printing, in which the material is applied in layers, has great potential here. Individual workpieces can thus be produced without special preparation and without tools.
Big data and forward-looking analyses
Big Data refers to large amounts of data with high complexity. In Industry 4.0, this data is generated in particular by sensors. The challenge is to harmonize and correlate the data. They can then be used for analyses and forecasts. In the context of Industry 4.0, for example, the processing of Big Data enables the prediction of customer demand, the predictive maintenance of machines (see AI), and a forecast of capacity utilization in production. Last but not least, additional services or completely new business models can be realized by using existing data.
Cyber-physical systems and digital twins
Cyber-physical systems (CPS) are also a significant factor in the fourth industrial revolution. They enable a connection of the real (physical) world with virtual processes and objects. For this purpose, products, machines, plants and other objects in Industry 4.0 are given a second identity on the net - the so-called digital twin. This makes it possible to virtually network, control, test and optimize the objects.
Cloud computing
Both networking and the fast processing of large amounts of data in Industry 4.0 require extensive computing and storage capacities. These must also be scalable at short notice if required. Since this is difficult to map with in-house data centers, cloud solutions are gaining ground. These IT infrastructures are available via the Internet and are provided as services by specialized providers.
ERP software, MES and APS
It goes without saying that business management as well as logistical and production-related processes in Industry 4.0 must be managed by modern systems. From today's point of view, three types of software are particularly relevant here: