The new processing methods brought about by technological transformation will impact manufacturing and product transformation
It is now a fact that an epochal change, known as the fourth industrial revolution, is underway in global industry. As it happened in the past, factories are turning towards different working systems based on new technologies.
The methodologies brought by the technological transformation, also known as Industry 4.0, will have an impact especially on manufacturing, i.e. on the activity of production and product transformation. The production processes of companies, in fact, are – and will be increasingly – automated. A decisive role will be played by collaborative robots, machines able not only to carry out tasks automatically and quickly, but also to interact and work alongside the traditional workforce. Factories will also open their doors to virtual and augmented reality, technologies that currently seem to belong to other sectors. Here are some of the major trends that will change the manufacturing industry.
Virtual and Augmented Reality
Both of these technologies will be destined to claim more and more attention in Industry 4.0. Although their use is still in an embryonic stage, virtual and augmented reality will be crucial. They will allow companies to gain advantages in terms of both production and costs. The virtual reality, as an example, will be able to be used in order to carry out of the reliable simulations. We think to the automotive sector, where the companies are forced to realize many prototypes. With virtual reality it will be possible to recreate production processes quickly and verify potential defects, moving at 360 degrees.
Same for augmented reality, a technology that allows you to project virtual images in the real world. Let’s stay in the automotive field. If, during one of the assembly phases, a component breaks, the employee can use augmented reality to understand how and where to intervene, without resorting to any instruction manual.
3D printing
The fourth industrial revolution is changing the company also with regard to the realization of a piece. More and more industries are turning to 3D printing. The benefits are many. First, 3D peripherals can reduce the amount of material used to make a part. This means both lower costs and less waste (and therefore fewer emissions). And they’re very practical because they cut production and delivery times in half. And they help factories improve the relationship with their customers.
Automation
As mentioned, Industry 4.0 will be mostly automated. The change will involve many sectors besides manufacturing. At the moment, the companies that are using robots are mainly automotive and electronics, which will soon be followed by other companies as well. In particular, 2018 will mark a watershed between the old manufacturing systems and the new ones. Employing robots means making manufacturing processes more efficient and faster. And despite fears, machines won’t take the place of humans, but they will create new jobs.
Cloud systems
Cloud computing systems will also be crucial, allowing the company to replace machines no longer needed for storage and simplifying the plant’s IT network. They will also be the container where Big Data, aggregated information collected by robots, smart sensors and always-connected Internet of Things objects, will be housed. Much of a company’s success will depend on its ability to read and interpret all this data.