IR 4.0
Industry Revolution 4.0 picks up from the third industrial revolution of electronics, computers and automation into full automation (autonomous systems) by adding data and machine learning. IR 4.0 will eventually bridge the physical, virtual and biological worlds together. How? Read on to know.
Before you proceed, we hope you have read our piece on The Industrial Revolution. It takes you through the journey from the first industrial revolution to the current one so you can understand this article better. Click on the link below to read it or continue scrolling if you know your stuff.
The words ‘digital’, ‘smart’ and ‘connected’ are often used to describe the essence of IR 4.0 – digital technology, smart technology, connected seamlessly.
We understand that IR 3.0 was about computer and automation which was brought upon by electronics and IT (information technology). That fundamentally changed the analog world into digital.
In the digital frontier, frequencies and waves made wireless technology possible. A simple example of wireless technology is the mobile phone and the laptop, which can transmit data wirelessly through the internet. From there, softwares and applications were created for better convenience to do activities such as searching, banking, booking which are used across industries like finance, health, education, retail, travel and entertainment.
Additionally, the use of sensors and scanners enable the physical and digital world to connect. (For movie geeks, think ‘Tron’.)
These computers can be connected together through the wireless communication network, making it an integrated network that is connected seamlessly.
Now that we understand what digital, smart, seamless technology is, let’s look into the components of IR 4.0. The list may differ from others, but the purpose of this introduction is for you to understand the basic concept behind IR 4.0.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)
The machine is fed with a set of instructions and rules. The ability to use the set of rules and instructions to solve problems creates patterns or algorithms. This ‘intelligent’ behaviour is behind the concept of AI.
An example of AI is Siri or Alexa. They are a form of Narrow AI as their functions are limited to the info they are provided.
MACHINE LEARNING (ML)
ML is a subset of AI. You can input additional data sets such as historical data into the machine and combined with past experiences of the AI, the machine can ‘learn’.
CLOUD COMPUTING
Cloud computing refers to storage, management and processing of data in remote servers that are hosted on the internet.
Previously, data could only be stored and served from physical locations. With digitalisation of data, data can be stored and served in a digital format through the internet, which is the ‘cloud’.
BIG DATA
Now that data can be stored digitally, big data refers to huge data sets that can be compiled, stored, organised and analysed to reveal patterns and trends.
INTERNET OF THINGS (IOT)
Internet of things refers to devices that are equipped with sensors and can be connected to the internet.
An example would be your mobile phone having a sensor that can gauge the number of steps you make everyday.
CYBER-PHYSICAL SYSTEMS (CPS)
Also known as cyber manufacturing, CPS in manufacturing sectors enable real-time data collection and analysis for every aspect of the manufacturing process.
REAL-TIME DATA PROCESSING
Computer systems that can automatically and continuously process data and provide real-time or near-time results or insights.
Due to the digital form of data and wireless technology, the components of IR 4.0 can be combined to create a multitude of tools that can improve processes and production for businesses. Some applications or uses of IR 4.0 components:
– The combination of big data, real-time data processing and deep learning for predictive analytics. (Movie geeks, think ‘Minority Report’)
– Predictive analytics combined with cyber-physical systems can be used to estimate the quantity stocks or parts needed. Or when the factory machines need to be serviced or replaced to avoid backlogs or breakdowns.
– The use of IOT and scanners in houses to control the thermostat, monitor the usage of electricity and availability of food in the fridge making smart homes.
– Remember your mobile phone that can record the number of steps you make in a day? That data can be combined with other data about your health and data sets on health for people in your age/lifestyle/area to give you suggestions on food to eat or exercises to do.
The technologies used in the industrial revolutions are also applicable to other industries even though each industry may have different priorities, processes and plans.
Adopting the latest technologies can improve processes from design, production and management to planning and execution, making your business competitive. And being competitive means staying in the game.
