Abstract

The fourth industrial revolution is causing rapid transformation in manufacturing industries

across the world. Through Industry 4.0, production and manufacturing systems are being made

intelligent by the utilization of the Internet of Things (IoT), Cloud Computing, and cyber-

physical systems. The intelligent manufacturing systems can change the physical world into a

cyber twin or digital twin thus making it easier for decision-makers in an organization to monitor

and make appropriate decisions regarding the operations (Lee et al. 2015). The collaboration and

real-time communications between sensors, machines, and humans facilitate efficient industrial

processes (Wang et al., 2016). The main aim of the fourth industrial revolution is to create

significant change in both production and industry value chains, and associated business models

through the combination of intelligent production systems and embedded systems of production

(Kumar et al., 2019).

Industry 4.0 utilizes communication technology and information to intelligently connect

industrial processes with several networks of machines. This paper discusses the latest

technologies in Industry 4.0 such as 3D printing, advanced robotics, autonomous vehicles, and

the Internet of Things.

Keywords: Industry 4.0, Internet of Things, big data, Cloud, Intelligent manufacturing.

Introduction

The majority of industries across the world are going through Industry 4.0. This phase commonly

referred to as the fourth industrial revolution has the potential to significantly change the

industrial production process by integrating digital and cyber technologies with conventional
industry (Stancioiu, 2017). The major transformations brought about by Industry 4.0 include

control and proper management of the industrial value chain. Several technologies that include

the Internet of Things (IoT), big data analytics, cloud computing, cyber-physical systems, and

information and communication technology collaborate to realize Industry 4.0 (Kumar et al.,

2019). Industry 4.0 has also caused the invention of other vital smart technologies such as

automation to enhance production in industries.

Industry 4.0 and the latest technologies

The fourth industrial revolution can be defined as growth in data technologies and

automation mainly powered by the cloud, Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, advanced

computers, and people. The smart systems and advanced production techniques are fused and

integrated with people and organizations. Industry 4.0 improves the speed and reliability of

information flowing between people and systems within the organization through the proper

integration of digital technologies. The main forces driving the fourth industrial revolution

include automation, connectivity, and optimization (Boggess, n.d). However, many other latest

technologies cooperate to realize the maximum potential of the fourth industrial revolution.

These latest technologies include 3D printing, advanced robotics, autonomous vehicles, and the

Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) (Schwab, 2017).

3D Printing

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, involves creating a physical object

from a digital 3D model or drawing by arranging layer upon layer. It is cheap and fast and can be

used to prove a concept and model a theoretical design (Gilchrist, 2016). The products created
through 3D printing can easily be customized. This technology is widely used for applications in

the medical, automotive, and aerospace industries (Schwab, 2017).

Advanced robotics

Advanced robots are intelligent machines that use a large amount of physical data to

understand and respond to their surroundings and autonomously perform complex or routine

tasks. Unlike in the recent past where robots were only used in few industries including

automotive, their applications in many sectors are increasing rapidly. Today, advanced robots are

used in sectors such as nursing, precision agriculture, and even to perform precise automated

surgery (Schwab, 2017).

Autonomous vehicles

Autonomous vehicles use sensors and AI technologies to sense their environment and

drive safely without input from a person. Autonomous vehicles include driverless cars, trucks,

aircraft, drones, and boats. The vehicles such as drones can be used to inspect gas and oil lines in

harsh environments (Gilchrist, 2016). Other potential applications of drones include checking

high voltage electric lines and delivering supplies such as medicine, water, and food in war zones

(Nye, 2015).

Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)

IIoT is the interconnectivity and cooperation of machines, data, and people to optimize

the efficiency of industrial operations (Boggess, n.d). IIoT employs numerous sensors to connect

things such as products and services in the physical world to a virtual network. Industrial

packages or containers can easily be monitored in the supply chain by equipping them with

sensors or radio frequency identification (RFID) tags (Schwab, 2017).

 Skills required for Mechanical Engineers to take part in Industry 4.0

Mechanical engineers are among the key plays in the transformation of industrial

processes brought about by Industry 4.0. Therefore, they should have a better understanding of

this phase of the revolution to part in the realization of its full potential. Mechanical engineers

require a combination of both technical skills and soft skills to effectively take part in the fourth

industrial revolution. The technical skills required include design and creativity skills, higher

mathematical and numerical knowledge, computer programming, investigative skills,

experimental skills, and information processing. The soft skills necessary for mechanical

engineers include communication, teamwork, leadership, and good analytical thinking skills

(Motyl et al., 2017).

Conclusion

Industry 4.0 is bringing major changes to the global manufacturing sector. Several technologies

that include IoT, big data analytics, Cloud Computing, and cyber-physical systems are

collaborating to realize the fourth industrial revolution. Industry 4.0’s main goal is to create

significant transformation in associated business models, and both production and industry value

chains. Industry 4.0 improves the reliability of industrial processes and the speed of information

flow between several systems and people within an organization. The latest technologies that are

advancing Industry 4.0 include 3D printing, advanced robotics, autonomous vehicles, and the

Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). Mechanical engineers, as among key players in Industry 4.0,

are required to have technical skills such as design, creativity, and computer programming, also

soft skills such as communication and analytical thinking.

References

Gilchrist, A. (2016). Industry 4.0: the industrial internet of things. Apress.

Kumar, K., Zindani, D., & Davim, J. P. (2019). Industry 4.0: Developments Towards the Fourth

Industrial Revolution. Springer.

Lee, J., Bagheri, B., & Kao, H. A. (2015). A cyber-physical systems architecture for industry

4.0-based manufacturing systems. Manufacturing Letters, 3, 18-23.

Motyl, B., Baronio, G., Uberti, S., Speranza, D., & Filippi, S. (2017). How will change the future

engineers’ skills in the Industry 4.0 framework? A questionnaire survey. Procedia

Manufacturing, 11, 1501-1509.

Nye, C. (April 25, 2015). Getting aid to a war zone in a swarm of drones. Retrieved from

https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-32452678

Schwab, K. (2017). The fourth industrial revolution. Currency.

Stancioiu, A. (2017). THE FOURTH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION „INDUSTRY

4.0”. Fiabilitate Şi Durabilitate, 1(19), 74-78.

Wang, S., Wan, J., Li, D., & Zhang, C. (2016). Implementing smart factory of Industrie 4.0: an

outlook. International journal of distributed sensor networks, 12(1), 3159805.

.