The 5 Biggest Future Trends In Manufacturing and Industry 4.0

Over the years, manufacturing has changed, moving from human-centered techniques to assembly lines that rely heavily on machinery to the highly automated facilities we are starting to see more of today. And the sector is still developing rapidly with emerging technologies.

In?reality,?a?lot?of?trends?are?coming?together?to?alter?production,?and?this?transformation?is?known?as?"Industry?4.0."?

Today we will be?investigating?trends?that?are?influencing manufacturing and?Industry?4.0.

Trend 1: The Industrial Internet of Things is the first trend (IIoT)

Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), which involves the use of networked devices in industrial and manufacturing settings to gather data that can be utilized to improve the production process. One of the best examples of these linked IIoT devices are sensors. Manufacturers may get insight into how their machines are operating, improve maintenance procedures, cut down on machine downtime, and even forecast when problems will arise using data collected from sensors on manufacturing equipment.

The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)?market size was valued at US$ 123.89 billion in 2020, and it is estimated to grow at around CAGR 22.85% during 2021-2026.?Industrial Internet of Things revenue –?source IndustryARC Analysis and Expert Insights

Increasing penetration of smart factories, smart utilities enabling high speed data transmission and data analytics for real-time control and monitoring is analyzed to drive the Internet of Things Market.?

Trend 2: Edge computing and 5G

Manufacturers will be able to quickly link their IIoT technology and take use of the data gathering and data processing capabilities within devices like smart machines and sensors thanks to the fifth generation (5G) of mobile data network technology (what we refer to as edge computing). Manufacturers are able to set up a private 5G network on their property, providing them with extremely high communication rates without the need of wires and significantly enhanced data security.

One of the essential technologies needed to provide reduced latency is edge computing. In particular with IoT devices, which are frequently nearby, edge devices demand network availability. Full private 5G performance and the edge computing stack at the facilities are necessary for the autonomous smart factory (Industry 4.0).?

Trend 3: Extended Reality and Metaverse.

Extended reality, often known as XR, refers to any immersive technologies that combine the real and virtual worlds, such as augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), and virtual reality (VR) (AR).

Enhanced product design, improved production planning, enhancing human capabilities on assembly lines, and more immersive training will all be made possible by extended reality technologies like augmented and virtual reality. Manufacturers will have additional opportunities when more of the globe enters the metaverse.

The worldwide pandemic has raised interest in virtual reality (VR) technology, which has the potential for extended reality (XR) applications in industrial?settings as well as consumer gaming and home exercise and education.?

Trend 4: Automation and Dark Factories

Manufacturers can benefit from automation in a variety of ways, including as increased production (because machines don't get tired), improved accuracy, and cheaper prices. More fully automated factories, sometimes known as "black factories," where production takes place off-site and without any direct human involvement, may even be on the horizon.

Trend 5: Additive Manufacturing Technologies

Additive manufacturing enables the production of items with exact geometric forms using CAD or 3D object scanners. These are constructed layer by layer, similar to a 3D printing process, as opposed to traditional manufacturing, which frequently calls for the use of machining or other methods to remove extra material.

In my opinion, 3D printing will also usher in a new era of customization since technology allows for the production of individualized goods without concern for economies of scale. Additionally, the ability to quickly prototype thanks to 3D printing might promote creativity.

Airbus has been using 3D printing technology for more than 15 years, making it something of a 3D printing pioneer in the manufacturing industry.

Global 3D printing products and services market size from 2020 to 2026 (in billion U.S. dollars)

The worldwide market for 3D printing products and services was valued at around 12.6 billion U.S. dollars in 2020. The industry is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of some 17 percent between 2020 and 2023. General Electric has the most?3D printing patents?in the United States. Data/Chart Source: 3D printing industry - worldwide market size 2020-2026, Published by?Statista Research Department

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