9 TECHNOLOGICAL PILLARS OF INDUSTRY 4.0

Industry 4.0 - Evolution or Revolution?

1. Big Data and Data Analytics

The ability to collect, organize and analyze huge amounts of data from diverse sources is one of Industry 4.0's great “stars”. The application of Big Data and Data Analytics optimizes production quality, saves energy and improves equipment performance.

2. Autonomous Robots

Robots have been used for a long time in the industry, but the differential of the Industry 4.0 robot lies in the ability to work without human supervision, acting in an intelligent, cooperative and autonomous way. The use of autonomous robots reduces labor costs and increases production, making industries more competitive.

3. Simulation

Simulating products and materials virtually is already a reality. In Industry 4.0, the virtual environment involves machines, products, processes and people and makes use of data from the physical world. In this way, the entire chain of creation can be simulated.

4. Systems integration (horizontal and vertical)

Horizontal and vertical integrations concern consistent and interconnected IT systems within companies (engineering, production, services, etc.) and outside (companies, suppliers, distributors and customers). With universal data integration networks, corporations from the fourth industrial revolution will never be isolated.

5. Internet of things

The number of sensors in the world today is already greater than the world population. Sensors are everywhere, they are part of our daily lives and connect our devices (cell phones, TVs, automobiles, appliances, among others). This is the internet of things. In the context of Industry 4.0, all things are smart and connected to the internet. Connected sensors generate data and data analytics (data analytics) increase the ability to make decisions in real time.

6. Cybersecurity (Cyber Security)

It appears almost as a consequence of several other pillars of Industry 4.0, because in a highly connected and integrated world, protecting data and systems from cyber threats becomes a huge challenge.

7. Cloud Computing (Cloud Computing)

Cloud computing is already used by many organizations, but in Industry 4.0, the performance of cloud technologies is optimized by increasing processing capacity and speed. Faster systems attract more companies that entrust their data and systems to the cloud. Among the benefits, greater amount of data that can be integrated and hardware savings for organizations.

8. Additive Manufacturing

Also called 3D printing, additive manufacturing is now used to produce physical prototypes and unique parts. In Industry 4.0, additive manufacturing is used on a large scale for the production of small batches of customized parts, which in the traditional process model involve high costs of customization, manufacture and transportation.

9. Augmented Reality

Industry 4.0 sees enormous potential in augmented reality for the generation and provision of services. By allowing interactions between the real and virtual worlds, this technology is of great use for applications in medicine and education, as well as in the professional training of employees.