Optical sensors are the “eyes” of systems in industrial applications. However, just as with humans, in industrial applications a powerful peripheral system must ensure that image processing permanently functions reliably, without errors, and at the required performance level.As optical sensors become increasingly powerful, the number of applications in which they can be used is also increasing. Along with the associated quality management and documentation system, the monitoring and evaluation electronics in state-of-the art production and documentation systems produce a flood of data. This mass of data must be transmitted, collected, and processed reliably. The underlying technical structures of machine vision systems must remain fully functional even under demanding conditions, such as permanent mechanical stress due to shocks and vibrations. Data connectors in particular, which are important interfaces within the system, also have to meet these requirements so that there is no wear on the male and female contacts (cf. fretting corrosion). Otherwise, contact interruptions will lead to downtimes in production or process errors that require time-consuming and cost-intensive measures.Increasingly compact systems in smaller spaces, following the trend of miniaturization, pose additional challenges for device developers of machine vision systems. These include electromagnetic interference pulses that can influence the functionality of the individual components. The reduced structures within the system architecture also jeopardize stable system integrity. The increasingly powerful components, installed increasingly closer together, also bring with them a thermal problem that may not only have an impact on the operation of the sensors, but may also make device approval more difficult. Miniaturized interfaces and device-integrated connection technology that provide secure shielding and data transmission are active solutions to these potential problems. The optimized positioning of components on the printed circuit board in accordance with electromagnetic and thermal considerations during device development also ensures reliability. Simulations of heat generation, signal integrity, and impedance are helpful, especially when non-standard components are used.&nbsp;<h2>Standards for optimized image processing</h2>There are numerous transmission standards, including Camera Link, CoaXPress, GigE Vision, and USB 3, to suit the respective machine vision applications and associated interfaces. All factors must be coordinated and work reliably together to ensure optimized image processing.&nbsp;Phoenix Contact is synonymous with high quality in the field of industrial connection technology. The portfolio of the company, founded in 1923, includes tried and tested data connectors such as D-SUB, RJ45, USB, HDMI, coaxial, and fiber-optic connection technology.&nbsp;With its commitment to quality and innovation, Phoenix Contact is also an expert partner for new components, such as the Single Pair Ethernet (SPE), RJ45 Industrial (RJ45-IND), and the connection system for shielded and unshielded Finepitch series board-to-board connectors.RJ45 IndustrialThe RJ45 Industrial (RJ45-IND) product family was developed especially for industrial applications. This powerful product family has been further developed and optimized based on a large amount of experience gained with the standard RJ45 products in cooperation with customers from different industries. With this development, Phoenix Contact has created a product range featuring an optimized 360° shielding concept, for example.To counter electromagnetic interference, the housing shield springs and shield pins for the printed circuit board have been raised. This also improves the mechanical strength of the socket on the printed circuit board.The connection between RJ45-IND connectors or patch cables and RJ45-IND female printed circuit board (PCB) connectors has been decisively optimized. Shocks and vibrations are now counteracted by the so-called “perfect match” of the connector system. The development also included optimizing the contact depth of the female PCB connector from 8.3 m to 9 mm, thus enlarging the contact zone of the connector system. There have also been decisive improvements in the tolerances in the connection of the socket and plug, meaning that their contact connection is even better matched. On the connector side, the contact pressure was increased further through the inclusion of a compression spring.&nbsp;The temperature resistance of the female PCB connector has been improved through the use of a reinforced housing, now utilizing fiberglass technology. Temperatures from -40 up to +105 C are now possible without any problems.&nbsp;The RJ45-IND patch cables, which are suitable for drag chain applications and robots, are also particularly robust. A major advantage and unique selling point of the Phoenix Contact solution is the IDC fast connection, which enables the one-piece connector to be assembled quickly and easily without the use of a special tool.&nbsp;<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1732577673789-Bild+3_RJ45+IND+rechts+%281%29.jpg" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Single Pair EthernetThe IEEE 802.3 task force has developed the transmission standards for Single Pair Ethernet (SPE), defining the standards 10Base-T1, 100Base-T1, 1000Base-T1, and MultiGigBASE-T1.&nbsp;The SPE standards enable data rates of 10 Mbps up to 1 Gbps at distances of 15 to 1,000 m. The MultiGigBASE-T1 standard goes so far as to enable data rates of up to 10 Gbps at distances of up to 15 m. The power transmission for the SPE standards 100BASE-T1 and 1000BASE-T1 are defined by the IEEE 802.3 bu standard (PoDL – Power over Data Lines).&nbsp;The load outputs of the end devices (power devices) are divided into 10 performance classes from 0.5 to 50 W.&nbsp;With regard to industrial image processing, SPE is an exciting field of application not just because of the potential to transmit data and power. In particular, the SPE portfolio from Phoenix Contact plays to its strengths here with its compact and 50 W consistent design. For example, the SPE-IP20 socket saves about 50 percent of space compared to a standardized RJ45 jack.&nbsp;Phoenix Contact also has a consistent SPE product portfolio in which all components have been matched and tested. This portfolio provides compact IP20 connectors (in accordance with IEC&nbsp;63171-2) and IP67-protected M8 connectors (in accordance with IEC&nbsp;63171-5). A brand new addition to the portfolio is the SPE-M12 hybrid connector from the Onepair series.The advantages of the SPE connection technology include the uniform mating face and the possibility to achieve a high degree of common part usage. This means that adapters are no longer necessary and no additional costs are incurred.Various SPE components are available for the developers of machine vision sensors. These include new semiconductors (SPE PHYs and PoDL controllers), SPE magnetics, connection technology in accordance with IEC 63171-2 and -5, and SPE-compatible cables in accordance with IEC 61156.&nbsp;Tip: With a membership in the System Alliance (<a href="http://www.singlepairethernet.com/">www.singlepairethernet.com/</a>), it is possible to gain detailed information about Single Pair Ethernet and become familiar with specific solutions for industrial applications.Board-to-board connectorsContact systems are to be preferred over simply designed male and female strips, in particular in demanding applications – such as for industrial image processing, for example. They are sophisticated yet at the same time robust.&nbsp;With its board-to-board connectors, the Finepitch product series from Phoenix Contact offers a professional contact system for space-saving PCB connections. Various numbers of positions as well as stack heights provide a great deal of flexibility for developers. The system features high-speed data transmission rates of up to 52&nbsp;Gbps. The innovative ScaleX double contacts (FP&nbsp;0,8) are designed as hermaphroditic, meaning that vibration-resistant connections can be created in very confined spaces.The shielded version available as an option also prevents electromagnetic interferences.As a valuable service offering, Phoenix Contact experts provide support during the entire design-in process as well as design-in support. This means that device developers of machine vision systems can quickly obtain preconfigured 2D/3D data for their CAD software.&nbsp;Phoenix Contact also provides individual thermal and housing simulations based on the finite element method (FEM). Free simulations for data and signal integrity complete the comprehensive service offering. With this support, customers can realize stable communication right from the start and throughout the entire development process.&nbsp;Phoenix Contact rounds off its services with a free sample service and reliable logistics.&nbsp;<h2>Summary&nbsp;</h2>The developers of modern machine vision systems must consider various important factors during the product development process to ensure that reliable and high-performance systems are ready for the market in the environment of high data transmission rates and miniaturization. The cost factor also plays a decisive role. Phoenix Contact is a reliable partner, providing both products and services. In addition to the proven data connectors and innovative product solutions – such as for SPE, for example – Phoenix Contact provides simulations that help to realize stable device communication and reliable systems with cost-efficiency. This creates a high-performance periphery for reliable industrial image processing.Written by:&nbsp;Dipl.-Ing. Verena Neuhaus, Product Management Data Connectors, Business Unit Field Device Connectors, Phoenix Contact GmbH &amp; Co. KG, Blomberg, GermanyThomas Schulze, M.Sc., Product Management Board-to-Board Connectors, Business Unit PCB Connectors, Phoenix Contact GmbH &amp; Co. KG, Blomberg, Germany

Optical sensors are the “eyes” of industrial systems, relying on robust peripherals for reliable image processing. As sensors grow more powerful, challenges like data management, mechanical stress, and thermal issues in compact designs demand innovative solutions.

Image data in industrial applications: Ensuring reliability and performance during transmission

What if machines could intelligently and automatically adapt to the needs of industrial workers and integrate themselves in the human interaction loop, rather than expecting the worker to become trained about their intricacies?&nbsp;What if digitally enabled industrial production systems could prioritize sustainability and social performance in addition to maximizing production efficiency and optimizing production costs? &nbsp;This could unlock a new era for industrial production that delivers business and societal benefits at the same time. Imagine a world where digital manufacturing systems will be fundamentally designed to be human-centric and sustainable. This is not the distant future: It is the dawn of Industry 5.0, the next evolutionary step after Industry 4.0 and Cyber Physical Production Systems, where industrial production innovations meet empathy in order to craft a new wave of smarter, cost-effective, sustainable and human centric solutions to the benefit of both consumers and industrial organizations.&nbsp;<h2 dir="ltr">Introducing Industry 5.0</h2>Industry 5.0 focuses on sustainability and the collaboration between humans and smart systems towards shaping an industrial future that's not only productive but also inclusive and environmentally conscious. Similar to Industry 4.0, Industry 5.0 relies on the deployment of cyber physical systems and their integration with advanced digital technologies. As such it is a continuation of Industry 4.0 towards a more responsible, sustainable and humanized use of manufacturing. The main characteristics of Industry 5.0 production systems are:<ul><li dir="ltr">Human-Centric Design: Industry 5.0 places the well-being, creativity, and capabilities of human workers at the heart of technological innovation.</li><li dir="ltr">Customization in Production: In the scope of Industry 5.0, the vision of mass customization is realized based on highly personalized products and services that meet the unique demands of consumers.</li><li dir="ltr">Sustainable Practices: Industry 5.0 is about manufacturing processes that minimize environmental impact, reduce waste, and promote the recycling of resources.</li><li dir="ltr">Cobots (Collaborative Robots): Industry 5.0 relies on co-bots i.e., robots designed to interact and work alongside human colleagues, as opposed to replacing them, which is the case with fully autonomous industrial robots.</li><li dir="ltr">Flexibility and Resilience: The production systems of the Industry 5.0 era must adapt swiftly to market changes based on agility that combines the best of machine precision and human intelligence.</li></ul>Overall, Industry 5.0 extends the digital transformation initiated by Industry 4.0 based on a layer of advanced personalization and environmental stewardship. It is a paradigm shift that recognizes not only the value of efficiency but also the humans’ role in complementing technology with creativity, contextual understanding, and moral judgment.To stay ahead in this transformation modern industrial organizations must embrace cutting-edge electronic components and semiconductor products. The latter are among the main building blocks that drive innovation, including for example sensors enabling precision in cobots to chips processing vast amounts of data towards smarter decisions for sustainable products and practices. The components and semiconductors used to support Industry 5.0 advancements are gradually becoming more sophisticated as high-quality and sustainable technologies are required. For instance, semiconductor innovation is driving the efficiency of energy use in production processes, which contributes to the Industry 5.0 sustainability ambition. Moreover, electronics that push the boundaries of what's possible in automation and machine intelligence are foundational for companies that develop advanced personalization and customization services.<h2 dir="ltr">Technology Enablers and Integration Challenges </h2>Industry 4.0 has been built upon cyber-physical production systems that are powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI), IoT, and advanced robotics. For over a decade, such systems have boosted the automation and optimization of manufacturing processes. For instance, AI systems are instrumental in support predictive maintenance and production scheduling optimization use cases. At the same time, IoT and advanced robots facilitate the convergence of Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT), which enables digitally controlled applications like digital twins.&nbsp;Industry 5.0 builds on the above-listed technologies, yet it also elevates their role to support human centricity and sustainability. As a prominent example, Industry 5.0 leverages "Trusted AI" and "Explainable AI" (XAI) technologies, which integrate ethical principles (e.g., fairness, transparency) into AI systems. Trusted AI and XAI technologies enable AI systems to make decisions that are comprehensible and justifiable to human workers. As another example, state of the art IoT infrastructures evolve in Industry 5.0 to support user-centric digital networks. This enables real-time IoT communications are not only device-centric but also augmented for direct human interaction in ways that enhance machine-to-human collaboration. Moreover, conventional robotics are nowadays integrated with sensory and cognitive technologies to enable cobots and Human-Robot Collaboration (HRC). Cobots work side-by-side with humans towards merging human intuition and empathy with robotics automation capabilities.Moreover, Industry 5.0 embraces new technological advancements such as the Digital Product Passport (DPP). A DPP resembles a secure decentralized digital twins’ infrastructure which can track a product's lifecycle journey. It provides detailed data on the origin, components, materials, and assembly process of products, towards boosting supply chain integrity and ecological consciousness.Considering these technologies, the implementation and integration of state of the art Industry 5.0 is much more challenging than the integration of systems of earlier generations. The integration challenge lies in the need to blend heterogeneous technologies, while considering the workers’ profile and sustainability parameters. For example, digital twin implementations must be worker centric based on the consideration of workers’ digital profiles. This enables human-centred digital twins that are typically difficult to design and integrate. As another example, the integration of a DPP infrastructure is typically complex as it federates heterogeneous data sources and services from different actors of the manufacturing chain. &nbsp;Overall, the integration of diverse systems in ways that balance automated efficiency and the creative value that human workers provide is one of the main challenges of Industry 5.0.<h2 dir="ltr">Industry 5.0 Use Cases</h2>Industry 5.0 enables a wide range of use cases that were hardly possible few years ago, including:<ul><li dir="ltr">Enhanced Customization and Personalization of Products: Industry 5.0 leverages AI-driven analytics and flexible manufacturing systems to provide a superior degree of product customization, which would traditionally be cost-prohibitive and logistically complex. To this end, machine learning algorithms are used to analyse consumer profiles and preferences towards tailored products at an individual level. Moreover, 3D printing technologies can be integrated with AI to enable just-in-time manufacturing of customized parts in ways that reduce waste and optimize resource use.</li><li dir="ltr">Sustainable Manufacturing Use Cases: Industry 5.0 enables the implementation of sustainable manufacturing practices. For instance, DPPs enable transparent tracking of the ecological footprints of products, which is a key for adherence to environmental standards. Furthermore, AI can optimize energy use and automate waste management based on predictive scheduling of machinery maintenance that minimizes downtime and resource depletion. Likewise, AI-enhanced logistics enable eco-friendly supply chain management through optimization of routes and reduction of carbon emissions.</li><li dir="ltr">Improved Quality and Innovation through Human Insight and Machine Precision: Industry 5.0 fosters the interplay of human experience and robotic accuracy. For example, in quality control, AI algorithms for rapid and precise anomaly detection are combined with human oversight that can provide a better understanding of varied quality issues that may not be immediately apparent to AI. This symbiosis enhances the product innovation cycle and quality assurance processes, leading in higher production standards and innovative product features.</li><li dir="ltr">Anticipating and Meeting the Changing Needs and Expectations of Consumers: Predictive analytics and real-time data processing enable anticipatory models that forecast consumer trends and market demands. AI systems can integrate these insights with dynamic production planning tools to adapt manufacturing processes in near real time. This is a key to fast responsiveness to market fluctuations and consumer demands.</li><li dir="ltr">Human-Robot Collaboration: There are several Industry 5.0 applications based on cobots. As a prominent example, in automotive assembly, cobots perform heavy lifting and precision tasks, which reduces ergonomic risk to human workers. At the same time, humans provide critical quality assurance and fine adjustments, which optimizes the assembly process.</li></ul><h2 dir="ltr">Best Practices for Industry 5.0 Adoption and Deployment </h2>Industrial organizations wishing to adopt, deploy, and fully leverage Industry 5.0 had better consider the following best practices:<ul><li dir="ltr">Integration of Human-Centric Technology Solutions towards a smooth transition: Integrating human-centric technology asks for a structured framework that begins with an identification of the specific needs and capabilities of the human workforce which can be enhanced through technology. Accordingly, there is a need for a comprehensive technological audit that documents the digital maturity of the industrial organization and identifies gaps where human-centric technology can be beneficial. This is a key for designing interfaces and applications that prioritize ease of use, accessibility, sustainability and ergonomic principles. The next step involves the implementation of pilot projects to validate the effectiveness and acceptance of proposed solutions. The latter must be refined iteratively based on stakeholders’ feedback. This requires continuous dialogue between technology designers and end-users to foster innovation and inclusivity.</li><li dir="ltr">Strengthening the Human Factor through upskilling and reskilling: Industry 5.0 is hardly possible without a strategic commitment to develop the workforce's skillset to thrive alongside advanced technologies. This involves assessing the skill gaps that may emerge as a consequence of new technology adoption, as well as crafting tailored training programs. It is also essential to promote a culture of lifelong learning and adaptability, which ensures that employees adopt new technologies as an opportunity for growth.</li><li dir="ltr">Measuring Economic Performance and Sustainability: Industry 5.0 organizations must adopt a dual-lens approach to performance measurement that encompasses both economic viability and sustainability metrics. This includes incorporating sustainability objectives into the core strategic planning and performance evaluation frameworks. Moreover, it entails the use of advanced data analytics to monitor and optimize resource utilization, energy consumption, and waste generation. Note also that sustainability and economic performance reporting must be transparently to stakeholders in order to foster trust and reinforce commitment to ethical practices.</li><li dir="ltr">Human Centricity by Design: Designing systems and processes with a human-centric approach ensures that technological advancements do not detract from the welfare and productivity of the workforce. This entails embedding ergonomic design principles across technological interfaces and work environments to enhance safety and comfort, while prioritizing the development of technologies that augment human abilities and creativity. A good practice is also to engage workers in the design and innovation process towards ensuring that their insights shape the development of technologies and work practices.</li><li dir="ltr">Sustainable by Design Production: A 'Sustainable Production by Design' philosophy integrates sustainability considerations into every stage of the product lifecycle, from conception to disposal. Relevant strategies include: (i) Selecting materials and product configurations that lead to eco-friendly products; (ii) Leveraging digital twin technology for optimizing product designs with minimal material waste and energy usage; (iii) Adopting circular economy principles, such as designing for disassembly and recyclability that minimize the environmental footprint; (iv) Employing lifecycle assessment tools to evaluate and mitigate the environmental impact of products and operations.</li><li dir="ltr">Keeping up with Future Trends like AI Advancements and Sustainable Technologies: Staying abreast of technological advancements is crucial for maintaining competitiveness and sustainability in Industry 5.0. This requires: (i) Investing in research and development (R&amp;D) and establishing partnerships with academic and industry leaders to tap into emerging technologies; (ii) Adopting a proactive approach to technology scouting to anticipate technological breakthroughs and their implications; (iii) Cultivating a culture of innovation that encourages experimentation and the exploration of novel applications of Industry 5.0 concepts.</li></ul><h2 dir="ltr">Conclusion</h2>Overall, Industry 5.0 introduces a transformative convergence of advanced digital technologies with human-centric design and sustainability principles. This convergence recalibrates the industrial fabric towards personalization, circularity, and enhanced collaboration. It also asks for the strategic integration of AI, IoT, and cyber-physical systems in ways that augment human expertise and innovation. Industry leaders must embrace these principles towards the dual objective of optimizing economic growth and environmental performance.&nbsp;

Industry 5.0 envisions a future where machines adapt to workers’ needs, integrating seamlessly into human workflows. In this new era, digital manufacturing systems will focus on sustainability and social impact alongside efficiency and cost-effectiveness. 

Industry 5.0: Evolving Digital Industry Towards Maximum Societal Value

An in-depth review of PCB potting, its applications, materials, technologies, and the AI-powered advancement in potting techniques and material engineering.

PCB Potting: Fortifying Electronics Against Extreme Elements

There are so many different elements in modern manufacturing that the failure of even one machine or one stage in a production process can lead to expensive downtime.&nbsp;Some power failures automatically induce an emergency stop of manufacturing equipment, which means that any half-produced items have to be written off. The risk is even greater for <a title="Just In Time" href="https://www.rowse.co.uk/blog/post/what-is-just-in-time-manufacturing" target="_blank">just-in-time</a> manufacturers and suppliers, where even the most minor power cut can have a dramatic effect on production.&nbsp;Factory operations running 24/7 aren’t the only kind of activity that’s vulnerable to power failure. Any facility or business that relies on large machinery, including agriculture, mining and construction, is susceptible to power problems. These might include brownouts, harmonic distortions, voltage transients, surges and electrical distortions.Nearly everything in modern life – particularly in Industry 4.0 – requires electricity in at least some part of its process, so you’ll find backup power systems in all kinds of environments. In industry, it’s not only your production machinery that needs backup power but also your computer systems and data servers. Here,&nbsp;<a title="Power Supply" href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/computer-science/uninterruptible-power-supply" target="_blank">uninterruptible power supplies</a> (UPS) systems are vital since power loss to computer and server loads could result in component damage or critical loss of data.&nbsp;Industrial plant equipment is usually designed for a lifespan of at least 15 years, while technological support systems evolve rapidly and quickly become obsolete. It’s possible that a single backup system will be inadequate for your needs and you’ll need a combination of power backups to keep all parts of your enterprise operational. For shutting down a production line safely in a power cut, you’ll need a different type of backup power to keep it running.&nbsp;<h2 dir="ltr">Generators</h2>For industrial purposes, large-scale enterprises like manufacturing plants often require a more traditional solution in the form of a backup generator. Industrial generators are much more robust than a small commercial or residential type. They’re designed to withstand maximum demand for possibly extended periods if a power cut occurs. There’s no telling whether it’ll be for a few minutes, a few hours or a few days, so any backup generator needs the capacity to keep your business running reliably for unspecified periods of time. It must be capable of handling everything from your internet connection to your production machinery and packing processes, together with vital control devices.Backup power generators can be fuelled by various means, including natural gas, diesel, hydrogen and solar power. Diesel is a popular choice because of its affordability, availability, efficiency and versatility, but these generators tend to be noisy and emit fumes. Natural gases like propane or liquefied petroleum offer a greener option but are more expensive and aren’t as powerful as diesel.&nbsp;Hydrogen generators aren’t as readily available but have a reputation for safety and easy mobility. They’re low-cost, low-maintenance, energy-efficient, clean and emit no exhaust gases. Other types of industrial generators include portable, trailer-mounted versions and models that are quieter to run. These are more expensive but popular for reducing noise in the workplace. This is particularly useful for enterprises operating in retail parks or near residential areas.<h2 dir="ltr">Uninterruptible Power Supplies&nbsp;</h2>A UPS is designed to provide comprehensive backup power in the event of mains power failure. They offer a modular solution that protects equipment and machinery from suffering damage from outages. In these circumstances, the UPS cuts in almost instantaneously, powering equipment so that systems and processes continue to run without serious interruption. There are all kinds of UPS systems available, which offer significant variations in functionality and design. How long they can continue to power your equipment depends on their battery capacity. Other variables include cost and the ability of any given UPS to improve power quality.<h2 dir="ltr">Choosing An Appropriate Backup Power Supply</h2>Selecting the most appropriate generator or UPS for your factory depends on several contributory factors. You’ll need to carefully assess the facility’s existing power supply, its load demands and your overall energy management capacity. Do you have to take any sensitive equipment loads into account? What proportion of the total facility load does this represent? Is your factory an&nbsp;<a title="On-Demand Manufacturing" href="https://www.rowse.co.uk/blog/post/what-is-on-demand-manufacturing" target="_blank">on-demand manufacturing</a> facility?UPS systems generally require only minimal maintenance, with the greatest issue for ensuring their overall effectiveness being battery health. Good battery maintenance is essential if you’re to be confident that the UPS can provide the necessary equipment run time. Generators require regular preventive maintenance to ensure they don’t fail in an emergency situation. This includes weekly, monthly and annual inspections and tasks such as:<ul><li dir="ltr">cleaning and changing oil lines and filters</li><li dir="ltr">checking cables, electrical connections and batteries</li><li dir="ltr">topping up oil and coolant levels</li><li dir="ltr">running load tests</li></ul>You’ll also need to determine whether you need an automatic transition from mains supply to a generator or whether the electricity supply must be uninterrupted. If instantaneous transition is necessary, but uninterruptible supply is not so critical, a generator may be the best solution.&nbsp;If uninterrupted supply is crucial, one or more UPS units can be installed. These could be instead of or in addition to a generator, depending on how much power you need and for how long. In most large-scale operations, generators are necessary for long-term support, but UPS systems can be complementary in supporting electronic devices and business systems.Understanding why backup power is so important in factories will underscore your decision on how best to protect your assets. You’ll need a system that kicks in as rapidly as possible when you have a power cut – one that offers you protection against equipment damage arising from power quality issues.

Backup power is crucial in any system that needs to run without interruption. In commercial operations, an interruption in service could lead to loss of output, income and reputation. Nowhere is this more critical than in manufacturing, which relies almost entirely on its production facilities.

Why Is Backup Power Important In Factories?

The manufacturing industry is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the convergence of advanced technologies, the complexities of globalization, and increasing demands for sustainable practices.&nbsp;Our latest report, Building the Factory of Tomorrow, offers an in-depth analysis of the core forces shaping modern industrial production, from the accelerated pace of technological innovation to the integration of human-robot collaboration in next-generation factories.Download this detailed report to explore:<ul><li>Cutting-edge advancements in AI, Quantum Computing, and Hyper Automation that are impacting manufacturing processes.</li><li>The impact of globalized supply chains and virtual collaboration tools in enabling seamless cross-border operations.</li><li>The shift toward sustainable production models, emphasizing circular value chains and carbon-neutral practices.</li></ul>This report provides valuable technical insights for engineers, industry leaders, and decision-makers seeking to leverage the latest innovations and strategic trends to enhance operational efficiency and remain competitive in a rapidly changing landscape.Get your free copy now and start building the factory of the future!<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1731578657635-5+Rising+Trends+for+AI+Adoption+in+Manufacturing+%282%29.png" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> <iframe src="https://c8056756.sibforms.com/serve/MUIFAGtJDRT2YzFcpq629oOHw2oaLvMtaANc0thxEmj-jZtcszPo6-V2ybZ9p8YLd8qlwqspeqopQuwXU8t5TQoUlrKHzyXL8qj_sWwztSoB3VkjbO_xHUQ15y8FMRGxf8qlTZP2ASdQ67rUNvQYP54bXn-PtIoFv6uC0aZt1MGnIUvofnASSIbrIMlTs3ps5U_sw9CNOuNuVh43" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" allowfullscreen="" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 540px; height: 400px;" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe><hr><h2>Report Foreward</h2>In the heart of our rapidly evolving world, industrial factories and buildings stand as symbols of human progress. Yet, they also represent a significant environmental challenge. Accounting for approximately 50% of the world’s energy consumption1, these structures are at the centre of our global energy dilemma.While industrialization has been a strong force for good, the current industrial model is failing our planet. With 80% of the energy supply provided by fossil fuels, of which 30% of emissions are caused in industrials2 the quest for a net-zero future is not just a goal—it’s an imperative. This journey necessitates a comprehensive reevaluation, reimagination, and reinvention of operational methods.Automation technology, with its potential to transform the industrial landscape, has an important role to play in a more sustainable future. By digitizing, connecting, and interpreting data from what has widely become known as the Intelligent Edge, we can access insights that were previously beyond our reach. These insights have the power to unlock unprecedented levels of energy efficiency and productivity enhancements, forming the foundation upon which sustainable manufacturing capabilities can be built.The Factory of Tomorrow will call for a digital transformation requiring manufacturers to re-engineer their systems for efficiency as they enable more data-driven decisions while also bridging the gap between their operation technology (OT) and their information technology (IT) networks. It is no longer about optimizing siloed products and processes in a linear way, it is about full system optimization. By merging digitalization and automation, operations transform to be data-focused, iterative, and circular. Data illuminates every phase, making it transparent and flexible, allowing for quick responses with complete system awareness. Therefore, even in unpredictable scenarios, one can make swift and knowledgeable decisions, enhancing processes across the entire system.While presently only about 20% of shopfloor data is being utilized3, this needs to increase so that manufacturers can fully leverage the associated data insights. By collecting more data from the manufacturing processes, the insights obtained can contribute to improved efficiency, system uptime, and production yield. This necessitates an increasing number of sensors to collect this data within the manufacturing landscape. These sensors will demand flexible and dynamic connectivity, coupled with integrated intelligence to realize smart edge sensing capabilities. Making decisions at the edge reduces the volume of data that requires transferring back to the control room. This allows for faster insights, improved bandwidth utilization along with reducing unnecessary energy usage. This sensorization of the factory floor also enables factories of the future to adapt to a more flexible manufacturing environment to meet consumer personalization demands down to batch sizes of one.At Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI), we identify three core pillars of the Digital Factory where our domain expertise, technology, and system-level solutions play a central role in unlocking the future of automation - Connect, Control, and Interpret. In the context of highly adaptable and dynamic digital factories, the connection of sensor data using industrial Ethernet and IO-Link® connectivity technology facilitates the integration of the OT and the IT layer. The control of flexible IO modules, coupled with precision motion control and advanced real-time aware robotics capabilities, empowers the digital factory to adjust to any demands while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption. Lastly, the Interpret aspect enables the future factory to enhance manufacturing yield through sophisticated asset health monitoring and actionable insights from sensors at the edge. Data will serve as a vital component within the smart factory, and in collaboration with ADI, we can assist in connecting, controlling, and interpreting this data to drive toward a better future.This industrial report provides an overview of the key elements of the factories of tomorrow, highlighting the holistic approach required to the multifaceted endeavour of designing for automation. It starts by presenting a blueprint encompassing both technological and non-technological elements, followed by an exploration of key enabling technologies such as cloud/edge computing, networking, and AI. Both greenfield and brownfield deployments are considered as well as a detailed description of cyber-security-related considerations and challenges. It concludes with a summary of the main elements making up the future factory while likening the transition to the factories of the future as a marathon rather than a sprint, with the transformation taking place in a gradual, staged approach versus all at once.As you delve into the pages that follow, I invite you to join us on this exciting journey towards a more sustainable, energy-efficient world. Let’s tap into the capabilities of automation technology and collectively shape the Factory of Tomorrow.Fiona TreacyManaging Director, Industrial AutomationAnalog Devices, Inc. <img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1731578770498-3+%283%29.png" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><iframe width="540" height="305" src="https://c8056756.sibforms.com/serve/MUIFAGtJDRT2YzFcpq629oOHw2oaLvMtaANc0thxEmj-jZtcszPo6-V2ybZ9p8YLd8qlwqspeqopQuwXU8t5TQoUlrKHzyXL8qj_sWwztSoB3VkjbO_xHUQ15y8FMRGxf8qlTZP2ASdQ67rUNvQYP54bXn-PtIoFv6uC0aZt1MGnIUvofnASSIbrIMlTs3ps5U_sw9CNOuNuVh43" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" allowfullscreen="" style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;max-width: 100%;" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe><h3 dir="ltr">Foreward references:</h3><ol><li dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/use-of-energy/">Use of energy explained - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)</a></li><li dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.eesi.org/topics/fossil-fuels/description#:~:text=Fossil%20fuels%E2%80%94including%20coal%2C%20oil%2C%20and%20natural%20gas%E2%80%94have%20been,supply%20about%2080%20percent%20of%20the%20world%E2%80%99s%20energy.">Fossil Fuels | EESI</a></li><li dir="ltr"><a href="https://drivesncontrols.com/news/fullstory.php/aid/7309/Gateway_gives_access_to_80_25_of_OT_data_that_is_usually_lost.html">Drives and Controls Magazine (drivesncontrols.com)</a></li></ol>

Our latest report, Building the Factory of Tomorrow, offers an in-depth analysis of the core forces shaping modern industrial production, from the accelerated pace of technological innovation to the integration of human-robot collaboration in next-generation factories.Download this detailed report to explore:<ul><li>Cutting-edge advancements in AI, Quantum Computing, and Hyper Automation that are impacting manufacturing processes.</li><li>The impact of globalized supply chains and virtual collaboration tools in enabling seamless cross-border operations.</li><li>The shift toward sustainable production models, emphasizing circular value chains and carbon-neutral practices.</li></ul>This report provides valuable technical insights for engineers, industry leaders, and decision-makers seeking to leverage the latest innovations and strategic trends to enhance operational efficiency and remain competitive in a rapidly changing landscape.Get your free copy now and start building the factory of the future!<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1731667139731-5+Rising+Trends+for+AI+Adoption+in+Manufacturing+%282%29.png" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> <iframe width="540" height="305" src="https://c8056756.sibforms.com/serve/MUIFAGtJDRT2YzFcpq629oOHw2oaLvMtaANc0thxEmj-jZtcszPo6-V2ybZ9p8YLd8qlwqspeqopQuwXU8t5TQoUlrKHzyXL8qj_sWwztSoB3VkjbO_xHUQ15y8FMRGxf8qlTZP2ASdQ67rUNvQYP54bXn-PtIoFv6uC0aZt1MGnIUvofnASSIbrIMlTs3ps5U_sw9CNOuNuVh43" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" allowfullscreen="" style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;max-width: 100%;" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true">&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe> <h2>Report Foreward</h2>In the heart of our rapidly evolving world, industrial factories and buildings stand as symbols of human progress. Yet, they also represent a significant environmental challenge. Accounting for approximately 50% of the world’s energy consumption1, these structures are at the centre of our global energy dilemma.While industrialization has been a strong force for good, the current industrial model is failing our planet. With 80% of the energy supply provided by fossil fuels, of which 30% of emissions are caused in industrials2 the quest for a net-zero future is not just a goal—it’s an imperative. This journey necessitates a comprehensive reevaluation, reimagination, and reinvention of operational methods.Automation technology, with its potential to transform the industrial landscape, has an important role to play in a more sustainable future. By digitizing, connecting, and interpreting data from what has widely become known as the Intelligent Edge, we can access insights that were previously beyond our reach. These insights have the power to unlock unprecedented levels of energy efficiency and productivity enhancements, forming the foundation upon which sustainable manufacturing capabilities can be built.The Factory of Tomorrow will call for a digital transformation requiring manufacturers to re-engineer their systems for efficiency as they enable more data-driven decisions while also bridging the gap between their operation technology (OT) and their information technology (IT) networks. It is no longer about optimizing siloed products and processes in a linear way, it is about full system optimization. By merging digitalization and automation, operations transform to be data-focused, iterative, and circular. Data illuminates every phase, making it transparent and flexible, allowing for quick responses with complete system awareness. Therefore, even in unpredictable scenarios, one can make swift and knowledgeable decisions, enhancing processes across the entire system.While presently only about 20% of shopfloor data is being utilized3, this needs to increase so that manufacturers can fully leverage the associated data insights. By collecting more data from the manufacturing processes, the insights obtained can contribute to improved efficiency, system uptime, and production yield. This necessitates an increasing number of sensors to collect this data within the manufacturing landscape. These sensors will demand flexible and dynamic connectivity, coupled with integrated intelligence to realize smart edge sensing capabilities. Making decisions at the edge reduces the volume of data that requires transferring back to the control room. This allows for faster insights, improved bandwidth utilization along with reducing unnecessary energy usage. This sensorization of the factory floor also enables factories of the future to adapt to a more flexible manufacturing environment to meet consumer personalization demands down to batch sizes of one.At <a href="https://www.analog.com/">Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI)</a>, we identify three core pillars of the Digital Factory where our domain expertise, technology, and system-level solutions play a central role in unlocking the future of automation - Connect, Control, and Interpret. In the context of highly adaptable and dynamic digital factories, the connection of sensor data using industrial Ethernet and IO-Link® connectivity technology facilitates the integration of the OT and the IT layer. The control of flexible IO modules, coupled with precision motion control and advanced real-time aware robotics capabilities, empowers the digital factory to adjust to any demands while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption. Lastly, the Interpret aspect enables the future factory to enhance manufacturing yield through sophisticated asset health monitoring and actionable insights from sensors at the edge. Data will serve as a vital component within the smart factory, and in collaboration with ADI, we can assist in connecting, controlling, and interpreting this data to drive toward a better future.This industrial report provides an overview of the key elements of the factories of tomorrow, highlighting the holistic approach required to the multifaceted endeavour of designing for automation. It starts by presenting a blueprint encompassing both technological and non-technological elements, followed by an exploration of key enabling technologies such as cloud/edge computing, networking, and AI. Both greenfield and brownfield deployments are considered as well as a detailed description of cyber-security-related considerations and challenges. It concludes with a summary of the main elements making up the future factory while likening the transition to the factories of the future as a marathon rather than a sprint, with the transformation taking place in a gradual, staged approach versus all at once.As you delve into the pages that follow, I invite you to join us on this exciting journey towards a more sustainable, energy-efficient world. Let’s tap into the capabilities of automation technology and collectively shape the Factory of Tomorrow.Fiona TreacyManaging Director, Industrial AutomationAnalog Devices, Inc. <img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1731578770498-3+%283%29.png" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><iframe width="540" height="305" src="https://c8056756.sibforms.com/serve/MUIFAGtJDRT2YzFcpq629oOHw2oaLvMtaANc0thxEmj-jZtcszPo6-V2ybZ9p8YLd8qlwqspeqopQuwXU8t5TQoUlrKHzyXL8qj_sWwztSoB3VkjbO_xHUQ15y8FMRGxf8qlTZP2ASdQ67rUNvQYP54bXn-PtIoFv6uC0aZt1MGnIUvofnASSIbrIMlTs3ps5U_sw9CNOuNuVh43" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" allowfullscreen="" style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;max-width: 100%;" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-24="true">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe><h3 dir="ltr">Contributors</h3>John Soldatos, Editor-in-ChiefSamir Jaber, Co-authorDavid Pike, Co-authorRavi Rao, Co-authorJake Hertz, Co-author<h3 dir="ltr">Acknowledgements</h3>We would like to thank Simon Duggleby from Mouser for his patience and energy throughout this project, as well as thanks to Mark Patrick at Mouser for his valuable insights. We extend our most profound admiration and appreciation to Udi Goldstein for his exceptional design work. Ahead of What’s Possible is a trademark of Analog Devices. Foreward references:<ol><li dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/use-of-energy/">Use of energy explained - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)</a></li><li dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.eesi.org/topics/fossil-fuels/description#:~:text=Fossil%20fuels%E2%80%94including%20coal%2C%20oil%2C%20and%20natural%20gas%E2%80%94have%20been,supply%20about%2080%20percent%20of%20the%20world%E2%80%99s%20energy.">Fossil Fuels | EESI</a></li><li dir="ltr"><a href="https://drivesncontrols.com/news/fullstory.php/aid/7309/Gateway_gives_access_to_80_25_of_OT_data_that_is_usually_lost.html">Drives and Controls Magazine (drivesncontrols.com)</a></li></ol>

Introduction

The Blueprint for a Modern Smart Factory

Technology Enablers of Manufacturing Automation and Future Factories 

Applications of the Factory of the Future 

The Human Factor: Trustworthy Technologies and Workforce Upskilling 

Cybersecurity and Regulatory Compliance in Manufacturing Automation

Measuring ROI and Sustainability

For over a decade, manufacturing enterprises have been heavily investing in the digital transformation of their production operations. These investments are driven by three megatrends of our era, including unprecedented technology acceleration, climate change, and the need to operate in a globalized environment. Earlier sections have attempted to picture the Factory of the future and the ways it holds the promise to improve production quality, time and cost. The Factory of the Future will employ cutting-edge digital technologies, such as cloud/edge computing, Big Data, &nbsp;Artificial Intelligence, additive manufacturing, the Industrial Internet of Things, as well as 5G/6G networks. &nbsp;These technologies will lead to increased automation and significant improvements in a wide range of production functions, such as production scheduling, asset maintenance, and quality control, which is fully in line with the vision of the fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0).Nevertheless, any improvements in the automation and cost-efficiency of production functions must be also trustworthy and human-centric. Recent experiences from Industry 4.0 pilots reveal that manufacturing enterprises won’t be willing to adopt AI-based cyber-physical production systems unless they understand and trust their operation. In this direction, there is a surge of interest in technologies (e.g., explainable AI (XAI), human-robot collaboration, cybersecurity) and practices that boost the trustworthiness of digital manufacturing functionalities. Except for being human-centered, digital manufacturing operations must also strive to improve environmental performance and sustainability in an effort to address and mitigate climate change challenges. The shift of Industry 4.0 operations towards a human-centric and more sustainable direction is sometimes characterized as Industry 5.0 manufacturing, which is seen as the next evolutionary step to digital manufacturing.The Factory of the Future must therefore align with the requirements and characteristics of Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0 applications. This asks for the deployment of a host of digital technologies, as well as their integration in value-added applications inside the factory and across the manufacturing value chain. The deployment of Industry 4.0/5.0 technologies requires significant changes in the physical elements of the factories, which will include cyber-physical production systems such as industrial robots, cyber-physical systems, flexible production lines, and a variety of IoT devices. It also requires a radically new workplace design, which shall be able to accommodate human-centred manufacturing systems. &nbsp;Furthermore, the development and deployment of Future Factories requires a radical rethinking and reengineering of production processes towards a data-driven and more automated dimension. The latter rethinking is expected to reduce human involvement in low-level laborious processes while intensifying the human role as coordinator and supervisor of the digital operations of automated manufacturing systems. This will lead to considerable changes in positions and roles inside the manufacturing enterprises.To remain competitive and to support novel customized production Manufacturing enterprises have no other option than to ride the wave of Industry 4.0/Industry 5.0 production operations by transforming their factories and their manufacturing operations. In this direction, they must invest in technology and in a wide range of complementary assets such as novel production models, new manufacturing processes, as well as employees’ training. The design and deployment of novel production processes is a key prerequisite for using cutting-edge technologies to reduce error-prone processes and achieve cost-effective automation. At the same time, the upskilling and reskilling of manufacturing workers is indispensable for engaging the workforce in new roles. Most importantly, manufacturers must allocate effort to realise a cultural shift from conventional production operations and models (e.g., inflexible production lines, made-to-stock production models) to the next generation of data-driven, AI-enabled models (e.g., flexible production lines, mass customization).&nbsp;The transition to the factories of the future is a marathon rather than a sprint race. Therefore, manufacturing enterprises must develop an Industry 4.0/Industry 5.0 strategy and develop well-structured pathways for the transformation of their operations with clear and tangible milestones. In most cases, manufacturers will have to ensure a smooth transition from their existing factories and production operations to the factory of the future. The pathway for this transformation must include a gradual, staged deployment of digital technologies, including digital enablement of conventional production systems that rely on Operational Technology (OT). As already outlined, technology upgrades and use case deployment must be accompanied by investments in employee upskilling, novel processes, and regulatory compliance. Moreover, these investments must have strong support from the senior management of the manufacturing enterprise, as the transition to the factory of the future will entail significant changes in business processes and employees’ roles and responsibilities. To boost the commitment of the senior management, it is essential to continually quantify and prove the benefits of the transition to the factory of the future. In this direction, the presented guidelines for calculating ROI and S-ROI can be leveraged.While most of the future factories will be a result of brownfield deployments, greenfield deployments are also possible. Greenfield deployments require less effort for reengineering and transforming legacy systems and operations. This provides more versatility for building factories that can fully leverage the benefits of cutting-edge digital technologies.&nbsp;Both greenfield and brownfield deployments can greatly benefit from testing and experimentation facilities, including pilot production lines. This is because changes in physical processes incur significant failure risks while providing very limited room for “trial and error” processes. Pilot production lines and testbeds can therefore contribute to reducing deployment risks.The vision of the future factory is fantastic, yet very challenging. Therefore, manufacturers must carefully plan their transformation and transition journey. We hope that the present guide can provide valuable insights for starting this journey on the right foot.Download the full report now.&nbsp;<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1731674464752-5+Rising+Trends+for+AI+Adoption+in+Manufacturing+%282%29.png" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> <iframe width="540" height="305" src="https://c8056756.sibforms.com/serve/MUIFAGtJDRT2YzFcpq629oOHw2oaLvMtaANc0thxEmj-jZtcszPo6-V2ybZ9p8YLd8qlwqspeqopQuwXU8t5TQoUlrKHzyXL8qj_sWwztSoB3VkjbO_xHUQ15y8FMRGxf8qlTZP2ASdQ67rUNvQYP54bXn-PtIoFv6uC0aZt1MGnIUvofnASSIbrIMlTs3ps5U_sw9CNOuNuVh43" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" allowfullscreen="" style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;max-width: 100%;" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true"></iframe>

Report Conclusion

A Comprehensive Guide to Manufacturing Automation

Building the Factory of Tomorrow

By achieving a means of driving machinery automatically, the Industrial Revolution changed the whole nature of production.It occurred in Great Britain between 1760 and 1830, then spread through Europe and the United States. This is now the First Industrial Revolution, or Industry 1.0. As far as the actual words go, the term "industrial revolution" was first used in 1799 and was taken up in the early 1800s.The second significant advance Industry 2 started around 1850, with electricity and large-scale industrial processing. It lasted until the second half of the 20th century.&nbsp;<h2 dir="ltr">Computer Age</h2>The third industrial revolution transformed our lives once we got into computers and electronic communications. We began using computers for everything, including the automation of production and assembly lines, although human involvement was still generally required for control. Information Technology (IT) became the next big thing. This step was retroactively called Industry 3.0. It saw a massive upswing in the industrial use of computers as human tasks were phased into automated ones. Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), IT and human-machine interfaces (HMIs) replaced humans in governing computerised processes.&nbsp;Since 2011, Industry 4.0 has encompassed many of the advanced systems we're familiar with. In Industry 4.0, most automated systems follow pre-set programming parameters. They can also streamline production processes by analysing and acting on collected data.The&nbsp;<a title="What Is IIoT?" href="https://www.rowse.co.uk/blog/post/what-is-iiot" target="_blank">industrial Internet of Things</a> (IoT), cloud computing, and cyber-physical systems (CPS) impact today's manufacturing processes. These technologies have hugely enhanced automation and global connectivity. The sequence of increased automation has also led us to AI and robots.<h2 dir="ltr">Industry 3.0 -&gt; 4.0</h2>The developments in industrial technology offer&nbsp;<a title="What Are The Benefits Of Industry 4.0?" href="https://www.rowse.co.uk/blog/post/benefits-of-industry-4" target="_blank">great benefits</a>, such as:<ul><li dir="ltr">Decentralised information</li><li dir="ltr">Real-time data collection</li><li dir="ltr">Big data analytics</li><li dir="ltr">AI and ML (machine learning)</li><li dir="ltr">Interoperability</li><li dir="ltr">Heightened flexibility</li></ul><h3 dir="ltr">Decentralised Information</h3>Many elements of the production process now contain sensors that collect a continuous stream of information. In Industry 3.0, each company's local servers usually store and manage all the data from an individual system. Only limited data sharing and integration took place across sectors. Industry 4.0, however, is just the opposite. Its interconnected platforms and systems allow data to be accessed in real time by multiple stakeholders.<h3 dir="ltr">Real-Time Data Collection</h3>Vast quantities of data are being gathered, processed and acted on in real-time. The availability of decentralised information and its immediate analysis has several advantages. It helps to optimise production and management processes, allows different entities to collaborate more effectively, and thus enables better decision-making. Strategies like predictive maintenance considerably reduce downtime.<h3 dir="ltr">Big Data Analytics</h3>Big data has had a significant impact on operational efficiency. We can now analyse and assess many aspects of production and business factors, such as customer feedback and returns. These and many other contributing factors can help to improve decision-making, anticipate future demands and reduce outages. Big data enables businesses the flexibility to adapt to current market demand.<h3 dir="ltr">AI And ML</h3>The sheer volume of intelligent data collected in today's processes is beyond the capacity of humans. The data analysts of Industry 3.0 have been replaced with Industry 4.0's AI and ML algorithms. Not only can these systems manage big data, but they can learn from its analysis how to improve all aspects of automation. This leads to greater productivity, better quality and overall efficiency. Industry 4.0 integrates automation with intelligence, allowing machines and systems to become more intelligent, autonomous, and adaptive.&nbsp;<h3 dir="ltr">Interoperability</h3>Industry 3.0 made significant advances in manufacturing technology, but its main focus was automating existing processes. It was also confined to individual businesses, each with its systems. Industry 4.0 is about collaboration and connectivity between stakeholders in a business ecosystem. These may include manufacturers, their customers, suppliers, and even the machines themselves. The intention is to promote a "collective intelligence" amongst entities who share their knowledge and insights to drive improvement and innovation. Thus, different value chain components collaborate in an ecosystem with complete transparency, seamless communication and interoperability.<h3 dir="ltr">Heightened Flexibility</h3>Industry 3.0 adopted the concept of lean production, saving money by automating and streamlining processes. Industry 4.0 is geared instead towards brilliant production, where decisions are made based on data rather than experience. Automated systems learn from the amassed data, optimising operations and making predictions without human intervention. New revenue streams are being created differently. This links systems to the product instead of the process. They are making production processes more flexible and responsive. This allows them to adapt better and faster to market conditions and changing demands.<h2 dir="ltr">So, How Does Industry 4.0 Differ From Industry 3.0?</h2>Industry 3.0 achieved limited technological advances in manufacturing, with computers, automation and PLCs. Industry 4.0 leverages far more advanced technologies through the IIoT, cloud computing,&nbsp;<a title="The Future Of Manufacturing" href="https://www.rowse.co.uk/blog/post/the-future-of-manufacturing" target="_blank">augmented reality</a>, and robotics. Add to these AI, ML and big data analytics, and you have real-time connectivity, autonomous systems, predictive maintenance and data-driven decision-making. In addition, the physical and virtual worlds can be merged to enhance many design and manufacturing processes.Industry 3.0 was all about automation in individual factories. It aimed to save money by improving efficiency and productivity. It optimised production lines by substituting machines and computers for human labour. Industry 4.0 has a much broader scope, integrating digital technologies into the value chain. Interconnected CPS can even manage distribution and customer interaction. This makes the digital transformation of the industry far more comprehensive. We're in a major shake-up of how things work not just processes but business models and value creation. As Industry 4.0 gathers momentum, we need new skills for the latest technologies. At this stage, we need digital capabilities to be integrated into every organisational aspect of a business.

To understand Industry 4.0 and Industry 3.0, we must go back to Industry 1.0, although it wasn't called that then. We learned about the Industrial Revolution in school and there was just one. 

Whats The Difference Between Industry 4.0 and Industry 3.0?

A low-voltage motor control centre with fixed shelves

A deep dive into the basics of MCC buckets, architecture, applications, and challenges associated with the implementation of MCC buckets in varying industrial infrastructures.

MCC Buckets: Engineering Marvels Revolutionizing Material Handling

Communication protocols in industrial-based PLC automation system

This article delves into the key difference between PLC and DCS, providing a clear framework for choosing the appropriate technology for specific applications, and finally decoding the automation divide. 

Difference between PLC and DCS: Decoding the Automation Divide

SCARA robots, known for their high speed and precision, are ideal for tasks requiring fast and accurate horizontal movements, such as assembly and packaging

SCARA Robots: Revolutionizing Precision Automation in Industry

Recently recognized by Fortune among the World’s Most Admired Companies (first in the Home Equipment and Furnishings category), <a href="https://www.steelcase.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Steelcase</a> is a global design company and thought leader striving to “help people do their best work by creating places that work better”.Founded in 1912, it has developed an extensive catalog of furniture for the office, education spaces and health industry that embody excellence in manufacturing and a forward-thinking vision – which are reflected in their own production process and work environment as well.&nbsp;Retrofitting: An Opportunity to Get Smarter“In 2019, we started a reinvention of how we make laminate products within the factory. We essentially created a digital twin for ‘what if’ analysis: IoT allows us to take information in real time and interpret that into what happened, what could we have done differently, and what do we want to continue doing more of – so that we get smarter in our core problem-solving activities,” says Valerie Miller, Steelcase operations engineering manager.Steven Jones, a technical process consultant at the company, works to develop and deploy the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) in all 13 Steelcase plants solving problems using data. When asked to help factory engineers understand why a destacking machine – which takes boards from a stack and places them on a conveyor belt – occasionally underperformed, he searched for a solution that could identify when the problem was occurring and add valuable insights to improve operation from there on out.&nbsp;His challenge was to optimize the performance of legacy equipment, while enabling data-driven business decisions.When a machine seems to not work properly at random, “Traditionally, you’d get a person out there with a stopwatch and a clipboard, but it could be days or weeks before they might see this issue arise,” says Jones.Instead, Steelcase improved their workflow by building a simple and cost-effective application around Arduino’s secure and easy-to-use micro PLC: “We were able to wire in the <a href="https://www.arduino.cc/pro/hardware-arduino-opta/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Opta</a> and capture the signals that indicate that the machine’s not performing exactly the way that it should be,” adds Jones.<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/l9fEI9yiqyU?&amp;t=1s&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;enablejsapi=1&amp;origin=https://www.wevolver.com" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true">&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe>A Non-conventional Solution to Go BeyondAdding Opta – which supports Arduino programming experience and PLC standard languages – to their destacker, Steelcase improved day-to-day operations well beyond fixing occasional performance issues. Control engineers, electricians and developers within the company were able to quickly create a solution to provide visibility over any critical IoT events via custom dashboards.“That wasn't so easy to do a decade or so ago, but the IoT tools becoming available are much more cost-effective than they have been in the past. I started working in factories in pre-internet times: the technology now is available to do things that were never imaginable before,” says Jones. “Opta has digital inputs and digital outputs, analog inputs, outputs, everything that a regular PLC would have.”<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1722251988140-Opta.jpg" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> Unlocking the power of data, from IoT to AI-powered manufacturingIndustry 4.0 essentially requires embedded systems that connect to the internet, use big data, and finally support decisions about what needs to be done in the factory to achieve better efficiency and productivity: “When you have an idea or an opinion and you can support it with data, you can usually get things to happen much more quickly,” Jones observes.At Steelcase, this will naturally lead to increased use of AI: “We’re positioning ourselves also for the time when machines make decisions. I think if we curate our data appropriately and ask the right questions, it could be revolutionary for us.”To find out more about this success story, watch the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_hJ4-JPsag&t=3506s" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">full-length segment</a> from the 2024 Arduino Days on YouTube.

Steelcase optimized the performance of legacy equipment, while enabling data-driven business decisions.

Adding Industry-4.0 capabilities to existing machines allows smart manufacturers to monitor equipment status, notify critical events, and connect to cloud-based dashboards – achieving process optimization with a cost-effective innovation strategy.

Steelcase Improves the Productivity of Legacy Equipment with Simple and Smart Retrofitting

By Andrea Richetta, Principal product evangelist at ArduinoThe advantages of open standards in industrial networksUsing open standards in industrial networks offers significant benefits, impacting efficiency, scalability, and operational security. The primary advantages include interoperability, cost reduction, and innovation stimulation.Interoperability: Open standards facilitate communication and cooperation between devices and systems from different manufacturers. Arduino has always championed interoperability through open and inspectable systems, ensuring users have a clear understanding of system functionality.Cost Reduction: Open standards and open-source solutions lower hardware and software acquisition costs and prevent vendor lock-in. Maintenance costs are often reduced as well. Finally, organizations can leverage diverse skills already present in their teams or easily find talent in the current job market: there are tens of thousands of professionals who have Arduino as one of their skills on LinkedIn!&nbsp;Innovation Stimulation: Open standards promote innovation by allowing developers to focus on creating original solutions rather than solving compatibility issues. Enabling access to technology and fostering creativity is the first step towards genuine innovation. The relevance of proprietary solutionsDespite the benefits of open standards, proprietary network solutions remain necessary in certain scenarios.Legacy Systems: Many sectors have existing infrastructures based on proprietary technologies implemented years ago. In some cases, any kind of transition – including one to open standards – can require significant investment and be economically unfeasible.&nbsp; However, even in a closed context, open-source products – like the system on modules (SOMs) in the <a href="https://www.arduino.cc/pro/hardware-product-family-portenta-family/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Arduino Portenta family</a> or ready-to-use solutions like <a href="https://www.arduino.cc/pro/portenta-machine-control" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Portenta Machine Control</a> – can help innovate without disruption and drive the digital transition while maintaining legacy systems.Performance and Speed: In high-speed automation, proprietary solutions can be optimized for maximum efficiency and minimal latency, which is crucial for performance-critical applications.Controlled Environments: In organizations where production components are managed by a single entity, proprietary solutions can offer tighter control and better integration of processes and systems, enhancing operational optimization. The future of industrial networkingThe evolution of industrial networking includes the extension to wireless communication technologies such as Wi-Fi®&nbsp;6 and 5G, which offer higher speeds, lower latency, and reliable connectivity in complex environments. Here are some topics to consider for any future-forward investment strategy.AI/ML: The future of industrial networking will see the extensive integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance network performance, security, and efficiency. AI-driven network predictive maintenance will become the norm, with networks self-diagnosing and addressing potential issues before they escalate, therefore minimizing downtime.Focus on Cybersecurity and Privacy: As industrial networks become more interconnected and complex, the focus on cybersecurity and data privacy will increase. We see it today in the EU Cybersecurity Act, and soon industrial networking solutions will need to incorporate advanced encryption techniques, decentralized security protocols, and other technologies to safeguard sensitive information and ensure data integrity.&nbsp;Integration Challenges: Companies must address integration complexities related to security, reliability, and adoption timelines, rather than focusing solely on the technological aspects.Wired Connections: Technologies like T1S can mitigate electromagnetic interference issues and reduce adoption costs over time.IIoT and Edge Computing: The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) will continue to drive innovation with smarter sensors and connected devices. Edge computing will become essential for processing data near the source, reducing latency, and optimizing data transfer by exchanging information only when necessary.Open solutions like the <a href="https://www.arduino.cc/pro/hardware-arduino-opta/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Arduino Opta micro PLC</a> are ready for this future: security on the edge and capable computational power help drive innovation, from simple tasks to complex scenarios, always granting full control over equipment. All in all, while proprietary solutions still have their place in specific contexts, open standards and open-source solutions offer numerous benefits. No matter what the best strategy is for your business, now is the time to prepare for the integration of advanced wireless technologies and the growing importance of edge computing, driving continuous innovation and efficiency improvements.

Now is the time to prepare for the integration of advanced wireless technologies and the growing importance of edge computing.

Industrial communication networks are crucial to optimize processes and production in interconnected factories – but the convergence of IT and OT brings interoperability and security challenges. In addressing these issues, do open standards and protocols drive or hinder innovation? 

Open or Proprietary? Pros and Cons to Consider for Industrial Networking

<h2 id="isPasted">New whitepaper: How Augmented Reality is redefining product development.</h2>Augmented Reality (AR) is not just a tool; it's a transformative force that is reshaping many processes in business. Production companies, in particular, benefit from AR because they can leverage its benefits along their entire value chain, from product development to manufacturing, logistics, marketing, customer service, and employee training.&nbsp;In the recent white paper from HoloLight, 'AR as a Booster for Industry 4.0,' you can explore the ways in which AR can have a significant transformative impact.&nbsp;Key highlights of the whitepaper:<ul><li dir="ltr">Learn how companies can use AR to increase the quality and productivity of their entire process chain</li><li dir="ltr">Understand what a consistent Augmented Reality strategy can look like and how to implement one.</li><li dir="ltr">Discover how well-known companies are already successfully using AR through detailed case studies.&nbsp;</li></ul>Don't miss out on these valuable insights. Get your copy of the white paper now by filling out the simple form below.&nbsp; <iframe id="JotFormIFrame-241713238748360" title="Hololight Form" allowtransparency="true" src="https://form.jotform.com/241713238748360" frameborder="0" style="min-width: 100%; max-width: 100%; height: 750px; border: none;" scrolling="no" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true"> </iframe><h2 id="isPasted">Embracing innovation</h2>ENGIE Refrigeration, a global specialist in products, solutions and services for economic and energy efficient refrigeration and heat generation, uses Hololight Space to create efficient workflows and facilitate machine design.<a href="https://www.engie-refrigeration.de/en" target="_blank">ENGIE Refrigeration</a> was looking for a way to better visualize and coordinate work steps in real time to reduce iterations in product development. The company needed a convenient and easy-to-use solution to visualize large and complex machines in detail and in 3D without time-consuming data preparation or conversion.&nbsp;To meet these challenges, Jörn Stiegelmeier, Head of Technology &amp; Development, first came up with the idea of using AR glasses in 2017, at a time when AR in the refrigeration and heating industry was still a vision of the future. Today, the company is a global pioneer in the industry when it comes to AR.AR headsets and the corresponding applications augment the real world with digital content ranging from information and animations to complex 3D models. They allow users to interact with this content using hand recognition sensors and to overlay it on the physical world – all while still perceiving their environment with all their senses.&nbsp;To get the right AR application for their needs, ENGIE Refrigeration partnered with XR expert Hololight and is now using the XR Engineering application <a href="https://hololight.com/products/hololight-space-enduser-application/" target="_blank">Hololight Space</a>.&nbsp;“The cooperation with Hololight is always constructive, friendly, and goal-oriented. My ideas are well received, and the team considers and implements them according to our individual requirements,”&nbsp;says Stiegelmeier.<h1 dir="ltr">Improving Workflows With Hololight Space</h1>Hololight Space significantly improves complex work processes along the value chain, such as machine design. The application allows users to visualize models, such as prototypes, as 3D holograms that are seamlessly generated from the original CAD file without the need to modify the data.&nbsp;ENGIE Refrigeration is using Microsoft HoloLens 2 as the end device for the application. Hololight Space allows the models to be displayed at their actual size and with the same level of detail as the CAD file. Engineers, technicians, and anyone involved in the workflow can get a detailed 3D view of the external and internal structure of the object. They can extract individual components from the full-scale model, use X-ray mode and other features to gain greater insight, take measurements, and make annotations. In multi-user sessions, they can collaborate with others on the same model in real-time, regardless of location.Visualization and collaboration via Hololight Space improve understanding of the object or machine, reveal new opportunities for optimization, and reduce development loops. Engineers can identify potential weaknesses early in the product development and design process and eliminate them faster.Jörn Stiegelmeier is convinced of the benefits of the application:&nbsp;“Until now, we have only used AR glasses sporadically in development. Now we have reached the point where we are gradually integrating them into our daily work. ENGIE Refrigeration is a global pioneer in our industry when it comes to AR. And that’s something we’re proud of.”<h1 dir="ltr">Streaming for a Flawless and Secure AR Experience</h1>In the case of ENGIE Refrigeration, as a company that works with detailed CAD data, data models are usually very large and complex due to the dimensions of the various plants.. In addition, data security cannot be neglected. Hololight Space helps ENGIE meet both challenges thanks to its integrated remote rendering solution. The application and the holograms are streamed from a local server to the end device.The data never leaves ENGIE Refrigeration’s IT infrastructure, which guarantees absolute data security. In addition, streaming ensures that all users are using the latest version of the application.<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzIxOTEzNTYyMTA3LUdhYnJpZWxlMl9zaW1vbnRvcGxha19jb21faG9sb2xpZ2h0X1NUTzM5NzgtY29weS0xMDI0eDY4My5qcGciLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjk1MCwiZml0IjoiY292ZXIifX19" style="width: 790px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">AR can help optimize engineering workflows. (photo: Hololight)<h2 dir="ltr" id="isPasted">Customer Value and Improved Sustainability</h2>ENGIE Refrigeration customers benefit from machines that run more efficiently than ever before. AR glasses make it possible to identify potential weaknesses at an early stage of development and to eliminate them even faster.&nbsp;Moreover, AR is another step in transitioning to ‘zero carbon. “With AR glasses, we may be able to avoid service calls in the future. In addition, unnecessary development loops can be reduced. This saves valuable resources such as CO2 and electricity,” says Stiegelmeier.<h1 dir="ltr">Looking Ahead to an Even More Immersive Future</h1>In addition to technology and development at ENGIE Refrigeration, Stiegelmeier points out that there are other areas where AR glasses could be used. “I am thinking of production, for example, to be able to project the first prototypes in advance. In my opinion, augmented reality will also facilitate service and logistics work. In addition, third-level support will be able to support our on-site service even better in the future with the help of AR technologies. From now on, we will be working more closely on such approaches. Also, we are currently working with Hololight on an intelligent solution for predictive maintenance to provide our customers with an even more efficient service in the future.” His plans are enthusiastic and determined: “There will be more to come from ENGIE Refrigeration in terms of Augmented Reality.”Learn more about how AR can have a significant transformative impact on production, customer service and collaboration. Download the latest whitepaper from Hololight below.&nbsp;<iframe id="JotFormIFrame-241713238748360" title="Hololight Form" allowtransparency="true" src="https://form.jotform.com/241713238748360" frameborder="0" style="min-width: 100%; max-width: 100%; height: 380px; border: none;" scrolling="no" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true">&nbsp;&nbsp; </iframe>

ENGIE Refrigeration, a global specialist in products, solutions and services for economic and energy efficient refrigeration and heat generation, uses Hololight Space to create efficient workflows and facilitate machine design.

Augmented Reality (AR) helps create efficient workflows and streamlines machine design.

Autonomous Robot Transportation in Warehouses

The rise of robotics is revolutionizing warehouse operations, enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and productivity. This comprehensive guide explores the various types of warehouse automation robots reshaping the logistics landscape.

Types of Warehouse Automation Robots: Transforming Modern Logistics

From a component supplier to a strategic partner, Nexperia's collaboration with Synapticon facilitated innovations such as integrated motion devices. These compact units merge control, actuation, and feedback in robot joints, enhancing efficiency and broadening application potential.

Transforming Robotics with Next-Gen Integrated Motion Devices - A Synapticon and Nexperia Case Study

AI and ML have formed the driving force behind the fourth industrial revolution. Industry 4.0 features the development of “smart” machines and devices that can intercommunicate in a network, now evolved into the Internet of Things (IoT) and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). AI is the foundation on which all these structures are based.&nbsp;AI technologies have been incorporated into devices that can sense their surroundings and communicate this information to a central control system. This system then uses ML and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rowse.co.uk/blog/post/what-is-big-data" title="What Is Big Data?" target="_blank">big data</a> analysis to resolve complex problems and learn how to avoid repeating such problems.<h2 dir="ltr">Impact of AI on Industry</h2>Smart manufacturing is an integral part of Industry 4.0. It can integrate advanced intelligent systems into production processes. This saves time, improves quality and eliminates unnecessary waste. By using AI and ML to streamline and optimise these processes, we can also use them to react more efficiently and rapidly to changes. These changes may arise in product demand, customer requirements or external events throughout the value chain.&nbsp;In manufacturing, AI offers considerable benefits in areas like predictive maintenance, inventory management, production planning, process control, machinery inspection and logistics. Industry strategy is also changing, as manufacturers can focus more accurately on sustainability, with an increasing shift towards customer-centric and often highly customised production. Technologies such as 3D printing have enabled some companies to turn towards on-demand production, adapting their strategies to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rowse.co.uk/blog/post/what-is-lean-manufacturing" title="What Is Lean Manufacturing?" target="_blank">lean manufacturing</a> rather than keeping an extensive inventory.&nbsp;The new technological advancements, especially in the IoT and IIoT, have leveraged the flexibility and agility of AI to solve many supply, production and logistical challenges. AI is now recognised as the essential technology for developing Industry 4.0. Only AI possesses the capabilities to manage the way we structure today’s industrial processes and business models.<h2 dir="ltr">Development and Key Features of AI/ML in Industry</h2>The role of AI is to understand what constitutes intelligence and to learn from human intelligence how to create computers that perform similarly to human beings. It’s a large and continuously expanding field of technology that underpins many of the most advanced approaches used in industry today. These include simulation,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ibm.com/topics/speech-recognition" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">speech recognition</a> and virtual reality, which have many different industrial applications.<h3 dir="ltr">SIMULATION</h3>AI uses computer simulation systems to create a production model that can incorporate product improvement, quality control and safety features. These simulations can leverage extensive data analysis to improve production accuracy and efficiency. They can identify problems and take precautionary action to prevent or mitigate an emergency, reducing the risk of unplanned downtime. This helps to ensure a more efficient production system, reducing running costs and the risk of capital loss.&nbsp;<h3 dir="ltr">VIRTUAL REALITY</h3>Technologies such as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rowse.co.uk/blog/post/an-introduction-to-digital-twins" title="An Introduction To Digital Twins" target="_blank">digital twins</a> are increasingly used in large-scale industrial manufacturing like automotive and shipyards, where they eliminate the necessity of building physical models. A digital twin replicates a physical asset in virtual reality, where a constant flow of data allows design engineers to update the digital model in real time. They can be used to control, monitor and predict the behaviour of any product, throughout its entire lifecycle, thus achieving greater effectiveness and productivity.&nbsp;Digital twinning allows various stakeholders – such as designers, end users and manufacturers – to participate in the product creation process. Connecting from anywhere on the globe, these participants can communicate with each other, sharing information on a single common project and enabling much greater precision in product and project management.&nbsp;<h3 dir="ltr">SPEECH RECOGNITION&nbsp;</h3>Advances in digital technologies and AI have made speech recognition applications commonplace – from asking your phone to search for something to telling your car where to go. They also allow your car to tell you where to go, as well as help identify and solve problems. These features will increase in importance when self-driving vehicles become more widespread.&nbsp;In industry, AI and ML are making significant advances in areas related to customer service. AI chatbots can schedule functions like service calls or test runs, as well as fielding queries and giving customers advice. In the energy sector, for instance, speech recognition applications allow customers to inquire about billing or report outages. Speech AI can support field technicians, using voice commands to take notes or access work orders and streamline meter readings. In some applications, customers’ conversations are analysed by speech AI to assess their intent, sentiment and propensity. This allows customer service agents to formulate appropriate and effective responses.<h2 dir="ltr">How AI/ML Benefits Industry 4.0</h2>The role of AI/ML technologies in Industry 4.0 is to aid the growth of companies in the manufacturing sector. They do this in several major ways, including the introduction of robotics and human-robot interfaces. This enables greater customisation and adding value throughout the production cycle. AI/ML applications also benefit process and plant automation, warehouse management and logistics and inspection.&nbsp;Their predictive facilities improve equipment maintenance schedules and repair requirements, together with output and quality. AI/ML technologies increase supply chain value – locating and making better use of resources. This helps companies become more sustainable, reducing waste and better fulfilling customer demands.AI applications also offer strategic benefits in business, such as faster decision-making, reduced levels of human error, rapid response, and assistance in troubleshooting problems. They’re able to function 24/7 and can work remotely, even in extreme conditions. They help workforces to perform repetitive jobs, improve the scope for creating and marketing new inventions and enhance cybersecurity. With connected systems and devices, companies can maintain secure, continuous and seamless communications with all involved parties.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a branch of computer science that has developed a processing system capable of behaving like human intelligence. It can perform reasoning, calculation and analytical tasks and learn from these to improve its performance. 

The Role of AI ML in Industry 4.0

Alva Industries

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industrie 4.0

Industrie 4.0

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