The following is an excerpt from the IET's latest TechBite (bitesize technical insights) - Factories of the future, produced by the IET Control and Automation Network. You can view the full article and download a free PDF.
The next big revolution in manufacturing – coined ‘Industry 4.0’ – is underway, as we move from an analogue age into a fully digital one. Factories of the future will reach new levels of automation, with integration of systems stretching far beyond the shop floor into the office and supply chain.
And the role of engineers and operators looks set to change dramatically in order to meet developing customer demands for a more agile and flexible service.
Although Industry 4.0 may be the future, the truth is that many of the underlying technologies have been around for some time, but only now has manufacturing brought them together to harness their full potential.
One of the main drivers has been consumers wanting more customised products – everything from personalised mobile phones through to cars and even the food they buy!
“You have to look at manufacturing in a different way than in the past,” notes Alan Norbury, Central Technology Officer, Digital Factory & Process Industries and Drives, Siemens. “In the past you would mass produce the same product, but now consumers expect customised products manufactured at the same speed and quality. There’s a need to use Industry 4.0 technologies and philosophies to address this challenge.”
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