In the recent ” Sembang AIoT” session, Mr. CC Lee and Kien Leong from Axiomtek Malaysia did a deep dive into the fundamentals of Industry 4.0. The history of the Industrial Revolution was discussed and the basic principles of IR4 were discussed. 

Industrial Revolution 1.0: The Age of Mechanical Production with Steam Engine

The first industrial revolution, which began in the late 18th century, marked the shift from agrarian and manual labor-based economies to mechanized, factory-based production. Key innovations included the steam engine, textile machinery, and iron production. This era revolutionized manufacturing processes, leading to increased efficiency and the rise of factories.

Industrial Revolution 2.0: The Age of Mass Production with Electricity

The second industrial revolution, spanning the late 19th to early 20th century, introduced electrification and the assembly line. The development of the telegraph and the expansion of railroads further accelerated communication and transportation. Mass production became a hallmark, transforming industries and economies globally.

Industrial Revolution 3.0: The Age of Automation and Computers

The third industrial revolution emerged in the mid-20th century with the advent of computers, automation, and digital technologies. Electronics, telecommunications, and the rise of computing power enabled more sophisticated and precise control over industrial processes. This era saw the integration of computers into manufacturing, leading to improved efficiency and quality control.

Industrial Revolution 4.0: The Age of Smart Manufacturing

The fourth industrial revolution, also known as Industry 4.0, is the current era characterized by the integration of digital technologies, the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and data analytics. This revolution is reshaping industries through interconnected and intelligent systems. Smart factories, predictive maintenance, and decentralized decision-making are key features, driving innovation, efficiency, and flexibility in manufacturing processes.

Key Design principles of Industry 4.0:

Interconnectivity: Devices and systems are interconnected, facilitating real-time data exchange.

Information Transparency: Real-time data provides visibility and insights across the entire value chain.

Technical Assistance: AI and Machine Learning enable machines to make intelligent decisions and adapt to changing conditions.

Decentralized Decision-Making: Autonomous decision-making at the component level enhances agility and adaptability.

The ongoing Industry 4.0 revolution is transforming industries, offering new possibilities for efficiency, sustainability, and innovation. Embracing the latest technologies is essential for companies to stay competitive in this era of smart manufacturing.