In his book, “The Fourth Industrial Revolution” Professor Klaus Schwab posits that society is in the midst of its fourth industrial revolution. Factories revolutionized manufacturing in the 1700s. Automobiles changed the world of manufacturing in the early 20th century.
Next came computers. This “Fourth Industrial Revolution” is marked by automation, artificial intelligence, and smart manufacturing. Products can be produced much quicker and with higher consistency than ever before, even though these same products are becoming more complex.
The top 5 trends that are changing manufacturing in 2018 are:
Automation
Robotics are automating jobs and activities to increase the productivity of human counterparts. Automation allows for more accuracy and lets manufacturing take place in environments that might be unsafe for humans. The workforce won’t be replaced necessarily, but workers will need to be retrained to handle other types of jobs in the manufacturing industry.
Additionally, beyond the factory floor, automation and artificial intelligence are finding applications in manufacturing business operations from accounting to outbound prospecting to demand management and more.
Smart Manufacturing
Increased manufacturing capabilities using information technology allows manufacturers to get more intelligence about production processes and systems, which improves efficiency in the factory. Safety is improved when manufacturers can monitor systems and simulate potential problems.
The Internet of Things
IoT might seem like a new trend to consumers, but businesses have been benefiting from tools and technology that utilizes smart devices and embedded intelligence. Data can be extracted and analyzed during production to ensure that everything is moving as it should. IoT impacts research and development.
Augmented Reality
Wearable technology is just coming into its own. The applications for AR are endless. Manufacturers are exploring the use of AR in their processes. This technology could provide invaluable data for wearers to help someone perform at a higher level and stay safe. AR is reducing manufacturing costs, increasing speed and decreasing errors.
AR allows a person in the United States to consult with someone in Japan in real time through wearable devices. Travel costs are reduced and problem-solving is expedited. Overlaying virtual reality with real objects has many applications, most of which are yet to be seen. Beyond the visual component, augmented hearing and other emerging technologies may soon impact the manufacturing industry as well.
3D Printing
3D printing is finding many applications in manufacturing. Many different products can be created from one machine. A 3D printer is changing how products are designed. Whereas some items would need 6 different pieces that are welded or screwed together, the 3D printer can make the same thing in one piece. 3D printers recycle plastics. Mass production runs don’t have to be made. One part can be printed as needed, decreasing the need for inventory space. Molds and other fixtures will be obsolete as 3D printers replace mass production.
Changing the Face of Manufacturing
Manufacturing is shifting into a more complex age. It’s a new era for production, which is keeping workers safer, increasing production and saving money for corporations. Although some jobs will be lost, new jobs will be created as a result of the Industrial Revolution 4.0. It does seem as if America is on track for a change in manufacturing.
