The Fourth Industrial Revolution, or Industry 4.0, is upon us.
Industrial machinery has evolved at a rapid pace. It has enabled humans to pioneer technologies such as artificial intelligence, genome editing, augmented reality, advanced robotics, and 3-D printing.
This new wave of technology will forever alter the way we live, work, and connect with each other.
Technology is advancing by leaps and bounds. Because of this, we don’t know yet how exactly these changes will pan out. What we can do is make informed guesses at what the future of industrial machinery will look like.
The History of the Industrial Revolution
In the 1700s, the First Industrial Revolution sparked to life with the advent of factories. It used water and steam power to mechanize production.
The Second Industrial Revolution came about in the early 20th century with the invention of automobiles. Electricity fueled mass production, changing the scope of manufacturing.
The Third Industrial Revolution came after World War II.
The creation of computers became a game-changer. Thanks to electronic and information technology, production became automated.
Now, the Fourth Industrial Revolution is here to build off of what the Third accomplished. The fusion of different technologies is altering the landscape. It is blurring the lines between the physical, digital, and biological.
The Future of Industrial Machinery
Industrial machines play a part in a wide variety of fields. Take the agricultural industry, for example. Farmers can now get specialized attention through custom fabrication.
People may be aware of technology growing more advanced all around them. However, few realize how it’s changing production.
Internet of Things (IoT)
In 2018, it’s estimated that the number of IoT devices used globally reached 10 billion.
The Internet of Things is now all around us. It refers to physical objects connected to the internet via embedded devices. For example, a light that can be flipped on and off using a smartphone app is an IoT device.
Now industrial machinery is on its way to being revolutionized by IoT.
Called Industrial IoT, it involves the IoT technology’s application in industrial settings. This streamlines automation and creates new business models. Industrial IoT will also allow for smart manufacturing. Industrial machinery can now connect to the cloud and use machine-to-machine communication (M2M).
Augmented Reality (AR)
Companies are adopting new tools that allow them to create and test their products in a virtual environment.
Augmented reality is enabling people to troubleshoot problems with an expert who may be hours or days away. This remote assistance is altering how solutions are found, letting people in different locations all around the world come together in a live view and troubleshoot together.
AR will help companies to use the best expert for that particular field, while simultaneously cut back on travel costs and expedite the problem.
3-D Printing
Three-dimensional printing has improved upon manufacturing in several ways.
It has reduced waste by recycling plastic. 3-D printing also removes any wait time for a replacement part or transportation.
Thanks to 3-D printing, the creation of a product is now more seamless. For example, where a product once required six different pieces, 3-D printing can now create one finished piece without the need for additional steps like welding.
As 3-D printing grows more advanced, mass production will yet again enter a new era.
Find a Future with Kor-Pak
At Kor-Pak, we represent a dozen quality manufacturers and distribute thousands of parts. We have over 40 years of experience and are partnered with the top industry players.
Contact us today for all your industrial machinery needs.