According to ESI Robotics, a Portuguese robotics and industrial automation solutions company, throughout 2024 industry will continue to witness impactful transformations in various areas. In 2023 new technologies emerged, shaping the industrial landscape, from Advanced Automation and Robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), to Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality. These technologies will continue to witness impactful transformations.
According to Emergen Research, the global Industry 4.0 market is expected to reach a value of 258 billion euros by 2028, with a robust compound annual growth rate of 16.3%. Among the most promising technological areas will be Artificial Intelligence (AI), on the rise for both companies and consumers; automation and Advanced Robotics, to revolutionise production processes; Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) as a solution for employee training; 5G to speed up communication between machines and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) which will continue to grow and optimise production processes in smart factories.
Technological innovations that mark the future of Industry 4.0
1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the rise
AI has made its mark on 2023, achieving popularity far beyond the industry and technology sectors. According to Eutomonitor International's "2024 Consumer Trends" study, generative AI tools are part of consumers' daily lives, with 72% of consumers using them to improve their lives in 2023. If AI plays a significant role in consumers' lives, it is essential that industries take advantage of this technology, which is the major driver of digital transformation. AI will continue to be a driving force in digital transformation, with applications ranging from predictive maintenance to advanced real-time data analysis.
2. Automation and Advanced Robotics
Robotics will continue to play a transformative role that will go far beyond industry, as its applications range from healthcare to customer. The development of these technologies will make processes more efficient and safer. Intelligent automation, driven by AI and Machine Learning (ML), will be at the heart of industrial operations. Collabourative and industrial robots will continue to be used autonomously to perform repetitive and dangerous tasks, increasing efficiency and reducing risks for workers.
3. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) will gain even more popularity as they become more accessible and available for different applications. Employee training will be revolutionised by these technologies, as they make it possible to create virtual environments where employees can simulate complex tasks and interact with machines and equipment more safely. They will also have a significant impact on industrial maintenance, facilitating rapid diagnoses and reducing machine and equipment downtime.
4. Big Data for Strategic Decisions
Big Data will be a key element in making strategic decisions and improving the performance of various sectors The analysis of large and complex volumes of data will reveal patterns and trends that will drive the growth of companies, putting them at the forefront of competition and innovation.
5. Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)
Connectivity between industrial devices will continue to grow as it has done in recent years. In a smart factory, all machines, sensors and systems are connected and constantly generating data which, when analysed correctly, can reveal valuable patterns and trends, optimising production processes, improving predictive maintenance and enabling more efficient production management. The adoption of IIoT will be fundamental to the digital transformation of industries.
6. Advanced Customization with Digital and Additive Manufacturing
Advanced Customization with Digital and Additive Manufacturing will contribute to the production of complex, large-scale parts. 3D printing and other forms of digital and additive manufacturing will become even more relevant this year. These technologies are capable of revolutionizing production, as they allow complex, large-scale parts to be produced more quickly, efficiently and with greater customization. This will not only reduce material waste, but can also speed up production cycles.
7. 5G for Fast Connectivity
5G will continue to provide fast connectivity. To enable the use of all these technologies, the use of 5G in industry will be fundamental. This will provide ultra-fast connectivity, enabling the implementation of more efficient communication systems and improving communication between machines.
As Portugal and the world adapt to these changes, technology-based companies such as ESI Robotics are becoming more relevant in leading advanced automation and optimisation solutions for industrial operations.
industria-ai-Freepik
Entrepreneur