The term “Industry 4.0” originated from a committee of German technocrats who wanted to make predictions about where technology was headed next. And certainly, it fits nicely in the storyline of the initial Industrial revolution with the rise of machines powered by steam and water, the second revolution sparked by the use of electricity, and the third revolution of automated production with robots. Today, new devices and technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the internet of things (IoT) support growth and give way to new insights in the fourth industrial revolution or Industry 4.0.
At first sight, all industrial revolutions may seem distinct. However, each one greatly influenced the one to follow. When taking a step back, they point to a natural evolution of technologies. More specifically, while AI and IoT are revolutionary by themselves, digitizing production processes is nothing but a logical evolutionary step on top of how manufacturing has already been transforming for centuries. So, if Industry 4.0 is adding a digital layer on top of what we already have, what is the best way to make the switch to digital a smooth transition?
Industry 4.0: Revolution at the risk of overdoing it
Driven by rapid technological advancements, Industry 4.0 has taken data, connectivity, and automation to a level that’s often blurring the lines between the digital and physical spheres. The effect on manufacturing has been profound, and manufacturers now have the opportunity to streamline their operations, make their factories more resilient, sustainable, and efficient while cutting costs.
Ida Byrd-Hill is a futurist, economist and CEO of Automation Workz, a cybersecurity reskilling and diversity consulting firm. She is author of Invisible Talent Market, a Black Labor Economics History book. She holds an MBA from the Jack Welch Management Institute at Strayer University, with a specialization in People Management/Strategy and a BA Economics from the University of Michigan- Ann Arbor. Byrd-Hill has appeared in Associated Press, BBC, Crain’s Business Detroit, CW Street Beat, Cybercrime Magazine, Daytime NBC, Detroit News, Detroit Free Press, Essence Magazine, Good Morning America, Let It Rip, Michigan Chronicle, Model D, NPR, PBS, and X-conomy. www.autoworkz.org/diverse-lens
