Many people have heard this term, without perhaps understanding the meaning.
In essence, the modern world started with what is now called the Industrial Revolution (Industry 1). This was kick-started by steam power, and also water mills.
In the late 1800s, electric power started taking over from steam and water (Industry 2).
From the mid-1970s, automation technology started to impact manufacturing in a big way. IT also made its presence felt, impacting on the manufacturing (Industry 3).
Eric Carter (left) thanks Kenneth after the presentation.
Integrating IT and AT, is becoming what is known as Industry 4.0. This convergence, together with the pervasiveness of the Internet and Cloud technology, allow machines to communicate with each other autonomously, and enhance production efficiency. Part of the reason for this drive, is to create competitive advantage. Everyone knows how China, for instance, is undercutting competitors through low labour costs. Some way has to be found to counter this: one way is through advanced automation.
Interestingly, the German government is driving this progression, sensing that automation is the key to countering a low labour-cost economy. In one of the highest labour-cost areas of Germany, Nobilia, Europe’s leading kitchen manufacturer, is showing how this can be done. Since 1990, they have been producing upwards of 2700 kitchens per day, using machine-to-machine communication (the Industrial Internet of Things) together with advanced IT and Cloud computing, to produce kitchens with minimal human input.
This Smart Factory concept uses secure horizontal and vertical communication (OPC + UA) to integrate national and even international production.
Kenneth McPherson of Beckhoff put all of this together in a compelling fashion and there was a lengthy Q&A session afterwards.
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