The Technology 4th Industrial Revolution
The technology 4th industrial revolution brings countless benefits to business leaders and consumers alike. But it also creates new challenges for businesses and societal issues such as inequality.
African nations must harness converging technologies and close the gap with developed economies to reap the full benefits of 4IR. This will require a flexible and holistic approach to transformation.
Internet of things
The Internet of Things is an emerging technology that allows machines to communicate with each other and with the surrounding environment. This technology is enabling new ways to automate tasks, reduce operating costs, and increase efficiency. It is also allowing businesses to better manage their supply chains and enhance customer experience.
IoT works through sensors in everyday objects that connect to the Internet and collect data. This data is then used to control the device or make recommendations based on specific needs. These systems are able to detect patterns and find problems, often before they occur.
The Industrial Internet of Things is transforming the way businesses do business by improving efficiency and profitability. Using data from sensors, companies can adapt their production processes to meet changing market demands. This also enables them to deliver more accurate products to customers. In addition, they can lower maintenance costs by predicting when machines need repairs. This is a significant advantage over previous production technologies.
Robotics
Robotics is one of the enabling technologies driving the Fourth Industrial Revolution. It uses advanced sensing, AI and other transformative technologies to enable the development of new products and services. These converging technologies are transforming many industries, including healthcare, finance and agriculture. They are also helping to increase efficiency in manufacturing and improve customer experience. However, they are also causing concern about job displacement.
The robotics process consists of three steps – perception, processing, and action. Sensors provide information about the environment or the robot itself to a central processor unit (CPU), which then processes that data and maps out its surroundings. Actuators, which are the “muscles” of the robot, then use this information to co-ordinate and execute actions.
This technology has several applications in society, including healthcare, education, and the military. Medical robots, like exoskeletons and artificial limbs, can help with physical rehabilitation and surgery. Other robotics are used to conduct searches and rescue missions after natural disasters, and even to find landmines in war zones.
Augmented reality
Augmented reality is a technology that superimposes virtual images and information on a user’s view of the real world. It can be used for many purposes, including enhancing training programs, improving quality control and inspection, and providing a virtual environment that improves worker safety. It can also be used to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
AR is widely used in manufacturing, with Volvo leveraging PTC’s Vuforia tool to train employees with AR applications, and Thyssenkrupp using high precision AR for guided support on-sight in their plants. This allows engineers to solve technical problems quickly, reduce downtime and optimize production processes.
It can be particularly useful in manufacturing areas where a short tact time is required, such as repairing or assembling complex equipment. It can also help with process optimization by providing supplementary information and guidance. It is also being used for education, with furniture companies using it to allow customers to view how a piece of furniture would look in their home, neurosurgeons navigating a brain surgery with AR, and football broadcasters superimposing lines on the field to analyze plays.
Virtual reality
Virtual reality is a powerful tool for industrial applications. It allows workers to experience and interact with digital products in a safe environment. It also allows engineers to design factory layouts and test new ideas for productivity improvements. VR also allows specialists to inspect machines on a regular basis without having to visit the plant in person.
While gaming companies have led the way with VR and augmented reality, these technologies are now being used in a wide range of industries. They can be used to simulate environments for training employees, as well as to provide customers with a virtual experience of a product before purchase.
For example, GE Renewable is using virtual reality to optimize the performance of its wind turbines. This has resulted in increased MW-hour outputs of its wind farms. Similarly, firefighters and soldiers can use VR to train in hazardous situations without risking their lives. This has reduced the time it takes to train them and has cut down on wasted resources.