World-renowned economist Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum, explains that we have an opportunity to shape the fourth industrial revolu­tion, which will fundamentally alter how we live and work. Schwab argues that this revolution is different in scale, scope and complexity from any that have come before. Characterized by a range of new technologies that are fusing the physical, digital and biological worlds, the developments are affecting all disciplines, economies, industries and governments, and even challenging ideas about what it means to be human. Artificial intelligence is already all around us, from supercomputers, drones and virtual assistants to 3D printing, DNA sequencing, smart thermostats, wear­able sensors and microchips smaller than a grain of sand. But this is just the beginning: nanomaterials 200 times stronger than steel and a million times thinner than a strand of hair and the first transplant of a 3D printed liver are already in development. Imagine “smart factories” in which global systems of manu­facturing are coordinated virtually, or implantable mobile phones made of biosynthetic materials. The fourth industrial revolution, says Schwab, is more significant, and its ramifications more profound, than in any prior period of human history. He outlines the key technologies driving this revolution and discusses the major impacts expected on government, business, civil society and individu­als. Schwab also offers bold ideas on how to harness these changes and shape a better future—one in which technology empowers people rather than replaces them; progress serves society rather than disrupts it; and in which innovators respect moral and ethical boundaries rather than cross them. We all have the opportunity to contribute to developing new frame­works that advance progress.

This edited book focuses on the nine pillars of technology supporting the transition to Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing, incorporating the internet of things, cloud computing, autonomous and robotics systems, big data analytics, augmented reality, cyber security, simulation, system integration, and additive manufacturing.

Technology Innovation Pillars for Industry 4.0: Challenges, Improvements, and Case Studies discusses the latest innovations in the application of technologies to Industry 4.0 and the nine pillars and how they relate, support, and bridge the gap between the digital and physical worlds we now live in. This book discusses each of the nine pillars and the roles they play in the rapid transformation of the design and operation, and offers applications and case studies supporting Industry 4.0 technologies. It presents the supply chain organizational activities utilizing cyber- physical systems architectures and talks about the advantages of intelligent manufacturing and the ability to proactively detect and respond to events, to improve quality and yield, reduce downtime, and lead to better overall equipment effectiveness among other advantages in smart factory operations. This reference book provides a great resource for undergraduate and graduate students, industrial and manufacturing engineers, and engineers of related disciplines along with business professionals, explaining what the nine pillars are and how they relate to Industry 4.0 and smart factories.

This book shows a vision of the present and future of Industry 4.0 and identifies and examines the most pressing research issue in Industry 4.0. Containing the contributions of leading researchers and academics, this book includes recent publications in key areas of interest, for example: a review on the Industry 4.0: What is the Industry 4.0, the pillars of Industry 4.0, current and future trends, technologies, taxonomy, and some case studies (A.U.T.O 4.0, stabilization of digitized process). This book also provides an essential tool in the process of migration to Industry 4.0. The book is suitable as a text for graduate students and professionals in the industrial sector and general engineering areas. The book is organized into two sections: 1. Reviews 2. Case Studies Industry 4.0 is likely to play an important role in the future society. This book is a good reference on Industry 4.0 and includes some case studies. Each chapter is written by expert researchers in the sector, and the topics are broad; from the concept or definition of Industry 4.0 to a future society 5.0.

This book presents the latest research perspectives on how the Industry 4.0 paradigm is challenging the process of technological and structural change and how the diversification of the economy affects structural transformation. It also explores the impact of fast-growing technologies on the transformation of socioeconomic and environmental systems, and asks whether structural and technological change can generate sustainable economic growth and employment. Further, the book presents the basic innovations (new technologies, materials, energy, etc) and industrial policies that can lead to such a structural change.

Christoph Jan Bartodziej examines by means of an empirical study which potential Industry 4.0 technologies do have regarding end-to-end digital integration in production logistics based on their functions. According to the relevance of the concept Industry 4.0 and its early stage of implementation it is essential to clarify terminology, explain relations and identify drivers and challenges for an appropriate use of Industry 4.0 technologies. The results will constitute a profound basis to formulate recommendations for action for technology suppliers and technology users.