The world has experienced numerous changes since the beginning of the industrial revolution. New technology, new products, and, generally speaking, a positive impact on the world. And just as this period in world history created ripple effects and changes, so too has the revolution itself undergone many changes.
We are currently living through the fourth industrial revolution, commonly known as Industry 4.0. While the third industrial revolution focused on computers and electronics to fuel productivity, this iteration focuses on automation and connectivity. This fourth industrial revolution utilizes real-time information from the Internet of Things (IoT), along with automation and connectivity, to create a new “smart factory” and increase efficiency to the next level.
The Internet of Things consists of the physical objects and devices that contain software, sensors, and other systems that connect and exchange data over the internet with each other. Together, these devices create a network known as the Internet of Things (IoT). As Industry 4.0 continues to press forward, many industry leaders are asking themselves if the latest automation renaissance is only for the manufacturing sector.
That’s a tricky question to answer, but not impossible. A closer look at two of the largest economic sectors will offer insights into whether or not these technologies are only for manufacturing.
Agriculture
Of the two, this sector is more obviously aligned with some of the principles of the fourth industrial revolution. Farming, in general, has witnessed a rise in automation and mass production over the years. As a result, implementing real-time data collection, extensive networking and artificial intelligence into the mix feels like a logical next step.
Softwares and technologies designed to adapt to growth cycles, weather patterns, and other variables would work well with the needs of the agricultural sector. Additionally, real-time updates on supply at stores could trigger harvesting and planting at certain times. These growth cycles wouldn’t be limited to horticulture but could be practiced in the fishing, tobacco, and wood industries as well.
Imagine placing an individual placing a grocery pickup, only to have that order use machine communication to alert a farmer somewhere that certain products are low and that his supplies needed to be harvested in real-time.
Services
Consider the range of industries within services. There are several that come to mind when we think of how artificial intelligence and automation seem to find a home: video games, software, and even transportation.
But a closer look at healthcare businesses will illuminate the possibilities of this revolution in this sector as well. Telemedicine has become a more popular practice in recent years. People have already been searching the internet for remedies to what ails them, but these practices of the fourth industrial revolution could see people seeking help from doctors who have access to real-time ailments, both within your body and from the population as a whole.
The hospitality industry can also make use of artificial intelligence and increased connectivity through the Internet of Things. Assessing travel patterns and people’s movements by using data from their cellphones or vehicles can help determine when and if patrons will be near certain services. Transportation services would do well to use artificial intelligence and cyber-physical systems to assess traffic patterns and interpret weather patterns.
In education, COVID-19 forced many classrooms into a digital environment. The education sector is positioned to see a rise in automation. Classrooms driven by asynchronous sessions derived from individual student needs now need to be assessed live. Universities and trades have also shifted more toward an online presence and are using more digital technology than ever before to increase connectivity and efficiency in the digital classroom.
There is a wealth of other potential industries where emerging technologies would integrate well. Whether they will be utilized to their full potential remains to be seen, but manufacturing will not be the only sector to implement these advancements.
Overall, Industry 4.0 technology lends itself to a wide variety of sectors. With creativity comes innovation. Look for the processes that are used within industry 4.0 to be implemented throughout other aspects of the industry.
