About
Industry 4.0 is essentially a technological paradigm for building Smart Factories based on Cyber-Physical Systems, increased efficiency achieved through digital connectivity and Artificial Intelligence. Cyber-Physical Systems refer to systems in which software and hardware components are seamlessly integrated to perform well-defined tasks, especially for intelligent manufacturing purposes. The Smart Factory is a digitized manufacturing facility that uses connected devices, machinery and production systems to continuously collect and share data. Currently, production is well described by the established automation pyramid model. In this model, the processes and applications of complex production systems are grouped into hierarchical layers, which conditions the lack of flexibility and adaptation to new market requirements. IIoT and industrial Big Data, however, commonly rely on device-level data and therefore can no longer be handled through a strict pyramid model. Instead, they require a new model in the form of an automation pillar. The figure shows how the transition from Industry 3.0 to Industry 4.0 can be achieved, in the context of the current approach to automation. The change includes greater use of standard Ethernet and the use of Time Sensitive Networking technology to maintain expected levels of control.