Fourth Industrial Revolution facts for kids
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The Fourth Industrial Revolution, often called 4IR or Industry 4.0, is a popular term for the super-fast changes happening in technology right now. It describes how new technologies are mixing together. This idea became well-known in 2016 thanks to Klaus Schwab, who started the World Economic Forum. He believes these changes are a huge step in how industries work.
This new phase of change brings together technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), gene editing, and advanced robots. These technologies are blurring the lines between the physical world, the digital world, and even the biological world.
Big changes are happening in how products are made and moved around the world. Factories are using more and more automation. Machines are talking to each other (called machine-to-machine communication). The Internet of things (IoT) connects everyday objects to the internet. All these things together mean more automation, better communication, and smart machines that can fix problems on their own.
This revolution also means a big social, political, and economic shift. We are moving from the Digital Revolution (late 1990s, early 2000s) to a time where technology is everywhere. Think of a metaverse where technology is part of everything we do. This changes how humans experience and understand the world. It suggests we are entering an "augmented social reality," where technology adds to our natural senses.
Contents
How the Fourth Industrial Revolution Started
The idea of the Fourth Industrial Revolution first came from scientists in Germany. They were working on a high-tech plan for their government. Klaus Schwab, who leads the World Economic Forum (WEF), helped make the term famous. He wrote about it in a magazine called Foreign Affairs in 2015. The main topic for the 2016 Annual Meeting was "Mastering the Fourth Industrial Revolution."
In October 2016, the WEF opened its Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in San Francisco. Schwab also wrote a book with the same title in 2016. He says this new era includes technologies that mix hardware, software, and biology. These are called cyber-physical systems. He also highlights big improvements in how we communicate and connect. Schwab expects this time to have amazing breakthroughs in many areas. These include robotics, artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, quantum computing, biotechnology, the internet of things, super-fast wireless internet, 3D printing, and self-driving cars.
The WEF's plan called The Great Reset also includes the Fourth Industrial Revolution. It suggests using these new technologies to help rebuild the economy in a sustainable way after the COVID-19 pandemic.
First Industrial Revolution
The First Industrial Revolution changed how things were made. People stopped making things by hand and started using machines. This happened thanks to steam power and water power. This period was roughly between 1760 and 1840 in Europe and the United States. It greatly affected textile factories, the iron industry, farming, and mining. It also led to a stronger middle class in society.
Second Industrial Revolution
The Second Industrial Revolution, also known as the Technological Revolution, happened between 1871 and 1914. During this time, many railroads and telegraph lines were built. This made it much faster to move people and ideas. Electricity also became widely used. Factories started using electricity to create modern production lines. This was a time of great economic growth and more products being made. However, it also caused more people to lose their jobs as machines replaced factory workers.
Third Industrial Revolution
The Third Industrial Revolution, or Digital Revolution, took place in the late 20th century. It came after the two world wars. This period saw slower industrial growth but big steps in technology. The creation of the Z1 computer was a key moment. It used special math and logic. Later, supercomputers became important. Computers and communication technology were used a lot in making products. Machines started doing tasks that humans used to do.
What is the Fourth Industrial Revolution?
The Fourth Industrial Revolution is all about using automation and data in manufacturing. It involves cyber-physical systems (CPS), the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, cognitive computing, and artificial intelligence.
Machines are becoming very good at doing tasks that are repeated often. They can do these tasks more efficiently than humans. Also, with machine learning and powerful computers, machines can now handle very complex jobs.
This revolution is defined by new technologies like:
- High-speed internet connections.
- New ways for humans and machines to interact, like touchscreens and virtual reality.
- Better ways to turn digital plans into physical objects, such as robotics and 3D printing.
- The Internet of Things (IoT), where devices connect and share data.
- "Big data" and cloud computing, which handle huge amounts of information.
- Systems based on artificial intelligence.
- Improvements in clean energy, like solar and wind power, and better batteries.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution is also seen as the start of the "imagination age."
Key Ideas
Industry 4.0 makes businesses work better and more efficiently. There are four main ideas that sum up Industry 4.0:
- Interconnection – Machines, devices, sensors, and people can connect and talk to each other. This happens through the Internet of Things (IoT) or the internet of people.
- Information transparency – Industry 4.0 technology gives people all the information they need to make good decisions. Because everything is connected, people can collect huge amounts of data from every step of making a product. This helps them find areas to improve.
- Technical assistance – Technology helps humans make decisions and solve problems. It can also help humans with tasks that are difficult or dangerous.
- Decentralized decisions – Smart systems can make decisions on their own. They can do their jobs as independently as possible. Humans only need to step in if there are problems or conflicting goals.
Why is it Different?
Supporters of the Fourth Industrial Revolution say it's a completely new revolution. It's not just a continuation of the Third Industrial Revolution. Here's why:
- Speed — Changes are happening incredibly fast. Old industries are being affected and replaced at an amazing pace.
- Scope – It affects many different industries and companies.
- New policies – Governments are creating new rules and plans for this new way of doing things. For example, Singapore officially recognizes Industry 4.0 in its plans for new ideas.
Some people disagree and say Industry 4.0 is just a marketing term. They argue that while some areas are changing a lot, there isn't a huge change across the whole system yet. Also, different countries are adopting Industry 4.0 at different speeds. The exact meaning of Industry 4.0 is not the same everywhere. For example, Jeremy Rifkin believes that the digital revolution is still ongoing. He thinks the Internet of Things is just the next step in its development.
What it's Made Of
The Fourth Industrial Revolution uses many technologies, including:
- Mobile devices like smartphones.
- Internet of things (IoT) platforms.
- Technologies that find locations, like electronic IDs.
- Advanced ways for humans and machines to interact.
- Ways to check who someone is and prevent fraud.
- Smart sensors that collect data.
- "Big analytics" and advanced ways to process data.
- Ways to interact with customers at many levels and understand their needs.
- Augmented reality (AR) and wearables like smartwatches.
- Being able to use computer resources (like cloud computing) whenever needed.
- Ways to show data visually and provide "live" training.
These technologies can be grouped into four main parts that define "Industry 4.0" or a "smart factory":
- Cyber-physical systems (CPS).
- Internet of things (IoT).
- Cloud computing (using computer resources over the internet).
- Cognitive computing (systems that can learn and solve problems like humans).
Industry 4.0 connects many new technologies to create value. Cyber-physical systems watch physical processes. Then, they create a virtual copy of the real world. These systems can make decisions on their own, becoming very independent.
The value created in Industry 4.0 relies on electronic identification. Smart manufacturing needs specific technologies to be part of the process. This is how it moves beyond just making things digital.
Main Driving Forces
Digital Connections in Supply Chains
Industry 4.0 connects processes both vertically and horizontally. Vertically, it links everything within a company, from making products to selling them and providing service. Horizontally, it connects a company's internal operations with suppliers and customers. It also includes all key partners in the supply chain.
Digital Products and Services
Companies are collecting and analyzing new kinds of data. This happens by improving existing products or creating new digital ones. This data helps companies understand how products are used and make them better.
Digital Business and Customer Access
Keeping customers happy is an ongoing process. It needs constant changes to meet their changing needs. Digital business models help with this.
Current Trends
Smart Factory
A Smart Factory is a vision of a production place where machines and logistics systems work together without human help.
The Smart Factory is no longer just an idea. Many factories are already showing how it works in real life.
The Smart Factory uses cyber-physical systems that talk to each other. They use the Internet of Things and Services. A key part of this is products sharing data with the production line. This makes the supply chain much more efficient. It also helps organize production better.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution encourages what's called a "smart factory." In these factories, cyber-physical systems watch physical processes. They create a digital copy of the real world and make decisions on their own. Through the internet of things, these systems talk and work with each other and with people. This happens in real-time, both inside the factory and with other companies.
Predictive Maintenance
Industry 4.0 also allows for predictive maintenance. This uses technology and IoT sensors. Predictive maintenance can spot maintenance problems as they happen. This helps machine owners fix things before they break or get damaged. For example, a company in Los Angeles could know if a machine in Singapore is running too fast or too hot. They could then decide if it needs to be repaired.
3D Printing
The Fourth Industrial Revolution relies a lot on 3D printing technology. 3D printing has many benefits for industry. It can print complex shapes and makes product design simpler. It's also quite good for the environment. For small production runs, it can make things faster and cost less. It also makes companies more flexible. It can lower storage costs and help companies make custom products for many people. Plus, 3D printing is great for making spare parts locally. This reduces how much companies depend on suppliers and speeds up delivery.
The speed of change is a key factor. The fast pace of technology and the resulting changes in society and infrastructure are happening so quickly. This marks a huge leap forward, starting a new era.
Smart Sensors
Sensors and measurement tools are vital for new ideas. They are important for Industry 4.0 and other "smart" trends. These include smart production, smart homes, and smart cities.
Smart sensors are devices that collect data. They can also do more, like checking themselves and setting themselves up. They can even monitor complex processes. With wireless communication, they are much easier to install. This allows for many sensors to be used in one area.
Experts agree that sensors, measurement science, and smart data analysis are very important for Industry 4.0. Some even say, "Industry 4.0: nothing goes without sensor systems."
However, there are some challenges. These include errors in timing, losing data, and handling huge amounts of data. These issues limit how much these systems can be used. Also, battery power can be a problem. For example, smartwatches use sensors to track your movement. They process this data to tell you how many steps you've walked and how many calories you've burned.
Farming and Food
Smart sensors in farming and food are still being tested. These new sensors collect and share information from fields. This includes leaf area, plant health, chlorophyll, moisture, temperature, and sunlight. Based on this data, farmers can monitor their fields in real-time using a smartphone. They get advice to improve their crops, save time, and cut costs. On the farm, these sensors can tell when crops are ready. They can also recommend when to add nutrients or treatments. They can even control how much water to use for irrigation.
The food industry needs more safety and clear information. Full records are required. This new technology helps track products and collect data about both people and products.
Faster Shift to the Knowledge Economy
A knowledge economy is where making products and providing services mostly relies on knowledge. This leads to faster scientific and technical progress. Industry 4.0 helps this shift. It makes businesses rely more on smart ideas and less on physical things or natural resources.
Challenges
Here are some challenges in making Industry 4.0 happen:
Money Matters
- It costs a lot of money.
- Businesses need to change how they work.
- It's not always clear if the money invested will pay off.
People and Society
- Worries about privacy.
- Concerns about being watched and a lack of trust.
- People often don't like change.
- The risk that many jobs will be lost to automated processes and IT-controlled systems. This is especially true for factory workers.
- There's a higher risk of unfairness between genders in jobs that AI might replace.
Rules and Government
- Not enough rules, standards, or certifications.
- Unclear legal issues and worries about data security.
How Companies Work
- IT security problems. These get worse because factories that used to be closed off now need to be open to the internet.
- The need for reliable and stable communication between machines. This includes very fast and steady response times.
- The need to keep production processes working correctly.
- The need to avoid any IT problems, as these would stop production and cost a lot.
- The need to protect secret industrial knowledge.
- Not enough skilled workers to help with the shift to the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
- Company leaders might not be fully committed.
- Employees might not have enough training.
Where Countries Are Using It
Many countries have created special groups to help use Industry 4.0 technologies. For example:
Australia
Australia has a Digital Transformation Agency (started in 2015). It also has the Prime Minister's Industry 4.0 Taskforce (started in 2016). This taskforce helps Australia work with industry groups in Germany and the USA.
Germany
The term "Industrie 4.0" (or I4.0) came from a German government project in 2011. It specifically refers to their plan to make manufacturing more digital. The term was first used publicly at the Hannover Fair that same year. Professor Wolfgang Wahlster is sometimes called the inventor of the "Industry 4.0" term. In October 2012, a working group gave the German government ideas for how to make Industry 4.0 happen. The members of this group are seen as the founders and drivers of Industry 4.0. Their final report was presented in April 2013.
As companies in Germany have used Industry 4.0 ideas, they sometimes give them new names. For example, the aerospace company Meggitt PLC calls its Industry 4.0 research project M4.
Germany is also discussing how Industry 4.0, especially making things digital, will affect jobs. This is called Work 4.0.
The German government, through its ministries, is leading the way in developing Industry 4.0 policy. They set goals for businesses to achieve. However, there's a gap in how much German businesses work together and know about these policies. The biggest challenge for small and medium-sized businesses in Germany is making sure they have the right IT systems to support digital changes.
Germany's Industry 4.0 plan focuses on making highly customized products. This happens even with very flexible mass production. The needed automation technology is improved by systems that can optimize themselves, set themselves up, diagnose problems, and help workers. The biggest Industry 4.0 project in Germany is "Intelligent Technical Systems Ostwestfalen-Lippe (its OWL)." Another big project is RES-COM. In 2015, the European Commission started a big research project called CREMA to support Industry 4.0.
Estonia
In Estonia, the digital change called the 4th Industrial Revolution started in 1991. This was when Estonia became independent again. Even though it was late to the information revolution (due to 50 years of Soviet occupation), Estonia quickly jumped into the digital era. It almost completely skipped older, analog connections. Early decisions by Prime Minister Mart Laar led to what is now known as e-Estonia. This is one of the world's most digitally advanced nations.
Estonia's Digital Agenda 2030 aims for even more digital changes. It plans to switch to services that are based on events and are proactive. This applies to both personal and business environments. It also plans to develop a green, AI-powered, and human-focused digital government.
Indonesia
Another example is "Making Indonesia 4.0." This plan focuses on making industries perform better.
India
India has a growing economy and a large manufacturing sector. It has fully embraced the digital revolution. This is leading to a new era of excellent manufacturing. India's Industry 4.0 program aims to use technology to make products that can compete globally. They want to do this at good prices while using the newest Industry 4.0 technologies.
South Africa
South Africa created a Presidential Commission on the Fourth Industrial Revolution in 2019. It has about 30 members from universities, industries, and the government. South Africa also set up a special committee for Industry 4.0.
South Korea
The Republic of Korea has had a Presidential Committee on the Fourth Industrial Revolution since 2017. South Korea's I-Korea strategy (2017) focuses on new ways to grow. These include AI, drones, and self-driving cars. This fits with the government's plan for an economy driven by new ideas.
Uganda
Uganda adopted its own National 4IR Strategy in October 2020. It focuses on e-governance, smart cities, health care, education, farming, and the digital economy. To help local businesses, the government was thinking about a bill in 2020. This bill would require government offices to look for digital solutions from local companies first.
United Kingdom
In 2019, the UK's Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy published a paper. It was called "Regulation for the Fourth Industrial Revolution." It explained the need to update current rules. This is to stay competitive as technology and society change.
United States
The United States Department of Homeland Security published a paper in 2019. It was called 'The Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT): Opportunities, Risks, Mitigation'. Key parts of important infrastructure are becoming more digital. This is for better connections and performance. So, how it's put in place, grows, and is maintained must be carefully planned and protected. The paper talks about how IIOT is used and its risks. It suggested some key areas where risks can be reduced. To improve teamwork between public, private, law enforcement, and other groups, the DHS formed the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center (NCCIC).
How Industries Are Using It
The aerospace industry has sometimes been seen as "too low volume for a lot of automation." However, several aerospace companies have looked into Industry 4.0 ideas. They have developed technologies to make things better, even when automation costs a lot upfront. One example is the M4 project by the aerospace parts maker Meggitt PLC.
The growing use of the industrial internet of things is called Industry 4.0 at Bosch and generally in Germany. This includes machines that can predict when they will fail. They can then start maintenance processes on their own. Or, they can coordinate themselves to react to unexpected changes in production. In 2017, Bosch opened the Connectory in Chicago. This is a place for new ideas that focuses on IoT, including Industry 4.0.
Industry 4.0 inspired Innovation 4.0. This is a move towards making things digital for universities and research and development. In 2017, the £81 million Materials Innovation Factory (MIF) opened at the University of Liverpool. It is a center for computer-aided materials science. Here, robots mix materials, collect data, and create models. All of this is part of how new materials are developed.
Criticisms
With more and more everyday tasks becoming automated, some people value products made by hand more. This is the opposite of automation. This idea is called the IKEA effect. It was named by researchers from Harvard, Yale, and Duke universities.
