Reading Time: 2 minutes

Automata in Industry 4.0 involves the use of artificial intelligence (AI), edge computing, the Internet of Things (IoT) and cyber-physical systems (CPS) to revolutionize the industrial production processes.

Autonomous tasks can be performed with Automata or with minimal human intervention. It helps improve efficiency, quality, safety, and flexibility in various industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, agriculture, healthcare, and more.

Examples of how Automata can be used in Industry 4.0 are:-

• Detection used by machines for needed spare parts and order them automatically.
• Production systems run their quality control during operation and adjust parameters accordingly.
• Robots recognize and move components without pre-programmed instructions.
• Drones and self-driving cars communicate with each other and the network using 5G technology.
• Farm tools and pharmacy robots operating based on cloud data and IoT platforms.
• Cloud robotic arms and IoT components to control remotely and securely.
• Automation platforms standardize and redesign procedures, to make it constant and accurate and operate 24/7.
• Virtual and augmented reality technologies facilitate learning processes and improve productive organization models.
• Digital twins monitor the process of lifecycle and provide virtual models for decision-making.
• Automation technologies connect, control, and monitor networks of gadgets, devices, machines, robots, and cloud information in real time using IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things).
• Advanced security controls protect equipment, components, people, and systems from cyberattacks.
• Robotics and automation create new jobs and steer people toward other opportunities.

Expert’s opinions on Automata in Industry 4.0 are:-

• Automata in Industry 4.0 is essential to rebuilding the industrial value chain by decentralizing production and integrating global networks.
• In Industry 4.0, Automata is based on emerging information technologies and artificial intelligence technologies to enable intelligent networking of machines and processes.
• Offers various benefits such as cost efficiency, competitive advantages, scalability, flexibility, time reduction, safety, improved control, and quality.
• It poses some challenges and risks such as the impact on jobs, skills, ethics, privacy, and security.
• It requires a comprehensive and responsible approach to people, data, services, and things.

However, with so many possibilities and positive opinions, technologies or any advanced technologies have never been out in the market with their fair share of challenges and hurdles. It is always some risks impacting jobs, skills, ethics, privacy, and security.

The challenges present in the Automata technology in Industry 4.0 are:-

• The high initial cost of technology and lack of appropriate infrastructure support.
• The change management and the resistance to adopting new technologies and processes.
• The skill gap and the need for reskilling and upskilling the workforce.
• The ethical, social, and legal implications for using Automata in Industry 4.0.
• The cybersecurity and data protection issues and the threat of cyberattacks.
• Interoperability and standardization issues among different technologies, platforms, and systems.
• Uncertainty and complexity of the market and customer demands.

Source: Nexusintegra, Robotics &Automation news, Industry 4.0, emerald insights, mckinsey, weforum, Engineering & Technology, IEEE Xplore