A Study on Industry 4.0 Concept

Abstract

Industry 4.0 is a strategic initiative recently introduced by the German government. The goal of the initiative is transformation of industrial manufacturing through digitalization and exploitation of potentials of new technologies. An Industry 4.0 production system is thus flexible and enables Individualized and customized products. The aim of this paper is to present and far-ciliate an understanding of Industry 4.0 concepts, its drivers, enablers, goals and limitations. Building blocks are described and smart factory concept is pre-scented. This paper presents a review on the advances of robotic and automation technology in achieving industry 4.0. Many companies, research centers, and universities acknowledge that robotics and automation technology is the basis of industrial manufacturing and an important driver for Industry 4.0. The current status of Industry 4.0 readiness of the German companies is presented and commented. Finally it is discussed if Industry 4.0 is really a disruptive concept or simply a natural incremental development of industrial production systems.