Leveraging the Role of Dynamic Reconfigurable Antennas in Viewpoint of Industry 4.0 and Beyond

Abstract

Industry 4.0 is a digital paradigm that refers to the integration of cutting-edge computing and digital technologies into global industries because of which the state of manufacturing, communication, and control of smart industries has changed altogether. Industry 4.0 has been profoundly influenced by some major disruptive technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), smart sensors, machine learning and artificial intelligence, cloud computing, big data analytics, advanced robotics, augmented reality, 3D printing, and smart adaptive communication. In this review paper, we discuss physical layer-based solutions with a focus on high reliability and seamless connectivity for Industry 4.0 and beyond applications. First, we present a harmonized review of the industrial revolution journey, industrial communication infrastructure, key performance requirements, and potential sub-6-GHz frequency bands. Then, based on that, we present a comprehensive review of intelligent tunable dynamic antenna systems at sub-6 GHz as key enablers for next-generation smart industrial applications. State-of-the-art smart antenna techniques such as agile pattern reconfigurability using electrical components, machine learning- and artificial intelligence-based agile beam-scanning antennas, and beam-steerable dynamic metasurface antennas are thoroughly reviewed and emphasized. We unfolded the exciting prospects of reconfigurable dynamic antennas for intelligent and reliable connectivity in application scenarios of Industry 4.0 and beyond such as Industrial IoT and smart manufacturing.