10 Biggest Future Trends in Manufacturing | So Good News

From cars to computers; Almost everything we use every day, from coffee machines to children’s toys, is made by manufacturers. Not surprisingly, manufacturing is often cited as a key construct of society.

Manufacturing has evolved over the centuries from human-centered methods to machine-reliant assembly lines to the highly automated manufacturing plants we see today. And the industry continues to evolve. Indeed, Many trends are converging to transform manufacturing, and these trends can be referred to as “Industry 4.0.” Let’s take a look at the seven biggest trends that will contribute to Industry 4.0.

Path 1: Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)

You’ve heard of the Internet of Things. Well, We now have the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), which uses interconnected devices in manufacturing and industrial settings to collect data. Data that can then be used to improve the manufacturing process.

Sensors are a prime example of these interconnected IIoT devices. Data collected from sensors in the factory helps manufacturers understand the performance of machines; to optimize the maintenance process; It can help to reduce downtime and even predict when things go wrong. Leading to the next generation of production…

Path 2: 5G and edge computing

Fifth-generation mobile data network technology (5G) will allow manufacturers to easily connect their IIoT technology and leverage data collection and data processing within devices such as smart devices and sensors. Manufacturers will be able to create a dedicated 5G network that will provide better data speeds without the need for cables and extensive data security.

Path 3: Predictive maintenance

In production conditions, Predictive maintenance refers to the use of sensor data and artificial intelligence (AI) to detect failure patterns in equipment and components. The concept is made by understanding when a machine or a part. often. If it fails, manufacturers can take preventative measures and maintain their equipment more effectively.

It’s not just about innovative equipment. Siemens already uses such sensors in older motors and gears; By analyzing the data from these sensors; Siemens says it can interpret the status of a machine; Irregularities can be detected and repaired before machines fail. It shows how predictive maintenance processes can be applied even to legacy machines.

Path 4: Digital twins

Digital twins can be used to simulate a physical process or object. for example, In a production setting; A digital twin is used to create a digital replica of a factory floor to map out the dimensions of a new product, or to see how machinery operates under certain conditions. Digital twin technology can even be used to visualize and map the entire supply chain. In 2022, As many as 70 percent of manufacturers can perform simulations and evaluations of digital twins – this should give you an idea of ​​how this trend can change.

Using digital twins, Boeing was able to achieve a 40 percent improvement in the quality of parts for the first time. In 2018, Dennis Muilenburg, Boeing’s CEO at the time, said digital twins would be the biggest driver of manufacturing efficiency improvements in the next decade.

Trend 5: Extended Reality and the metaverse

Augmented reality technologies such as augmented and virtual reality will play an increasingly important part in manufacturing. better product design; better production planning; This will include increased human capacity and deeper training on assembly lines. As the world expands into form, more opportunities will emerge for manufacturers.

Path 6: Automation and Dark Factories

Thanks to AI, machines are now able to perform more and more tasks that were previously reserved for humans. It therefore means that machines can perform more and more production tasks.

Automation means higher productivity (machines don’t tire); It can bring many advantages to manufacturers, including greater accuracy and lower costs. We may even see fully automated factories or so called factories. Dark Factories: Sites where production is fully automated without direct human intervention on site.

Track 7: Robots and Cobots

One of the key areas of automation is the use of robots. But not all robots will replace human workers. It is important to note that there is much to improve human work. for example, We have robotic skeletons that help people on production lines lift heavier parts without compromising their safety. And we have collaborative intelligent robots, or “cobots,” that are specifically designed to work alongside humans.

Robots and cobots can help manufacturers become more efficient. Such is the case with Nissan, which has deployed Universal Robots’ robotic arms at its motor manufacturing plants in Japan to overcome problems with maintaining production time (primarily due to labor shortages). Nissan has also employed cobots in other tasks to help employees install engines.

Trend 8: 3D printing.

As 3D printing becomes more cost-effective, efficient and scalable, manufacturers can use 3D printing methods to produce more products and produce less waste than traditional manufacturing methods. I believe 3D printing will drive a new era of customization. In addition, 3D printing can drive innovation by allowing rapid prototyping.

Airbus has been using 3D printing technology for over 15 years, making it a pioneer in 3D printing. The company makes extensive use of 3D printing for locally on-demand production of tools such as jigs and fixtures.

Trend 9: Web3 and blockchain technology

With the advent of Web3 and distributed computing technologies such as blockchains and NFTs (non-fungible tokens), manufacturers will have opportunities to better monitor their supply chains and even automate many transactions throughout their supply chain. Many products that will be manufactured in the future will be sold with their NFT digital signatures.

Trend 10: Smarter and more sustainable products

The emergence of smart, connected IoT devices isn’t just about change. how’s it going Although products are manufactured what Product types are produced. These days it seems like there are “smart” versions of everything from vacuum cleaners to toilets, and the trend for smart products shows no signs of slowing down. Therefore, manufacturers need to explore ways to provide consumers with the intelligent products they expect.

In addition, Consumers have long-term, reusable I believe that more and more people will be attracted to reusable products. The throwaway culture of the past is expected to come to an end; This is another factor that manufacturers must consider.

Learn more about the business and technology trends that are changing today’s companies; Subscribe to my newsletter and check out my book!Business Trends in Action: 25+ Trends Redefining Organizations.‘.