In 2022, Digital Manufacturing and The Smart Factory will be Commonplace.

Digital manufacturing is changing the way companies manufacture products through digital technologies that allow for far greater control and adaptability in the way things are conceptualized and produced, from operational intelligence to additive manufacturing, mass customization, and speed.

Fremont, CA: Digital manufacturing is a significant component of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. It is characterized as an integrated approach to production that combines physical machinery, data, and people to transform the manufacturing process.

Manufacturing Industry 4.0

Industrial 4.0, also known as IIoT (industry Internet of Things) or smart manufacturing, refers to integrating technology into both physical and manufacturing processes. It uses software and technology to connect products, processes, and people to improve all elements of an organization by monitoring real-time activities.

IIoT technologies that are widely used                

These IIoT technologies are used by manufacturers today:

5G

5G is the fifth generation of cellular network technology, which is 100 times faster than 4G. This helps mitigate the challenges produced by 'lagging' technology by allowing for speedier data transfer and better real-time communication reliability.

Robotics

As robots become more cost-effective, more businesses will be able to use their many capabilities. For example, robots can be programmed to pick and pack in warehouses and assemble products.

Manufacturing with Additives

Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, combines materials to create a three-dimensional object. In addition, rapid prototyping has grown in popularity due to its accessibility to enterprises of all sizes (discussed in more detail below).

What is a Smart Factory, exactly?

The Smart Factory is a digitally connected and integrated environment that optimizes the manufacturing process from start to finish. Sensors, IoT, the Cloud, Big Data, AI, virtual reality, robotics, and novel production processes such as 3D printing and CNC machining are used in Smart Factories.

These three characteristics are typical of a Smart Factory:

Intelligence: Accurate, real-time information allows the appropriate employees to make well-informed decisions. Decisions are created automatically in reaction to data in some circumstances, such as AI technology.

Rather than burdened by day-to-day operations, organizations may harness precise business data, establish new procedures, and focus on enhancing business objectives.

Response Time: Real-time data minimizes the time it takes to respond to issues and can improve all aspects of productivity efficiency.