Today’s manufacturing is different than the past – that is an obvious statement. What’s referred to as Industry 4.o and the smart factory is the wave of the future, and really the present. It is defined as the current trend of automation and data exchange in manufacturing technologies. It includes cyber-physical systems, the Internet of Things and cloud computing. Today’s robotics and automation on the packaging line include more sophisticated software that keep these processes in communication with each other and the line moving effortlessly.
The Internet of Things (IoT), Industry 4.0 and smart machines refer to the wave of connected machinery that “speaks” to one another for up-to-date information, feedback and monitoring, as well as increased productivity. Thanks to application of the IoT, 72% of manufacturers saw increases in productivity and 69% saw improved profitability in the past year, according to The MPI Internet of Things Study, sponsored by BDO (bdo.com). The study also states that half of plant production and equipment processes are already being managed via the IoT, and that number is set to climb. New controllers and robots are launching to increase accuracy and beef up productivity in plants.