We see the trend of manufacturers moving from manual labor through machine-dependent assembly lines to highly-automated factories today. The industry is evolving.
Many trends are merging to transform production. This is often called “Industry 4.0.” Here are seven key themes that drive Industry 4.0. Manufacturing moves from manual labor through machine-dependent assembly lines to highly automated factories that we are increasingly seeing.
Top 10 Production and Manufacturing Trends In Future
1. Industrial IoT (IIoT)
The Internet of Things is a term you’ve probably heard of. The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is a networked device that gathers data to improve manufacturing processes.
2. Sensors are a Classic Example of IIoT Devices
Sensor Data from production equipment could assist producers in evaluating many factors. Starting with machine performance can be improved, downtime decreased, and even machine failure forecasted. Here’s the next substantial industrial trend.
5G and edge computing, the fifth-generation mobile data networks (5G), will enable manufacturers to quickly link IIoT devices. Edge computing is the use of data collection and processing within them. For high data security and speedy communication, manufacturers may build a private 5G network at their premises.
Also read: What is Distribution Management and Planning?
3. Predictive upkeep
Predictive maintenance is based on sensor data and artificial intelligence (AI), which helps to identify failure trends in equipment or components. Producers can improve their ability to maintain equipment by knowing when a part or machine is most likely to fail. It’s not about expensive new equipment.
Siemens claims that it has used similar sensors on older gearboxes and motors. This gear can use sensor data to detect problems and fix equipment before it breaks. This is how manufacturers might use predictive maintenance to repair older machines.
4. Digital Twins
A digital twin can imitate any physical process or object. In manufacturing, a digital duplicate might be used to mimic the dimensions of a new product. It creates a digital copy of industrial equipment in order to test its performance in different situations.
Digital twins can even see and replicate a supply chain. Digital twins could be used by up to 70% of manufacturers by 2022. They will use them to simulate and assess. This illustrates how disruptive digital twinning could be.
Boeing’s digital twins have helped improve component quality by 40% Dennis Muilenburg, Boeing’s former CEO, claimed that digital twins were the key driver for manufacturing efficiency improvements a decade ago.
5. Extended Reality and Meta
Technologies like Augmented and virtual reality technologies will be more common in manufacturing. They improve product design, production planning, human talent on assembly lines, as well as training.
Therefore, Manufacturers will have more trend options as the metaverse grows.
6. Dark Factories
AI has enabled computers to perform tasks previously only possible by humans. It makes sense that machines can do more production.
Automation can improve manufacturing productivity (devices aren’t tired), accuracy, and reduce costs. We may also see more fully automated or dark factories where there is no direct human interaction.
7. Robots and Cobots
Automation is facilitated by robots. Automation designers did not create all robots that could replace human labor. Many robots were designed by automation designers to aid people. Robotic exoskeletons, for example, help workers move larger items safely.
Also, we have intelligent, collaborative robots (cobots), which are designed to work with humans.
Factory cobots and robots could help them save money. Universal Robots robotic arms were used by Nissan in Japanese motor manufacturing plants. This was mainly to help maintain production times due to labor shortages. Nissan also used cobots for tasks such as installing intakes.
Also read: Top 10 Manufacturing Analytics Use Cases in Supply Chain
8. 3D printing
3D printing will allow manufacturers to create more complex products using fewer resources and less waste than traditional production methods. Because 3D printing eliminates the need to scale, it could lead to a new era of customization. 3D printing allows for quick prototyping, which may encourage creativity.
Airbus, which has used 3D printing for nearly 15 years, is a pioneer in manufacturing.
For localized, on-demand tooling fabrication such as jigs or fittings, the firm uses 3D printing trends.
9. Web3 and Blockchain
Manufacturers will be able to better manage their supply chains using Web3 and other distributed computing technologies such as blockchains and non-fungible tokens. They can even automate many transactions. Automation designers will soon offer many items with NFT digital certificates.
10. More Innovative, More Sustainable Goods
Smart connected IoT devices are changing the way designers design things. They also make the things they make. Every item, from toilets to vacuum cleaners, now comes in a “smart” version. And the demand for intelligent products is not slowing down.
Manufacturers will need to come up with new ways to supply consumers with clever products. People will also increasingly opt for recyclable, reusable, and eco-friendly products.
It is time to let go of the throwaway mentality that characterized the past. therefore, This is something manufacturers should also consider.
Leave a comment