CONTROL & AUTOMATION
INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION
HOFFMAN GROUP
The reality of Industry 4.0 in manufacturing
By Tim Paddison, managing director of
tooling and machining specialist Hoffmann
Group UK
Much has been made of how the fourth
industrial revolution - Industry 4.0 - will
impact the manufacturing industry, with its
rise having been a regular feature in future-
gazing pieces and expert predictions for
the past few years.
However, despite the buzz, there is
still relatively little clarity around how
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PECM Issue 43
Industry 4.0, referring to an age wherein
technologies such as AI, automation
and the Internet of Things intersect with
business strategy, could impact the
manufacturing industry. Whenever the prospect of Industry 4.0
is raised, the most common talking point
tends to be the fear that jobs currently
occupied by humans will be replaced by
machines.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most
common myths surrounding Industry 4.0, as
well as how it might benefit manufacturers. This is an unfortunate, and damaging,
misconception. While certain roles will
inevitably make way for new technology,
this can open up opportunities in other
areas, and actually create more jobs than it
replaces.
Dispelling the primary myth: Will Industry 4.0
lead to robots replacing humans?