Industry 4.0

The era of the industrial revolution witnessed the widespread adoption of machines and new manufacturing processes, which led to increased productivity and economic growth around the globe. Subsequently, the progressive shift from the previous industrial revolutions toward “Industry 4.0,” also called the Fourth Industrial Revolution, represents a significant milestone in human history. The emergence of Industry 4.0 lays the groundwork for a profound social and technological breakthrough that has the potential to transform the global landscape substantially. Industry 4.0 is characterized by the incorporation of digital technologies, including the cyber‐physical system (CPS), Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and big data into the manufacturing sector. The aim of Industry 4.0 is to develop a manufacturing sector that is more productive, adaptable, and linked with the aid of digital technologies. Increasing global competition, evolving customer demands, cost reduction, technological advancements, sustainability, and shortage of skilled labor are significant factors driving the motivation behind Industry 4.0. By automating procedures, cutting down on downtime, and improving efficiency, digital technology integration is transforming traditional manufacturing operations into smart factories. Smart factories are characterized by interconnected machines, equipment, and systems that communicate with each other and humans in real time. This connectivity enables manufacturers to monitor and control their operations more effectively, make better‐informed decisions, and optimize their processes to achieve maximum efficiency and profitability. This chapter provides details of Industry 4.0, including its current trends, design principles, and applications. The chapter describes the basics of Industry 4.0, its emergence, and critical technologies. Further, the chapter details Industry 4.0 architecture, design principles, and associated challenges, including technical challenges, workforce upskilling, integration with legacy systems, and ethical concerns. Thus, this chapter provides a comprehensive insight into recent developments in the domain, the paradigm shifts toward Industry 5.0, and various prospects. The chapter elucidates salient problems, interests, and issues around these broad themes.