Bridging Industry 4.0 and Power Systems: A Conceptual Framework

A paradigm of Industry 4.0 is to promote interconnectivity between virtual and physical components (such as sensors, equipment, and other assets), both with people, with each other, and with the Internet. For this purpose, ordinary machines must be transformed into sentient and conscious devices capable of learning independently to improve their overall performance and maintenance in interaction with their surroundings. Existing processes will become smart enough to significantly reduce their failures and quickly adapt for a more flexible and productive scenario. Real-time monitoring and traceability of product states and positions are some of the most significant needs of Industry 4.0. Therefore, information and communication technologies are essential for realizing these systems.