Leading Information and Communication Technologies for Smart Manufacturing: Facing the New Challenges and Opportunities of the 4th Industrial Revolution

The first three industrial revolutions came about as a result of mechanization, electricity, and information technology (IT), respectively. Now, the introduction of the Internet of Things and Services into the manufacturing environment is fostering a 4th industrial revolution (Industry 4.0), where the smart optimization and computerization of all the actors and phases of the manufacturing process, including the conceptualization and design of a product, as well as its production and transaction, are taking a leading role.