What is the Fourth Industrial Revolution?

According to IBM, Industry 4.0, or the Fourth Industrial Revolution, is “the realization of the digital transformation of the [manufacturing], delivering real-time decision-making, enhanced productivity, flexibility, and agility to revolutionize the way companies manufacture, improve, and distribute their products.”

The digital wave doesn’t just affect the manufacturing industry, it also impacts the Architectural, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry.

“In response, forward-thinking firms are increasingly adopting new tools to remain competitive in an ever-changing landscape,” states Sandesh Joshi, Founder & CEO of Indovance Inc.

For GPRS’ customers, the practical meaning is straightforward. You need digital as-builts of your building or facility to outsmart the unknowns and keep your projects moving.

The answer is to create a digital foundation that begins with accurate, accessible as-built drawings, 3D BIM models, and 2D CAD maps. Advanced tools such as Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, artificial intelligence (AI) analytics, and digital twins deliver full value only when accurate project information is available at your fingertips.

When it comes to the AEC industry, this means moving beyond traditional methods and adopting reality capture deliverables. Technologies like 3D laser scanning and BIM modeling link the physical and digital worlds. Digital data is a key component of Industry 4.0 because it enables better planning, fewer surprises, and informed decision-making. Read on to learn how to build that foundation and stay on the cutting edge of the latest Industrial Revolution.

What is the History of Industry 4.0?

Industry 4.0 did not appear overnight. It’s the newest chapter in a long story of industrial modernization. Manufacturing shifted from manual craft to mechanized power, and then mass production moved to programmable automation. Now, manufacturers use cyber-physical systems, also known as cybersecurity, to link assets, data, and decisions in real time. This timeline explains how today’s transformation focuses more on building reliable maps, models, and user-friendly data than on purchasing faster machines.

The First Industrial Revolution: Mechanization and Steam Power

The late 18th and early 19th centuries introduced mechanization through water and steam power, which enabled factories to scale output beyond human and animal labor. Steam engines and mechanical looms changed handmade work into high-volume machine production. Finished goods could now be made with much less manual labor.

The Second Industrial Revolution: Electricity and Assembly Lines

By the late 19th century, the Second Industrial Revolution introduced the use of oil, gas, and electric power, along with assembly lines.

• Electricity replaced steam
• Oil started a transportation and logistics revolution
• Henry Ford’s automotive production model reduced production times and costs

This period also marked the rise of standardized processes and global trade expansion, driven by the widespread adoption of cars, ships, and airplanes.

The Third Industrial Revolution: Digital Technology and Automation

The Third Industrial Revolution, also known as Industry 4.0 or the Digital Revolution, began in the middle of the twentieth century. Unlike the first two revolutions, which depended on mechanical and electrical energy, digital technology changed the game in Industry 3.0. Programmable logic controllers (PLCs), robotics, and early automation systems allowed factories to achieve precision and continuous digital data management. This era also saw the rise of computer-aided design (CAD) and manufacturing.

The main technologies of Industry 3.0 included:

• Personal computers (PCs)
• Industrial robots
• CNC systems
• Computer networks

The Fourth Industrial Revolution: Artificial Intelligence, Digital Twins, and the Internet of Things

The Fourth Industrial Revolution, currently known as Industry 4.0, started in the early 21st century. This revolution does not focus on a single technology. Instead, this era combines many fields like physics, digital technology, and biology. This mix creates a new way to make and use products. The system is smart, connected, and can work on its own using tools like artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud computing.

What Are the Components of Industry 4.0?

Industry 4.0 includes several core technologies that work together to create smart, connected, and efficient systems.

What Part Does The Internet of Things (IoT) Play?

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a big part of what makes smart factories tick. Picture this – the factory floor machines loaded with sensors, each having its own IP address, so they can connect to other web-enabled devices with ease.

• Benefit: Helps monitor equipment and reduce downtime

Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is a cornerstone of Industry 4.0 because it links engineering, supply chain, production, sales, and service. The cloud stores and processes large amounts of data fast and at a lower cost.

• Benefit: Cuts IT costs and scales with business growth

The Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is essentially a machine’s ability to perform cognitive functions we usually associate with human minds – things like perceiving, reasoning, learning, interacting with the environment, solving problems, and even showing creativity. Chances are, you’ve already interacted with AI without realizing it. Voice assistants like Siri and Alexa? Powered by AI. Those helpful chatbots that pop up on websites? Also, AI at work.

Now, machine learning, a branch of AI, takes this concept further by enabling systems to learn from data, identify patterns, and improve over time through experience rather than explicit programming.

Deep learning pushes the boundaries even more, using neural networks inspired by the human brain to process images, text, and audio.

Machine Learning is what powers facial recognition, advanced chatbots, and generative AI tools.

• Benefit: Boosts efficiency and prevents costly breakdowns

Edge Computing

Edge computing analyzes data at its source or “edge,” which eliminates delays and enables immediate action when safety or quality issues arise with manufacturing equipment. This component keeps data close to its origin, which reduces exposure and strengthens security.

• Benefit: Enables real-time decisions and improves safety

Cybersecurity

Industry 4.0 connects machines and systems across the factory floor, creating a highly integrated environment. This level of connectivity introduces potential entry points for attacks and malware. Cybersecurity protects IT infrastructure and operational equipment from threats and minimizes risks.

• Benefit: Reduces the risks of cyberattacks and keeps operations secure

Digital Twin

3D BIM models developed by GPRS can serve as the base for a digital twin, which is an exact virtual representation of a physical space that uses real-time data to stay updated and accurate. By using Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, the model of the space can continuously update with high accuracy.

• Benefit: Lets you test ideas and optimize workflow without stopping production

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Thank you for reading this excerpt. For a deeper dive into Industry 4.0 and to discover what’s next for SiteMap, read the full article here.