The term industrial technology involves a lot for sure. But for these recent years, its involvement has been limited to some particular things only. It is the effect of the most current industrial revolution from the industrial revolution 3.0 to industrial revolution 4.0.
Yes, human beings have passed through the 4.0 industrial technology (revolutions). Industrial technology or revolution 1.0 happened around the 18th century when our ancestors explored their knowledge to lighten their works. It was signed by the use of the steam engine. Further similar tools were invented and the world simply changed.
Industries no longer used humans to make products but they used machines.
After a long journey, people made history through the industrial revolution 2.0. The machines were no longer mechanically operated but they used electricity as the power. Human work is getting easier and easier this way. It continued with the industrial revolution after some decades where people already used computers to operate tools and machines.
Now, we have been in the era of industrial revolution 4.0. It is signed with the connectivity improvements among the human, machines, and other resources convergent. The improvements happened more smoothly by utilizing information and communication technology.
The latest industrial revolution actually began around a decade ago, in 2011. It creates new business models and products as well as many new jobs. Online platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Uber, Amazon, and more become symbols of the industrial revolution 4.0. Of course, they will always be developed. There are at least 5 types of industrial technology needed during the era of industry 4.0. Here they are.
1. Internet of Things (IoT)
The use and development of the internet are indeed considered the main key of the industry 4.0 era. In the beginning, the use of the internet was only seen on big screens like computers. But currently, users even prefer using it on smaller screens like smartphones.
Interestingly, there are currently more electronic products and home appliances that are equipped with the internet. They are starting from TV, refrigerator, slow cooker, microwave, AC, and even watch. Products with the internet use the term “smart”, known as Smart TV, smartwatch, and more. Those appliances are connected to each other and most of them can be operated at distance using your smartphone.
At least, in 2021, there will be approximately 20 billion smart devices produced and connected. The number will increase up to 10 times in only a few years. Well, the smart devices along with the technology are what we call the Internet of Things (IoT).
2. Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a computer or machinery system with human-like intelligence. AI can absorb and process information and then use it as a reference to do an action correctly. In case there is an error in responding to the information, AI even has the ability to make a self-correction.
Currently, the technology has been implemented in many sectors. Almost all modern businesses and industries used it to let employees do their jobs more efficiently. But mostly, AI is used in some following sectors, they are new research and technology, consumer behavior analysis, fraud detection, marketing and sales projections, safety, and more.
There are 2 classifications of AI applied in products. Those classifications are based on how they process the information given to them. First, it is the strong AI. A strong AI doesn’t only work by processing requests that have been programmed before. This type of AI also can work independently to process requests or commands that have not been programmed yet. Therefore, they can search for solutions by themselves.
Second, it is the weak AI. A weak AI tends to only process requests, commands, and information that have been programmed. They cannot work beyond that. Mostly, AI applied to home appliances is in this classification.
3. Blockchain Technology
Blockchain is a set of recorded data that is managed by a group of computers without any entity that owns it. Those data are kept and “bound” from one to another using the cryptography principle. The network doesn’t have a central authority and the data are shareable but not changeable. It is open to anyone who wants to see all the data inside.
That’s why anything established and kept using blockchain technology tends to be transparent. Everybody involved is responsible for any action they make themselves. This matter is considered the main benefit of applying the technology anyway.
There are still some more benefits presented by Blockchain. It doesn’t require transaction costs, making it more economical. The data cannot be changed making them more trusted and reliable. For all the benefits it gives, Blockchain becomes the technology behind cryptocurrency trading and modern banking systems.
4. Cloud Computing System
As almost all activities currently use digital data, you can imagine how big the data is created and processed by your device daily. Consequently, it needs a memory with a bigger capacity that enables those data to work and save well without causing troubles.
Aside from using a big-capacity memory, another solution for the enormous data is by using the Cloud computing system. A Cloud computing system means saving and processing data in a data center through a particular network. It enables you to keep a big amount of data and process them in real time. The technology also prevents devices from problems like lagging when processing big data.
While personally, Cloud benefit may not be really visible, the technology is really needed by companies and organizations. Yes, as they may produce very big data daily, Cloud is a solution to keep the digital assets of the company to run well.
5. 3D Printing Technology
The technology may not be widely used currently. But only in a few years, it will. 3D printing technology has become the most effective method to create a product. It enables a product to shape automatically. Even the most complex shape can be simply made more accurately.
More than that, the way to operate a 3D printer is also very easy. It is almost similar to a regular 2D printer in which you only need to click a button after setting some points. Then, wait for some time, and the product is created automatically. It sounds interesting, doesn’t it?
