What Is Smart Manufacturing?
The term “smart manufacturing” refers to fully-integrated, collaborative manufacturing systems that respond in real time to changing demands and conditions in the smart factory, supply network, and customer needs. In other words, it is necessary to install systems in factories that connect machines not only to one another but also, and most importantly, to the Internet in order to ensure optimal and scalable control of production processes.
In a work environment based on smart manufacturing technology, we strive to automate as many operations as possible in order to maximize efficiency. The goal is to complete them faster while maintaining quality and profitability at a lower cost. The smart manufacturing industry is rapidly expanding, with a value of USD 87.4 billion in 2021 and a projected value of USD 238.8 billion in 2028.
IIoT in Smart Manufacturing
The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is an ecosystem in which every device, machine, and/or process is linked via data communication systems. Each machine and piece of industrial equipment contains or is linked to sensors that generate relevant data. This is then transmitted to cloud/software systems via data communication systems. This massive amount of data contains a wealth of information that, when analyzed, may aid in identifying specific dark spots in the smart automation manufacturing process.
Data Analytics in Smart Manufacturing
Since smart factories are built around data, cyber security will play a critical role in the entire smart manufacturing ecosystem. While implementing these enablers, data security is a significant challenge. Big data is a feature of our digital economy, where leveraging actionable data and analytics has become critical as digitization continues to generate a flood of data and a proliferation of data sources.
Artificial Intelligence in Smart Manufacturing
Artificial intelligence is an old concept, but it is now finding applications in manufacturing ecosystems. There has been a tremendous increase in interest and investment in AI in manufacturing in recent years. This is primarily due to a few factors, including the fact that AI will only work if the data is available, and it has only recently become possible to build the necessary capability as Big Data becomes more popular.
Industrial Robotics in Smart Manufacturing
Robots are altering our perceptions of manufacturing; they are designed to move materials as well as perform a variety of modified tasks in production and manufacturing settings. They are frequently used to perform tasks that are dangerous or unsatisfactory for human laborers, such as monotonous work that causes fatigue and may result in wounds as a result of the worker’s negligence.
Industrial robots have the potential to significantly improve product quality. Applications are carried out with precision and consistency in each activity. This level of dependability is difficult to achieve in another manner. Industrial robots are expensive, but the benefits far outweigh the costs. Industrial robots are worth investing in because of their efficient operation in manufacturing.