The world is still digesting all the innovations brought by Industry 4.0, and a new revolution is already brewing. Digital technologies and robotics gave birth to the newest industrial revolution, changing the whole automotive sector. Productivity, quality, and workers’ safety will never be the same again.
As the name suggests, Industry 5.0 is a step further, and it’s happening now. Artificial intelligence, machine learning, IoT and robotic components already play vital roles on the factory floor. Standalone robots like those provided by Top Automazioni Srl can already work alongside humans.
When it comes to tech innovation, the auto industry is always ahead of the curve. Here’s how the newest digital technologies are steering this industry towards a more efficient and sustainable future.
Working Class Robots
Robots are everywhere these days. Industries like logistics, healthcare, agriculture, and food manufacturing all use robotics and some degree of automation. Still, the automotive industry leads the way, using the largest number of robots in its production line. They can handle tasks that would be too physically demanding, dangerous or repetitive for human workers.
However, the brains behind the robotic arms are even more important. For instance, devices connected via IoT provide critical data about operations in real-time, diagnose problems, and automatically schedule maintenance.
IoT technologies are also changing the driving experience with connected cameras and GPS and handling V2V (vehicle-to-vehicle communication). Self-driving vehicles would still be a sci-fi thing without those technologies.
Improvements in AI/ML technologies have created futuristic-like collaborative robots (Cobots). Using cameras and sensors, these android-like bots can move around the factory without threatening human workers.
Digital Creativity
Machine learning and 3D printing became vital allies in the research and development of new vehicles. Thanks to big data analysis, designers no longer need to guess what their clients want. Now, designers can count on data provided by their own customers. For instance, they can collect UX data to predict buying patterns, the latest trends and even service history.
Those who think that virtual and augmented reality are only for entertainment may be surprised to learn that those technologies are also used to design new vehicles. Such technologies create vivid simulations of new models before they’re even built. It’s possible to test features like ergonomics, interior space, dashboard and safety controls.
It can be extremely costly to change a project during the production stage. VR/AR simulations significantly reduce such risks.
Supply chain management also became much more predictable and efficient. IoT provides inventory control, replacing long and flawed manmade research and procurement of components. It saves time and money, helping manufacturers prepare for market fluctuations.
Conclusion
The automotive sector will likely spearhead the use of cutting-edge digital technologies for manufacturing. More affordable electric cars and self-driving vehicles are just around the corner as this industry updates its gear at every new tech breakthrough. The global market for industrial robotics registered a revenue of USD 8.82 billion, with a project CAGR of 13.2% until 2032.
