A concept for context-aware computing in manufacturing: the white goods case

TLDR

Industry 4.0 connects physical assets via IoT, enabling sensors and devices to become context‑aware and supply added‑value information for better decision‑making. The study proposes a context‑aware information distribution system that uses shop‑floor sensor data to deliver timely, relevant information to users, aiming to enhance manufacturing visibility and decision‑making. The system architecture, comprising sensor data collection, context analysis, and targeted information delivery, was developed and piloted in the white goods industry. The system delivers task‑relevant, context‑driven recommendations that improve shop‑floor decision making.

Abstract

A key characteristic for industrial production in the Industry 4.0 paradigm is the connection of physical items like sensors, devices and enterprise assets, connected both to each other and to the Internet. In this Internet of Things environment, things will sense more data, become context-aware and provide added-value information to assist people take more relevant and valuable decisions. Context-aware information distribution may offer substantial value to manufacturing. It provides task-relevant information or services to users in a manufacturing shop-floor improving decision making through context-driven recommendations. This paper presents a context-aware information distribution system to support users in an industrial environment. The system aims at utilising data collected from sensors located at a shop-floor in order to increase the visibility of shop-floor processes by providing the right information, to the right people, at the right time. The system's architecture and key elements have been developed for a pilot implementation in the white goods industry and are presented in this study.