Trends in Smart Manufacturing: Role of Humans and Industrial Robots in Smart Factories

TLDR

Industry 4.0 emerged in 2011, introducing enabling technologies such as IoT, CPS, and Digital Twins. This review defines smart factories and smart manufacturing, focusing on the roles of humans and robots within Industry 4.0. The authors provide an overview of selected smart‑factory technologies and clarify the relationship between humans, robots, and Industry 4.0. The study finds that a decade has not produced reference implementations of Industry 4.0 smart factories, highlighting ongoing future prospects.

Abstract

Abstract Purpose of Review This paper provides an overview of the role of humans and robots in smart factories, their connection to Industry 4.0, and which progress they make when it comes to related technologies. Recent Findings The current study shows that a decade was not enough to provide a reference implementation or application of Industry 4.0, like smart factories. In 2011, Industry 4.0 was mentioned for the first time in the scientific community. Industry 4.0 arrived with many new enabling technologies and buzzwords, e.g., Internet of Things (IoT), Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS), and Digital Twins (DT). Summary This paper first defines smart factories and smart manufacturing in relation to the role of humans and robots. Followed by an overview of selected technologies in smart factories. Concluded by future prospects and its’ relation to smart manufacturing.