Advanced Technologies in Smart Factories: A Cornerstone of Industry 4.0
Svetlana Dabić-Miletić
Abstract
The transition from manufacturing activities to an economy dominated by industrial production signifies the evolution of the Industrial Revolution. Presently, the global landscape is undergoing the Fourth Industrial Revolution, a natural progression from its digital predecessor, Industry 3.0. This era is distinguished by an influx of innovations across global business sectors. Solutions, particularly aiming to enhance industrial production and address volatile consumer demands, have gained paramount importance. These global shifts lead to profound structural transformations in industrial production. With the rapid integration of contemporary technologies in Industry 4.0, coupled with significant technical advancements, the notion of "smart factories" has emerged as a focal point in research, engineering, and practical applications. In the realm of sustainable business operations, the concept of the smart factory is frequently debated. While its intent is the diminution of manual tasks and the enhancement of customer service, it inherently demands the incorporation of various technologies inherent to Industry 4.0. Recognizing the profound impact of Industry 4.0 on production methodologies and the workforce's perspective, emphasis is placed on understanding the pivotal role of advanced technologies within the smart factory paradigm. This abstract seeks to elucidate the core processes in the smart factory concept with a spotlight on refining intralogistics activities through the lens of Industry 4.0 technologies.