The information age is over. We have just entered the Fourth Industrial Revolution! Our current era is characterized by a range of new technologies that are fusing the physical, digital, and biological worlds. What are the main trends that are disrupting manufacturing, and what does this mean for you?
1. Augmented Reality: the Aerospace Industry Is Getting Even Smarter
For a long time, augmented reality was relevant for entertainment purposes only. That is now changing. This technology is helping the manufacturing industry in several ways. It can be used for training, better collaboration, or even helping to prevent errors.
Take, for example, the Smart Augmented Reality Tool (SART) that is used in the aerospace industry to check fuselage section assembly.
2. Nanotechnology: The Power of Tennis Balls
Nanotechnology is manipulation of matter on an atomic, molecular, and supramolecular scale. Nanotech is already used to make tennis balls and gauze super-strong, but there is speculation that products like these are just the beginning.
The health industry may be revolutionized by creating artificial body parts or remotely diagnosing and delivering drugs. In the future, cars may be manufactured with nanomaterials, so they would need fewer metals. This may be the most exciting development in manufacturing this century.
3. 3D Printing: The Bright Future of Spare Parts
Though professional adoption of 3D printing is still in its infancy, there is no doubt it will revolutionize the production process. For starters, it will make manufacturing simpler. You’ll need fewer pieces, which will cut down on welding and fastening time and costs.
Making replacement parts will be faster and simpler. Hence, the old storage problem will be over, and all replacement parts can be on-sale forever.
4. Automation: The Robots are Already Here
Through artificial intelligence and machine learning, robots are becoming smarter and smarter and will perform more and more tasks that are now done manually. In the future, some human workers will still be necessary because the machines have to be programmed and operated.
Both McKinsey and Forrester see a future in which humans and machines work increasingly side by side. This will result in a more cost-effective manufacturing process where time and resources are freed up for innovation.
What These Trends Mean for You
I think the future of manufacturing is inspiring. Technological developments result in growth and innovation. We will learn a lot during the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Whether you choose to take a look at augmented reality, automation, or some other aspect, it is first and foremost the spirit of innovation and growth from which you can learn.
At RevelX, we know how to capture new market opportunities. We develop and implement winning, growth strategies which are insightful, innovative, and practical. Do you want to innovate your business model? Let’s talk!
Eric de Groot
Boardroom strategist with unparalleled creative brainpower. Always focused on growth. Creates speed by combining business modeling with inventive pragmatic solutions. Invests in involvement over a sustained period.
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