The rise of the IOT and smart manufacturing is unanimously considered the 4th industrial revolution

Following the three major industrial revolutions of the steam age, the electrical age and the information age, the world has entered an era of unprecedented innovation intensity and industrial change. The fourth industrial revolution, led by the Internet of Things and smart manufacturing, is changing our production methods and lifestyles.

I. The driving force of the fourth industrial revolution

 1. Globalization division of labor and the flow of production factors

With the acceleration of globalization, the flow and allocation of factors of production among the international are becoming more frequent and the international division of labor is more obvious. Enterprises need to adjust their production capacity and resources within a short period of time to meet the changing demands of the market.

2. Demand for personalized products

 Consumers' demand for personalized and customized products is increasing, and enterprises must achieve rapid response, flexible production and short production cycle.

3. Technological innovation and development

 The development of new-generation information technology, communication technology, artificial intelligence, big data and other disruptive technologies provide technical support for the innovation of production methods.

II. Industrial Change and Emerging Industries

 1. Development of the Internet of Things (IoT)

IoT is a technology that connects various objects through the Internet. The development of this technology promotes the ability to collect, process and analyze data, providing the basis for smart manufacturing.

2. Driverless and Intelligent Transportation

Driverless technology based on IoT and artificial intelligence is changing the production model of transportation and logistics industries, increasing efficiency, reducing costs and reducing environmental pollution.

3.3D printing and digital manufacturing

3D printing technology enables rapid prototyping and customized production by stacking materials layer by layer to create items. Digital manufacturing, on the other hand, improves production efficiency and quality through computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM).

4. Transformation of the energy industry

The fourth industrial revolution has given rise to the development of new energy technologies, such as photovoltaics, wind energy, energy storage, etc., reducing the dependence on fossil energy.

III. Impact on the future economy, society and environment

1. Improve production efficiency and reduce production costs

The fourth industrial revolution will improve production efficiency and reduce production costs through technologies such as the Internet of Things and smart manufacturing. Enterprises will be able to produce more high-quality products at a higher speed and lower cost to meet market demand.

2. Industrial restructuring and job market changes

The development of emerging industries will bring about the adjustment of industrial structure, some traditional industries will gradually decline, while new industries will rise. This will have a significant impact on the job market, and the demand for labor will change from low-skilled to high-skilled, while the demand for vocational training and lifelong learning will increase.

3. Smart Manufacturing and Environmental Protection

Through the combination of smart manufacturing technology and the concept of sustainable development, the fourth industrial revolution is expected to achieve efficient use of resources and energy, reduce waste emissions, and lower environmental pollution.

4. Social welfare and income distribution

The Fourth Industrial Revolution is likely to bring productivity improvements and economic growth, which will improve overall social welfare. However, it may also lead to an increase in income distribution inequality, thus requiring the government to take corresponding policy measures to ensure a fair distribution of benefits.

Conclusion:

Following the steam age, electrical age and information age, the world has entered an unprecedented era of intensive innovation and industrial change. The fourth industrial revolution, led by the Internet of Things and smart manufacturing, is changing our production methods and lifestyles. With the acceleration of globalization division of labor and technological innovation, industrial restructuring, environmental protection and social development are facing many challenges and opportunities.