The EE Times special report on Enabling the Factory of 2030 looks at how digitalization continues to transform manufacturing by improving efficiency and innovation. The factory of the future embraces Industry 4.0 technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), advanced analytics, automation and cloud computing, which also helps companies meet energy-efficiency goals and reduce carbon footprints.
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Smart factories use a variety of components, including power management ICs, processors and sensors that are used to monitor, collect and analyze data to optimize production processes and reduce energy consumption. The report covers several key technology areas – smart components, sensor fusion with AI and AR/VR technologies.
The report also addresses manufacturing in the metaverse, robotics software, 7-axis robots, 3D printing and sustainable manufacturing. An interesting topic is the use of computing tools in Industry 4.0, or smart manufacturing, which transforms manufacturing data into higher profits and productivity. Some of the data transport protocols covered include OPC-UA, MTConnect and MQTT that can transmit data from machines connected to the industrial IoT to the edge, enterprise services and the cloud.
The report also finds that the industrial and manufacturing sectors are embracing metaverse technologies. A big part of it involves collaboration across the metaverse toolchain to avoid multiple proprietary metaverses, according to Nvidia.
Other topics include robot operating systems, automation that drives productivity and sustainability, IoT solutions for smarter energy infrastructures and 3D printing realizing its industrial potential. For a deeper dive into these topics, here is a list of the articles in this special report.
Smart Factories Need Intelligent Components
Meeting sustainability goals in smart factories starts with components.
Sensor Fusion with AI Transforms the Smart Manufacturing Era
Sensor-based devices are constantly reshaping the industrial segment.
Manufacturing in the Metaverse
Industry experts explore new ways the metaverse is driving change in industrial manufacturing.
Decarbonization Opens Pathway to a Sustainable Future
Decoupling economic growth from CO2 emissions is crucial to fighting climate change.
U.S. Gigafactory Embraces Automation to Ensure Quality
Honeywell’s system will drive productivity and help reduce carbon footprint.
Robot Operating System Advances Left Up to Industry
OEMs are now responsible for many innovations in robotic software.
Brokers, Protocols, Platform Move Manufacturing Data
MQTT takes manufacturing data and turns it into profit.
IoT Solutions Pave Way for Smarter Energy Infrastructures
Cost savings, improved safety and enhanced efficiency are among the promised benefits.
AR/VR Take Smart Manufacturing Beyond Automation
AR and VR applications will serve smart factories of some of the leading automakers.
3D Printing: Factory on a Desktop?
Printing advancements have helped 3D printing realize its industrial potential.
7-Axis Robots Lend Dexterity, Light Touch to E-Production
The seventh axis on a cobot offers a host of benefits for advancing manufacturing.
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