4.4 THE NEW FRONTIERS OF ICT INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS Apart from the uses of computers already analysed in the previous units, there are others which have emerged in recent years. Among the most important applications in the industrial sector, we have all the effects of the so-called Industry 4.0, with particular reference to 3D printing, delivery drones, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Industry 4.0 Industry 4.0 is the name given to the Fourth Industrial Revolution in which we are living now. It is characterised by increasing automation and the use of smart machines and smart factories to produce goods more efficiently. The term originated from a project in the high-tech strategy of the German government which promoted the computerisation of manufacturing in 2011 . 1 Industry 4.0 is a futuristic construct whose purpose is the evolution of autonomous production systems using, for example, new sensor-based technologies to monitor machine utilisation, energy needs, and staff training. 3D Printing 3D printing is an example of Industry 4.0 technology. It is a manufacturing process in which some material is laid down, by layer, to form a three-dimensional object from a computer-created design. layer With a new class of better-performing machines , more materials available, and greater ability to deliver 3D printed parts that are true to their mechanical properties, 3D has proven itself to be a significant time and cost-saving option for design and manufacturing. 2 Drone Delivery A is a type of vehicle (UAV) guided by GPS systems and used for distributing packages to consumers during the last mile delivery process, i.e. from the nearest distribution to the final destination. These types of drones generally have 4-8 propellers, rechargeable batteries, and the ability to carry containers. This type of delivery, which is generally used for various products including e-commerce goods, medical aids, food, etc., is particularly important because it is the most expensive and time-consuming part of the shipping process. delivery drone 3 unmanned aerial hub lightweight The Internet of Things (IoT) The Internet of Things describes a network of physical objects, i.e. things, that are embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies for the purpose of connecting and exchanging data with other devices and systems over the Internet. These devices range from ordinary household objects like an AI voice assistant to sophisticated industrial tools like supply chain management. MORE It was introduced in the same year at the Hannover Fair. 1 MORE Direct Sound Printing (DSP) is a new platform technology which uses soundwaves to produce new objects. 2 MORE Drones are also used for search and rescue, wildlife monitoring, firefighting, etc. 3