5.3 THE FUTURE OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY 118 The Internet of Things (IoT) describes the network of physical objects that are embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies to connect and exchange data with other devices and systems over the internet. Can you give a definition of big data ? batch: lotto, carico pillar: pilastro INDUSTRY 4.0 Industry has continuously evolved during the centuries. Across the various Industrial Revolutions, we are now in the fourth Industrial Revolution, also referred to as Industry 4.0, which is characterised by increasing automation, smart factories for a more efficient production, and the use of several technologies such as virtual and augmented reality and AI. Smart factories A smart factory is a digitalised, fully integrated, collaborative manufacturing system that uses connected devices, machinery, and production systems to continuously collect and share data to improve processes. The smart manufacturing practices used by a smart factory are enabled by a variety of technologies including artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, cloud computing, and the industrial Internet of Things (IoT) . The benefits of a smart factory include those related to planning, quality control, product development and logistics, as each is optimised based on real feedback. The nine pillars of Industry 4.0 Industry 4.0 is founded on nine pillars. 1. Autonomous robots. They provide a wide range of tasks and are becoming more autonomous and can interact with one another and work safely with humans. 2. Simulation. 3D simulations of product development and processes are essential because they give a representation of how the manufacturing as well as the final product will be. 3. Horizontal and vertical system integration. With Industry 4.0, the entire manufacturing organisation is interconnected (horizontal integration), and companies are connected with one another (vertical integration). 4. The industrial Internet of Things. With the IoT, a greater number of products can be connected using standard protocols; this decentralises decision-making processes, enabling real-time responses. 5. Cybersecurity. Since connectivity and communication protocols are the bases of Industry 4.0, sophisticated identity and machine access management systems are used to provide secure, reliable communications, and protect information. 6. 3D printing. Additive manufacturing is chosen for its high performance in producing small batches of customised products. 7. Augmented reality. Augmentedreality tools provide operators with the real-time information they need for faster decisionmaking and improving work processes. 8. Big data and analytics. The analysis of big data optimises production quality and allows for real-time decision-making and the improvement of services. 9. Cloud computing. Cloud computing allows the infrastructure to store, process, and analyse the huge amount of data generated by IoT devices and other sensors in the manufacturing process. 260 aUToMaTioN aND roboTics Elettronica-Informatica.indb 260 25/01/24 16:09