Industrial Internet of Things vs. Industry 4.0: Which is Revolutionizing Manufacturing?

The world has been experiencing a digital transformation in almost every field, and the industrial sector is no exception. However, the terminologies “Industrial Internet of Things” (IIoT) and “Industry 4.0” are often used interchangeably, which leads to confusion among people. In this article, we will discuss the differences between IIoT and Industry 4.0 and how each of these technologies is transforming the manufacturing industry.

What is IIoT?

IIoT refers to the use of connected devices, sensors, and machines, networked via the internet to enable remote monitoring and analysis of data. The idea behind the concept is to create a more efficient and effective system by collecting and analyzing data in real-time, which can then be used to optimize performance and improve productivity.

The IIoT systems use Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication, which means that devices can communicate directly with each other without human intervention. This feature enhances the speed, accuracy, and efficiency of data communication and processing.

What is Industry 4.0?

Industry 4.0 is a term first used in Germany to describe the concept of a smart factory, where everything is interconnected and automated. The word Industry 4.0 itself describes the fourth industrial revolution that has the potential to usher in a new era of manufacturing.

Industry 4.0 systems rely on the principles of IIoT, but take it a step further by integrating other emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, and Big Data Analytics. This integration allows complete automation and optimization of the manufacturing process, resulting in maximum efficiency, increased productivity, and reduced downtime.

Comparison Between IIoT and Industry 4.0

Scope

IIoT systems refer to the ability of machines, devices, and sensors to communicate with each other and the internet for the collection and analysis of data. On the other hand, Industry 4.0 goes beyond this and includes the integration of advanced technologies such as AI, Machine Learning, and Big Data Analytics.

Objectives

The primary objective of IIoT is to optimize production processes and increase efficiency. The goal of Industry 4.0 is more ambitious, aiming to completely automate the manufacturing process, making it quicker, smarter, and cheaper.

Benefits

IIoT systems are designed to increase operational efficiency by providing real-time data streams and analytics, enabling timely decision-making. In contrast, Industry 4.0 is designed to produce customized products using advanced technologies such as 3D printing, Machine Learning, and AI, enabling mass customization of products.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both IIoT and Industry 4.0 are revolutionary technologies that have the potential to transform the manufacturing industry. While IIoT is the foundation of Industry 4.0, the latter goes beyond it by integrating emerging technologies like AI, Machine Learning, and Big Data Analytics.

The choice of which technology to use depends on the needs of the manufacturing industry. For companies that want to improve their operations, especially in monitoring and analysis, IIoT is a good starting point. But for companies that want to achieve complete automation, Industry 4.0 will be the technology of choice.

References

• Kagermann, H., Helbig, J., Hellinger, A., & Wahlster, W. (2013). Recommendations for implementing the strategic initiative INDUSTRIE 4.0: Securing the future of German manufacturing industry; Final report of the Industrie 4.0 working group. Berlin, Germany: Acatech.
• Holler, J., Tiefensee, B., & Zühlke, D. (2014). The fourth industrial revolution – things to tighten the link between the real and virtual world. In 2014 IEEE international conference on automation science and engineering (CASE) (pp. 622-629). IEEE.