Major Advancements of Industry 4.0 to Overcome Challenges in Manufacturing during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

In the current manufacturing scenario, customization is a significant challenge for individuals’ customer. The fourth industrial revolution, commonly known as Industry 4.0, focuses on fulfilling customers’ specific needs using an integrated system of advanced manufacturing and information technologies. Industry 4.0 technologies provide digital solutions in the manufacturing plant to address various operational challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Industry 4.0 must solve complex manufacturing problems through advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), Big data, Additive Manufacturing (AM), and other innovative technologies. Industry 4.0 technologies create an interconnected network among all machines. These technologies are focusing on improving manufacturing system performance during COVID-19 pandemic. With the help of advanced manufacturing technologies, manufacturing of essential medical equipment can be easily done for better safety of the COVID-19 patient. This chapter identifies the significant advancements of Industry 4.0 in manufacturing during COVID-19 pandemic. Further, we have explored the crucial applications of Industry 4.0 in manufacturing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Industry 4.0 automates most manufacturing processes to improve manufacturing performance and customer satisfaction with a lesser impact on the environment. The proper implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies will be ready to fight any COVID-19 type pandemic.