Robotic Technology as the Basis of Implementation of Industry 4.0 in Production Processes in China

Abstract

The implementation of Industry 4.0 has been intensively present in the surrounding countries in the last five to six years. However, its concept is not widespread enough in production processes in the world. Its implementation will improve many aspects of human life in all segments of society. The business paradigm and production models will change at all levels of production processes, including the supply chain. Major changes have taken place in the recent years, such as the transformation of production systems, consumption, delivery, logistics, etc., all due to the implementation of the latest technological discoveries such as: robotics, automation, 3D printing, Internet of Things (IoT), smart sensors, Big Data, Cloud Computing, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Virtual and Augmented Reality (AR), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS), etc. The implementation strategy of Industry 4.0 consists of adapting industrial production to complete smart automation, which means introducing methods of self-automation, self-configuration, self-diagnosis and elimination of problems, knowledge, and intelligent decision-making. By implementing the ‘’Made in China 2025’’ strategy, China has become the first country in the world in terms of robot implementation and vehicle production. The paper provides an analysis of Industry 4.0 patent applications and the trend of robot implementation in the last ten years with the aim of presenting the implementation of Industry 4.0.