The impact of emerging technologies of industry 4.0 on sustainability dimensions

Abstract

In the Industry 4.0 (I4.0) era, emerging technologies positively affect sustainability both internally within the industry and externally at the global level. Sustainable productive systems are expected to be with the best indicators levels through using emerging technologies in the I4.0. This study aims to investigate the effect of emerging technologies in the I4.0 on the sustainability pillars through an analysis of a case study conducted at King Saud University about a Smart Yogurt Filling System. In this system, the most critical emerging technologies, such as Internet of Things (IoT), 3D printing, Near field communication technology (NFC), and Node-RED, were applied. A unique framework for the study was developed. The study demonstrated both successful implementation of sustainability goals and the challenges encountered during the process. According to the current study, I4.0 emerging technologies enhance customer satisfaction, reduce time and effort, error rates, and minimize many other types of waste, enabling the presentation of custom products to customers. They also reduce human intervention to its minimal necessities, improve ergonomics, and connect valuable cyber-physical objects for seamless collaboration across the value chain.