The smart factory of the future consists of 15 key components, split in 3 groups:
SUPPLIERS
- Smart supply network
Transparency over supplier inventories and vehicle logistics allows for automatic and optimized supply decisions.
MANUFACTURING
Software
- Next-gen manufacturing systems
Making automated and smart decisions (e.g., production scheduling), offer intelligent machine applications, smooth engineering integration and allow for remote visualization, alerts, control and monitoring. - Cloud storage/processing
Data storage and application processing on secure cloud servers. - Data analytics
Advanced decision algorithms, offering real-time analytics. - Cybersecurity
Encrypted data and mechanism, providing protection against cyber threats.
Shopfloor
- Intelligent sensors
Sensors deeply integrated in machines wirelessly stream data and possess an own analytics engine (edge analytics). - Cyber physical systems
Interconnected systems, together with social machines, control physical entities. - Smart maintenance
Predictive algorithms and remote assistance systems aid autonomous machine maintenance. - Mobile workforce
Workers process real-time information with mobile and augmented reality devices. - Self-driving vehicles
Autonomous vehicles, together with intelligent transportation units, handle material. - Intelligent products
Machines are given relevant information to make decisions by products. - Additive manufacturing
Utilizing 3D printing allows for rapid prototype and spare part printing. - Robotics
Flexible robots promote intelligence, improve production and create an entirely new paradigm for worker-robot interaction. - Advanced materials
Stressing the rising importance of nanomaterials and integrated computational materials engineering (ICME).
CUSTOMERS
- Responsive manufacturing
Individual steps, designed for customer interaction, offer the ability to produce tailor-made products for customers.