Challenges and Opportunities of the Internet of Things Integration for Sustainable Manufacturing in Industry 4.0

Abstract

The term "Industry 4.0" refers to the fourth iteration of the industrial revolution, which is characterized by the fast rise of information technology and the processes of industrialization, which are the key causes behind the birth of the fourth industrial revolution. The term "Industry 4.0" was coined by the Boston Consulting Group in 2013. These are the key factors that have contributed to the development of the fourth industrial revolution. This revolution incorporates several technological developments, including physical-cybernetic systems, the Internet of Things, cloud computing, and industrial integration, to name a few. Because of the development of these technologies, it is now possible to create "smart factories," which have the potential to be networked, adaptable, and efficient, in addition to being sensitive to changes in both the requirements of consumers and the environment in which they function. However, businesses that want to be a part of this paradigm change will have to overcome substantial obstacles since there are not yet enough tools and processes available to properly capitalize on the opportunities presented by Industry 4.0. This implies that there are considerable obstacles for companies who wish to participate. We see this as an opportunity since IoT represents a potential opportunity for the industrial industry. We take a look at the present state of the art, determine the most significant problems and possibilities, and provide some suggestions for the path that future research should take. In addition, we examine the implications that the inclusion of the Internet of Things could have on a variety of elements of environmentally responsible manufacturing, such as the reduction of waste and energy consumption, as well as improvements in product quality, safety, and social responsibility. Specifically, we focus on the reduction of waste and energy consumption in the production process. Specifically, these are the topics covered in this particular portion of the article. As a consequence of this investigation, we have been able to define the primary obstacles and openings that will be involved in further research, as well as the potential routes along which following research need to go.