Manufacturing processes are being extensively transformed and actions such as the Industry 4.0 and Factory of the Future are being launched to drive this change. Indeed, industrial processes are moving fast towards the so-called cyber-physical systems, smart productive environments where humans, machines, the environment and the Internet of Things mutually complement safely and efficiently. The impact of ICTs on manufacturing is leading to an evolution of standards and models, where flexibility and adaptability are crucial for innovation and competitiveness.
The Industry of the future will be Collaborative, Connected and Cognitive (IC3). This IC3 paradigm could herald a fundamental positive impact on global economy, with both automation and artificial intelligence (AI) driving the fourth industrial revolution. Furthermore, the emergence of Circular Economy opens up new opportunities for robotics and automation to deliver new and efficient solutions for high quality disassembly and dismantling tasks, leading to yet unexplored paradigms of sustainable industry. We already have an Industry 4.0 framework, a Robotics and Autonomous Systems substratum and an AI added value. These building blocks shall play an ensemble to produce ground-breaking, joined-up solutions.
This workshop will trace the current trends in manufacturing with the expected impact of promoting safety at work, increasing efficiency and competitiveness, and improving the eco-sustainability of industrial processes.