WHAT IS 'INDUSTRY 4.0' AND HOW IS IT BENEFITTING THE WORLD?

The Fourth Industrial Revolution, or Industry 4.0, is the next phase in the digitisation of the manufacturing sector. We explore some lesser-known areas of the industry bringing value to the world.

By: Fahmeeda Zalgaonker

The Fourth Industrial Revolution, also known as 4IR or Industry 4.0, is the next phase of machine advancement. It extends from the previous three industrial revolutions by combining physical, digital and cyber innovations.

The technologies driving this era include artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, gaming, virtual and augmented reality, 3D printing, cloud computing and other forms of data systems that are becoming essential to modern life.

Here are some interesting and lesser-known areas of Industry 4.0 benefitting the world.

Cobots

A collaborative robot (cobot) is designed to cooperate with human workers, mainly in factories for manufacturing processes, working as operative machine hands to improve efficiency and development. Whereas robots are traditionally created to work in place of humans, cobots are created to coexist alongside people. They are fairly versatile to program and control for required tasks, making them easy to blend into workspaces.

Some examples of cobot uses include picking and placing items on a conveyor belt, screwing or glueing products in an assembly line, and pelleting for logistics.

Cobots strike a balance between mechanised and manual systems, which present a cohesive relation of robotics to human life.

Green Technology

Green technology, also known as environmental technology, is about using STEM to mitigate or reverse the impact of human activity on the world. Some examples include renewable energy systems, vertical farming, recyclable materials, eco vehicles and many more sustainable innovations.

Green technology transforms how we interact with the environment by creating productive digital methods that are not harmful to ecological conditions.

Quantum Computing

Quantum computing is an area of computer science that draws on the principles of quantum theory. Essentially, it is developments understood within an atomic scale.

Traditional computers work on bits where the value is either 0 or 1. In contrast, quantum computing uses qubits where values can simultaneously be both 0 and 1, making it able to process, store and manipulate big amounts of data and do complex calculations that are otherwise too difficult for normal computers.

Some popular industries that deal with this area of computing include aerospace, chemistry, healthcare and cybersecurity. Through information and pattern recognition, it is about how more accurate weather predictions can be made, large amounts of data encryption can take place, and better chemical formulae and medical drugs can be created.

It helps with faster analysis of elaborate tasks by scanning all possible outcomes simultaneously and presenting optimal solutions. It provides a unique approach and further transforms other technologies within Industry 4.0.

Stem Education And 4ir

In an era of digital transformation, the need for STEM skills among youth is vital to thrive in an advanced industrial society, access opportunities, drive global change and contribute to an interconnected world. Even though 4IR is heavily based on automation, there is still a need for human intervention and skill to further control, develop and engineer the process behind it.

The merging of connectivity, mechanisation and smart processes has led to many innovations across multiple disciplines. The critical and creative thinking that STEM skills present will continue to help revolutionise and maintain a balance between people and machines as we lead into the next industrial revolution.

SENTECH AFRICA TECH WEEK: EMPOWERING AFRICA'S FUTURE THROUGH TECH

This year's event featured musician and tech entrepreneur, will.i.am, who joined more than 400 leaders from across different industries for a live Q&A session via live hologram.

By: Lusanda Tamesi

The Century City Conference Centre in South Africa recently hosted Sentech Africa Tech Week from 2-5 May 2023. Africa Tech Week is a prominent gathering of innovators, entrepreneurs and industry experts across the African continent.

The event is a week-long conference ideal for established businesses and startup founders looking to expand their reach and connect with key players in the African tech industry to explore new business opportunities.

While the event encompasses a wide range of themes and discussions, one crucial aspect that has garnered significant attention is the active involvement of African youth. Living in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) world has forced us to adapt to new technical changes, opportunities, challenges, and changes in how we live, work, and interact with technology.

What Took Place

Tech delegates came in numbers, from Mlamli Booi, the Sentech chief executive officer, to Boniswa Sidwaba, head of content programming, Sub-Saharan Africa, TikTok; Mondli Gungubele, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, and Folarin Aiyegbusi, head of Google's Startup Ecosystem in Africa.

The audience fell silent as a holographic projection of will.i.am, a renowned musician, tech CEO, and innovator, appeared. The use of this cutting-edge technology to deliver his address left the audience captivated and intrigued, marking a significant moment where the intersection of technology and entertainment converged in a truly remarkable way.

During his speech, will.i.am voiced his concerns regarding the potential impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on employment. He highlighted that numerous jobs, including his own, could be at risk. "A lot of people's jobs are at stake, including mine. Can we be a part of making that future less threatening? Yes. We're in the Fourth Industrial Revolution that is forcing us to make new things in new ways, using the tools and technology we have now", he said.

The event facilitated networking opportunities, allowing young attendees to interact with experienced professionals, industry leaders, and investors. Interactions were based on innovation and views on AI. This enabled knowledge sharing, guidance and potential collaborations. The networking opportunity extended beyond the tech giants present at the event. Individuals from the fashion industry, particularly the youth, also had the chance to make their presence known. This inclusivity allowed for cross-industry collaboration and exchanging ideas between different sectors.

On the fifth and final day of the conference, an awards ceremony took place, recognising outstanding achievements in various categories. The awards spanned a range of sectors and specialities, starting from the AI Technology Awards, which honoured advancements in AI. The Public Sector Digital Transformation Awards recognised exceptional digital initiatives within the public sector. Additionally, the African Tech Startup Awards celebrated newly established tech companies that displayed innovation and potential for growth. These awards provided a platform to acknowledge the accomplishments of individuals, organisations and startups that have made significant contributions to the tech industry.

Read more about Africa Tech Week by visiting africatechweek.co.za