TECHNOLOGY
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What are some examples of new technology you are seeing manufacturers use to create a ‘ smart factory ’? We see new technologies emerge every day that enable the ‘ Smart Factory ’ or the ‘ Digital Factory ’ of the future – often variations of the same theme . However , it is the rapid confluence and maturity of existing technologies that is making the “ factory of the future ” more of a reality today . Although not ‘ new ’, ( as technology rarely is ), their combined capabilities open-up new opportunities .
The miniaturisation and commoditisation of digital sensors – and devices and networks which enable data to be instantly transmitted – can perform relatively sophisticated computational functions without a centralised service ( part of the edge computing paradigm ). Because of this , we ’ re seeing exponential growth in data volumes being generated , which require greater bandwidth to store and move data around , improving internet-working technologies .
Thankfully , the latest advancements in Big Data technology is helping us achieve that , but it is useless if it ’ s not actionable . The final piece , which has yet to mature , is cognitive technologies such as Artificial Intelligence ( AI ), Machine Learning , Prescriptive and Predictive Analytics .
OCTOBER 2018