The Fourth Industrial Revolution…tools and effects
The Fourth Industrial Revolution…tools and effects
The Fourth Industrial Revolution represents a fundamental change in the way we live, work and communicate with each other. It is a new chapter in human development, one made possible by the extraordinary technological progress that humanity is experiencing now, compared to the time periods of the First, Second, and Third Industrial Revolutions.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution “4IR” is a term that was first named in 2015 by Klaus Schwab, founder – and Chairman of the Board of Directors – of the World Economic Forum, and since then it has been used in many economic, political and scientific articles, as a reference to the current era of technological revolution, which has arisen in a large number of fields.
Part of this industrial revolution is implanting technologies – such as artificial intelligence and others – into advanced robots, with the aim of merging the physical, digital and biological worlds together. But what are the basic tools to achieve this fourth industrial revolution? What are the expected effects of this revolution in supporting sustainability? These are all questions that we will answer in the following lines.
Basic technologies in the fourth industrial revolution
There is no doubt that every industrial era has the basic tools and technologies that define its features. The first industrial revolution, for example, represented a clear translation of how machines can replace manual labor. This is thanks to a number of important inventions and discoveries, and the emergence of the factory system consisting of mechanical production lines.
Likewise, the Fourth Industrial Revolution has its basic technologies that have formed its currently agreed upon concept in minds, and we can summarize these technologies into 6 basic elements that we will discuss successively in the following paragraphs:
-
Blockchain –Blockchain
Blockchainis a system for recording information in a way that makes it difficult – or impossible – to change, hack, or deceive. It is a digital record of transactions that is reproduced and disseminated across computer systems on a blockchain. Because this system is difficult to hack, it is the preferred method used in many applications, such as international financial transactions and supply chains. This system has a high degree of security, transparency, and traceability.
-
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial Intelligence is not considered a new technology, but due to the tremendous growth in computing power – along with the possibility of access to an infinite amount of data – the uses of artificial intelligence have developed and flourished significantly, and this can be seen – in fact – in many applications around us, such as self-driving car systems, modern medical systems, and other applications.
-
Virtual Reality(VR)
Within the framework of the goals of the Fourth Industrial Revolution,Virtual Reality technologies provide new opportunities for training professionals, controlling machines, even designing industrial products, managing and inspecting production processes; Therefore, virtual reality is no longer just a technology for conducting meetings remotely, but rather a means that makes the industrial landscape more efficient and effective, even in the most complex industries.
-
Robotics
Before the emergence of artificial intelligence, first-generation robots were already present in many industries, as they were pre-programmed to execute a set of simple commands, and this changed after the use of artificial intelligence, as this enabled us to reach what is known as advanced automation that amazingly improved the capabilities of robots in industrial processes.
-
Internet of Things (IoT)
The term Internet of Things is a modern term that refers to a new generation of the Internet, which connects things on a network that allows understanding and exchanging information. These things include computers, sensors, artificial intelligence systems, mechanical machines, etc. This is without the need for direct human intervention. Therefore, this technology represents great importance in industry, as the Internet of Things can, for example, determine maintenance times, and predict equipment damage and repair needs before malfunctions occur. Thus increasing productivity and reducing downtime associated with equipment failure.
-
Biotechnology
By this term we mean the use of data and information about vital systems for industrial purposes. Through biotechnology we can deal with living organisms at the cellular and subcellular levels; This is with the aim of achieving maximum benefit in the fields of industry and agriculture. A simple example of this is a type of bacteria that was discovered to be able to devour plastic, and was then further re-engineered. In order to enhance its effectiveness in breaking down plastic polymers.
-
Secondary Technologies
The Fourth Industrial Revolution is not only based on the six elements mentioned above, but also includes a large number of other secondary technologies. We mention, but are not limited to: 3D printing, Big Data, renewable energy sources, and innovative new materials, “Material Innovation.”
The fourth industrial revolution and sustainability
From the above, we can conclude that the Fourth Industrial Revolution builds on what was achieved by the Third Industrial Revolution (the digital revolution) in the time between the 1950s and the beginning of the twenty-first century, as this digital revolution brought computers and other types of electronics, the Internet, and much more.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution takes digital concepts to new heights thanks to the modern technologies that we reviewed, all of which push in a direction that greatly supports development, but at the same time takes environmental considerations and seeks to achieve sustainability.
The technologies used in the Fourth Industrial Revolution reflect the enormous potential that we have; Therefore, we must work to harmonize the environment and society with digital technology. In order to continue to benefit from these innovations in a sustainable manner.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution can support international efforts and goals for sustainable development, whether directly or indirectly. Providing services more effectively – along with improving the efficiency of production processes – will consequently lead to the transformation of many services and industries to sustainability, and support the national economies of all countries.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution has the potential to raise global income levels and improve the quality of life of populations around the world, which necessarily achieves many of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Add to this the improvement of the skills and capabilities of human cadres, which reflects – positively – on the quality of the workforce in any country, and raises the level of various services and industries, especially in developing countries.
Therefore, we can say: The expected result of the Fourth Industrial Revolution is achieving the concept of “sustainable efficiency.” By this we mean using the technologies of this revolution, and directing them to solve various business problems, in a way that enhances productivity and sustainability at the same time.
The concept of sustainable efficiency has three main dimensions. The first is ensuring the presence of digital technology that ensures accurate decision-making, through the use of the huge amounts of data available; To improve production processes and the overall value chain. The second: the possibility of measuring these improvements through performance indicators. To calculate cost and quality. And the last: driving sustainability gains, by reducing consumption, reducing the amount of waste and emissions, and reducing the resources used.
Effects on the environment
Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies can support environmental improvement efforts, by helping factories manage the waste they generate, track the reduction of their carbon footprint, and make it easier for business leaders to make positive changes in their facilities. Internet-connected sensors can, for example, track real-time water, electricity, and fuel usage; This gives companies the essential readings they need to track and fix problems.
Another useful thing that the Fourth Industrial Revolution can offer to the environment is to help researchers in their research, and this is through Internet of Things sensors that can collect huge and continuous amounts of environmental data, and then send it to research centers. Therefore, scientists will not have to travel to each location to obtain this data.
Of course, artificial intelligence forms the backbone of this revolution, and over time artificial intelligence itself will become smarter, which can lead to improved use of materials, improved use of energy, and improvement of all human systems, from energy and transportation networks to cities and industrial value chains.
The above does not mean that the Fourth Industrial Revolution is ideal in all its aspects; Because – like previous industrial revolutions – it will have many challenges and dangers. It is expected – for example – that increased reliance on robots and artificial intelligence will play a role in increasing unemployment, especially in developing countries that depend on providing services, and this is in light of a significant contraction of industry.
Another matter is energy and resources. To achieve this revolution, we will need more energy and manufacturing materials, and without increasing reliance on renewable energy resources and maximizing the circular economy in parallel with this tremendous technological development – a new environmental burden will be waiting for our planet.
In conclusion, we may not be able to limit and evaluate all the effects of the Fourth Industrial Revolution – both positive and negative – on the environment. Because a large part of determining these impacts will depend on how humans adapt these new technologies. But in general, we can say: Technological progress provides the necessary tools to help our planet and support its sustainability.
