Industrie 4.0: Hit or Hype? [Industry Forum]

In Germany, the term Industrie 4.0 is currently prevalent in almost every industry-related fair, conference, or call for public-funded projects. First used at the Hanover Fair in 2011, the term, raised numerous discussions, and the major question is: is it a hit or hype? Even in politics, this term is used frequently with respect to German industry, and research efforts relating to it are currently supported by €200 million from government-funding bodies?the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research and the German Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy. The term Industrie 4.0 refers to the fourth industrial revolution and is often understood as the application of the generic concept of cyberphysical systems (CPSs) to industrial production systems (cyberphysical production systems). In North America, similar ideas have been brought up under the name Industrial Internet by General Electric. The technical basis is very similar to Industrie 4.0, but the application is broader than industrial production and also includes, e.g., smart electrical grids. The various definitions have caused confusion rather than increasing transparency. Overambitious marketing reinforced the confusion (Industrie 4.0 is already being done). This obscures the real and sound future visions behind Industrie 4.0. This column is intended to provide easy-to-understand access to the core ideas of Industrie 4.0 and describes the basic industrial requirements that need to be fulfilled for its success.