Juris Centre

Industrial Revolution 4.0: A Digital Transformation

The world is currently going through a major transformative period termed as the Industrial Revolution 4.0, Industry 4.0 or the IR4. These major transformation refers to technological and mechanical advancements in the world. The First IR marked the transition from hand produced goods to machines through the use of steam power. The Second IR or the Technical Revolution was based around the use of electricity and laying out railroads to allow faster communication of ideas. The Third IR or the Digital Revolution brought around the use of computers and gave birth to super computers that were capable of solving problems and carrying out complex functions. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is a step towards automation and increasing productivity and manufacturing efficiency through the use of cyber-physical systems, cloud computing, Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence. The term gained its recognition in 2015 and since has been used in many articles and papers referring to the technological advancements of the current period but still many countries refuse to accept it as a new revolution, rather they argue that it is a continuation of the previous or the Third Industrial Revolution. Still, many other countries have recognized the potential of the ideas associated with IR4 and have took a step forward towards adopting and implementing such ideas. India too has shown a positive stance towards embracing the concept. In this article we will discuss the impact of IR4 and how it helps in driving economic growth in India and also discuss the impact of Education 4.0 in changing the education system in India.

Components of Industry 4.0

The IR4 encompasses concepts such as automation, artificial intelligence, data exchange, Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing and big data analytics. All these form the major components of IR4 and collectively enable the transformation of the industrial processes and manufacturing. Here are the major components of Industry 4.0:

  1. Internet of Things (IoT): IoT refers to the network of physical objects embedded with sensors, software, and connectivity, allowing them to collect and exchange data. In Industry 4.0, IoT enables the connection of machines, devices, and systems, creating a networked environment where real-time data can be gathered and shared.
  2. Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS): CPS are physical objects or systems that are integrated with digital components and connected through networks. These systems combine physical processes with digital capabilities, enabling the monitoring and control of physical operations through digital interfaces. CPS can include machines, robots, sensors, and other smart devices.
  3. Big Data Analytics: Industry 4.0 generates vast amounts of data through IoT-connected devices and systems. Big data analytics involves processing and analyzing this data to extract valuable insights and make informed decisions. Advanced analytics techniques, such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, are applied to identify patterns, trends, and anomalies, leading to optimization, predictive capabilities, and improved decision-making.
  4. Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI plays a crucial role in Industry 4.0 by enabling machines and systems to mimic human intelligence and perform tasks that traditionally required human intervention. AI techniques, including machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision, are used to automate processes, make predictions, and optimize operations. AI algorithms can learn from data, adapt, and improve over time.
  5. Cloud Computing: Cloud computing facilitates the storage, processing, and sharing of data and applications over the internet. It provides a scalable and flexible infrastructure to support the vast amounts of data generated in Industry 4.0. Cloud platforms enable real-time access to data, seamless collaboration, and the deployment of applications and services across multiple devices and locations.
  6. Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing): Additive manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing, is a key component of Industry 4.0. It enables the creation of complex, customized, and precise objects by building them layer by layer using digital designs. 3D printing reduces production time, enables on-demand manufacturing, and allows for design flexibility and product personalization.
  7. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): AR and VR technologies provide immersive experiences and enhance human-machine interactions in Industry 4.0. AR overlays digital information onto the real-world environment, enabling workers to access real-time data, instructions, and visualizations during their tasks. VR creates virtual environments that simulate real-world scenarios for training, design, and simulation purposes.

All these components work together to create a connected, intelligent, and data driven ecosystems. Industry 4.0 revolutionizes industrial processes by leveraging these components to create smart, agile, and adaptive systems that drive the next phase of industrial transformation.

India’s initiatives to implement Industry 4.0:

India has recognized the importance of Industry 4.0 and has taken several steps and initiatives to embrace and implement advanced technologies to drive industrial transformation. Here are some key initiatives taken by India:

  1. Digital India: The Digital India Act was established as an alternate to the IT Act, 2000. Its main objective was to address all the technological advancements and to remove the outdated law. It focuses on improving digital infrastructure, providing digital services, and promoting digital literacy. The Digital India Act addresses many important issues such as protection of rights of people on the internet from online harm such as cyber bullying and cyber flashing. It also aims to regulate content on social media as well as content provided by OTT platforms. This initiative lays the foundation for Industry 4.0 by enhancing connectivity, expanding internet access, and facilitating the adoption of digital technologies across sectors. The Digital India Act still does not define many questions based on regulation of crypto currencies or the ownership of content created by an AI, but these questions could be answered before its application.
  2. Make in India: Launched in 2014, the Make in India campaign aims to transform India into a global manufacturing hub. It encourages domestic and foreign companies to invest in India and promote manufacturing activities. Make in India aligns with Industry 4.0 by emphasizing advanced manufacturing techniques, innovation, and technology adoption. It aims to attract investments in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and textiles, promoting the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies.
  3. National Smart Manufacturing Program (NSMP): The NSMP was launched in 2018 by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. It aims to enhance the competitiveness of Indian manufacturing industries by leveraging Industry 4.0 technologies. The program focuses on providing technical support, creating awareness, and facilitating the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies such as AI, IoT, robotics, and automation.
  4. Skill Development Initiatives: The Indian government has placed significant emphasis on skill development to prepare the workforce for Industry 4.0. Initiatives like Skill India and the National Skill Development Mission focus on providing training and upskilling opportunities in emerging technologies. These programs aim to bridge the skill gap and ensure that the workforce is equipped with the necessary skills to participate in the digital transformation brought about by Industry 4.0.
  5. Research and Development (R&D) Support: India has also focused on promoting R&D in areas related to Industry 4.0. Various government agencies, such as the Department of Science and Technology (DST), the Department of Electronics and Information Technology, and the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), provide funding and support for research projects related to advance manufacturing, robotics, AI, and IoT.
  6. International Collaborations: India actively seeks international collaborations and partnerships to leverage global expertise and best practices in implementing Industry 4.0. Collaborative efforts with countries like Germany, Japan, and Singapore have been initiated to share knowledge, promote investments, and facilitate technology transfer.

These initiatives showcase India’s commitment to embracing Industry 4.0 and leveraging advanced technologies to drive industrial growth, enhance competitiveness, and foster innovation. By focusing on digital infrastructure, manufacturing promotion, skill development, and research, India aims to position itself as a global leader in the era of Industry 4.0. The Government of India also wishes to increase the GDP of manufacturing sector of the country from 17% to 25%.  But the idea of Industry 4.0 does not end here. The advancements and its components affects other connected fields.

Education 4.0

With the idea of Industry 4.0 also came the idea of Education 4.0. The advancements in the technological sector also lead to change in the entire education systems. Where Industry 4.0 deals with efficiency in the manufacturing sector, Education 4.0 deals with the effects of technological advancements and efficiency in learning and teaching processes. Education 4.0 aims to equip students with the skills and competencies necessary to thrive in the digital age. Some key features of education 4.0 includes personalized learning, digital literacy and ICT integration, online education, gamification and game based learning and many more. The New Education Policy (NEP), 2020 is one of the major initiatives India has taken under Education 4.0. The NEP program aims to change the entire Indian education structure and make it more inter-disciplinary in nature. It focuses on competitive learning and inclusive education for all.  Access, Equity, Quality and Accountability of education are the four main pillars of NEP. Access in education refers to ensuring that every individual, regardless of their background has equal opportunities to receive education. Equity in education focuses on ensuring fairness in educational opportunities and outcomes. Quality in education refers to providing high standard education that prepares the students with knowledge and skills required for their personal and professional development. Accountability in education refers to the responsibility and transparency of educational institutions, policymakers, and stakeholders to ensure the effective and efficient functioning of the education system. The NEP envisions that every school in India shall be outfitted with technology. A National Technology Education Forum (NTEF) will be formed with the aim of improving different teaching methods in various schools by presenting new ideas. The NEP has also changed the old 10+2 system with the 5+3+3+4 years of schooling. It also made significant changes in the curriculum which is being implemented through the National Curriculum Framework for School Education, 2023 (NCF). Under this new curriculum framework the integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has been made clear. It mentions that subjects such as computer languages will be taught from standard six onwards. The NCF also mentions different methods and techniques through which education can be made inclusive for the students and learn different things at their own pace. The NCF not only focuses on development of the students but also focuses on improving the technological knowledge of the teachers so that they can use different pedagogies to teach students more efficiently. Under the NEP different training programs have been launched for the teachers to get them well equipped the technical knowledge required to teach in the modern era. The use of ICT in modern day classrooms improve the teaching and learning process by miles. These are some benefits of using ICT in classrooms:

  1. Digital Books: The use of digital books overcome the barriers to access. Many books can be accessed by students and teachers even when they don’t have access to physical copies of the books. They are also portable as they can be accessed anytime, anywhere and across devices.
  2. Interactive content: Interactive content such as videos, animations and audio helps in understanding better by engaging the students more than in traditional classrooms. Such content also enables the teacher to connect with the students easily and even control the pace of the classrooms. It also makes inter-disciplinary studies a lot easier as a well-crafted video on the topic would connect more than say, reading this article.
  3. Individual attention: The use of ICT allows the teacher to keep track of the assignments and classwork distributed. It also allows the teacher to track their learning progress and give attention to individual students and help them accordingly.
  4. Content creation: The use of ICT and AI in classrooms can allow students and teachers to create interactive content for learning and teaching or provide grounds for innovation of ideas and invention. Content creation can also address the problems of learning gap by creating content in different languages which allows students of all culture and language to participate in a class.
  5. Online courses: Online courses allow students, who are unable to attend school due to specific reasons, to attend school in their own comfortable environment.
  6. The game-based learning process as the name suggests involves use of computer game in classes to attract students’ attention and to enhance their leaning capacities. In foreign countries the use of the game ‘Kahoot’ which is a quiz app has been seen to be used in classrooms for making interaction with students more fun.

Challenges

There are many more benefits of adapting to the technological changes that occur constantly but they all come with a cost. Many new challenges have to be faced while implementing such extreme structural changes. With the implementation of Industry 4.0 issues such as job displacement and skill gap becomes visible. With increased automation the roles that were previously carried out by human beings will now be performed by machines and computers. This would result in unemployment and widening the skill gap as workers may lack the knowledge to operate such machines. As discussed earlier, India has launched the skill development program to increase productivity and entrepreneurship and to promote the use of hand made goods, but with the increasing use of machines these people will be left out as they do not possess the required knowledge to operate the machines and since these machines require skilled, experts, and a less amount of people to operate, the unemployment ration is likely to rise. While automation and AI bring efficiency and productivity gains, there is a risk of overreliance on technology at the expense of the human touch. Human creativity, judgment, and empathy are still crucial in many aspects of industries and customer interactions. Striking the right balance between automation and human involvement becomes essential to maintain quality, customer satisfaction, and innovation. The extensive use of interconnected devices also raises the concerns of security and privacy. Another major issue that may arise today is the ownership of data. AI today is capable of creating content as per the requirements of the user. The question arises to whom the data belongs to. Should the ownership of data be given to the user, the AI that created it or the creator of the AI? Even in the educational sector issues such as misuse of technology are pretty common. If the proper use of technology is not taught among the students, its misuse will only ruin their future rather than providing them with the technical knowledge necessary in the modern world. The effect of screen time on students also becomes a major problem. Other problems such as lack of awareness about the modern technology among teachers is also troublesome, as without proper training the teachers themselves would be unable to access the benefits of ICT. This proves that there are still several milestones that we have to cross in order to achieve sustainability and become technically sufficient.

Author: Aaditya Khandelwal

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