The Fourth Industrial Revolution is a new period of revolution in industry , marked by the presence of new technologies. It is considered the biggest revolution since the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century. Fourth industrial revolution summary
It is characterized by the development of technologies in areas such as genetics, physics, technologies and digital advances . The impacts of these advances can already be perceived in different sectors of society and affect the development of markets and businesses, employment and social relations.
Innovations also provoke discussions about the ethics and limits of relationships in general, as with the issues of biological and genetic manipulations, for example.
Features of the 4th Industrial Revolution
The characteristics of this revolution, derived from technological innovations and the advancement of the internet, are as follows: Fourth industrial revolution summary
- Intelligent machines : artificial intelligence technology allows, from the use of accumulated, organized and saved data, as is the case with algorithms, machines can “learn” and perform activities without the need for human interference. An example is the use of robots in industrial production lines.
- Importance of Data : In the current era, the power of data and information that we are able to store is one of the most powerful tools, which can be used for countless resources and activities. Examples are: increased productivity, improved trade, etc.
- Less polluting energy generation : the search for the creation and use of forms of energy generation that are less polluting and less harmful to the environment is also a characteristic of this period. Examples of less polluting energies are solar energy and wind energy.
Impacts of the 4th Industrial Revolution
The revolution is responsible for changes and innovations that transform and will continue to transform industries and societies in the near future. Fourth industrial revolution summary
Learn a little about the biggest technological innovations of the Fourth Industrial Revolution:
robotics
Robotics is the use of very advanced technologies that use circuits and mechanical systems to build robots that are capable of performing tasks and can be used in industrial or domestic activities.
The technology coming from robotics can have many applications and has the advantages of reducing costs and increasing productivity, in addition to reducing errors in industrial processes.
These innovations have been used to replace human work and, in relation to this use, as a negative point in the application of robotics, is the increase in unemployment.
However, from another point of view, the arrival of this technology will also generate other types of new jobs.
augmented reality
Augmented reality is the application of modern technologies to unite the experience provided by the virtual world with the real world . In order for this reality to be experienced, it is necessary to use devices, sensors and software that make the connection between these two worlds. Fourth industrial revolution summary
The technology works from the junction of virtual information recorded in the software and the equipment that allows the user to experience the augmented reality experience.
The technology can be used in many different applications. For example: in games, movies and animations, in mobile applications, in the development of design products and even in surgeries.
Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence is a branch of computer science that develops systems that allow machines and computing devices to perform activities as a “replacement for human reasoning”.
In artificial intelligence, from the application of data processing and storage technologies, devices are expected to be able to make decisions, analyze data and solve situations.
nanotechnology
Nanotechnology is an area of science that studies the use of molecules and atoms , called the atomic and molecular scale. Simply put, it can be said that nanotechnology is based on the study of structures that are formed by atoms. Fourth industrial revolution summary
This technology can be used for various functions, such as in science innovation, in the creation of new materials, in health improvements, among many others. It has been widely used mainly in the innovations of informatics, communication and medicine.
Biotechnology
Biotechnology, on the other hand, studies and develops methods for the use of living organisms applied to the creation of products and innovation of methods. Biotechnology is a very comprehensive area, studying from application in areas such as agriculture to the complex processes of genetics and fertility, among others.
Biotechnology is applied in health (genetics, new drugs and disease treatments, for example). It can also be applied for environment preservation, sustainable power generation, agriculture and chemical industry, etc.
Big data
Big data is a large set of data on the internet. This data, from online processing, is generated, collected and stored. Thus, big data is a voluminous amount of data that can be stored, analyzed and used in applications, machine learning and other strategic actions, such as marketing and productivity.
The emergence of big data is explained by the increase in internet speed and usage and the growing number of users, who generate thousands of new data every day. Fourth industrial revolution summary
Emergence of virtual currencies
Virtual currencies are a form of virtual money, used to make transactions, applications, payment and purchases online, as long as they are used in a specific way. Transactions with these currencies are carried out on virtual platforms. The first virtual currency was launched in the year 2009 and was named bitcoin .
Although not regulated and controlled by banks, virtual currencies are already used on many platforms and, in some cases, can already be used outside the virtual world.
Some examples of virtual currencies already created are: bitcoin, litecoin, ethereum and cryptocurrency.
3D printing
This technology is the printing of objects in a three-dimensional form, from the superposition of layers.
First, before printing, the object must be created in 3D software. Then the file must be sent to the 3D printer, which can print objects in materials such as rubber, plastics, metals, among others.
This technology is very advanced and has been used for numerous benefits. One of the most relevant is the 3D printing of prostheses that are used by people with a physical disability. It is also possible to use technology to print art and decoration objects, clothing and car parts. Fourth industrial revolution summary
Industry 4.0 and Economy 4.0
These two expressions are directly associated with the occurrence of the 4th Industrial Revolution.
Industry 4.0 is a term that refers to the new technologies brought by this movement, as is the case of internet innovations, computing, robotics, industrial automation, virtual world, among others. The expression appeared in Germany in 2011 and was initially linked to the innovation processes of computing and information technology.
Economy 4.0 , on the other hand, refers to economic and corporate innovations that are taking place (and will still take place) as a result of the consequences of the revolution. It is related to the changes caused by technological innovations in the business world and in labor relations.
History of the Industrial Revolution
Since the first Industrial Revolution, all subsequent historical moments that were also marked by technological innovations were called the Industrial Revolution. Fourth industrial revolution summary
The Industrial Revolution had its origin in England during the 18th century and from there it spread to the world. It was marked by the beginning of the use of machines, the mechanization of production processes, the use of steam engines and evolution in transport.
The Second Industrial Revolution , already in the 19th century, took place in France, England and the United States. Its main feature is the technological and scientific advances that allowed further expansion in industrialization. Examples are the invention of airplanes, automobiles and the use of steel.
Important marks of this phase are the use of different energy sources (such as nuclear, hydroelectric and oil), in addition to the invention of radio, television and the telephone.
The Third Industrial Revolution , which began in the 20th century, was characterized by information technology and technological innovations applied to industries, their growth and increased productivity.
The emergence of important fields such as robotics, internet and biotechnology is also fundamental in the history of this period.
The growth of the capitalist system, the process of globalization and the expansion of multinational companies are also part of the development of the Third Industrial Revolution. Fourth industrial revolution summary
