Industry 4.0 — the common term used to describe the latest phase of the industrial revolution — is poised to reshape countless business sectors. One such sector is the field of aerospace manufacturing.
Naturally, aerospace manufacturing is a complex endeavor that requires a significant commitment of talent, resources, and time. While this will hold true for the foreseeable future, industry 4.0 has the potential to increase efficiency among aerospace companies while simultaneously allowing them to become more competitive.
Specifically, industry 4.0 will revolutionize aircraft manufacturing in the following three ways:
Aerospace Manufacturing Will Begin to Leverage New Automation Tech
Automation technologies are already widely used by aerospace companies. However, the capabilities and efficiencies of these technologies will continue to grow as the fourth industrial revolution picks up speed.
In the coming years, expect these pieces of hardware to be paired with robust new modeling software. Cumulatively, these solutions will allow aerospace companies to use fewer materials and reduce manufacturing costs, all while optimizing product quality.
These manufacturing process evolutions will be particularly useful during prototyping and aircraft design. Aerospace companies will acquire the flexibility necessary to fuel true innovation within the industry.
Data Silos Will Become a Distance Memory
In the digitized environment, data silos are the enemy of collaboration and innovation. Over the last few years, businesses have proactively worked to eliminate data silos by integrating various software suites. However, data silos still exist, albeit to a much more limited degree than they once did.
Still, the compartmentalized management of aerospace manufacturing leaves room for production inefficiencies. Fortunately, industry 4.0 will pave the way for full integration and collaboration.
These newly designed systems will facilitate complete vertical integration, thereby leading to increased operational efficiency and optimized data transparency.
AI Will Augment the Capabilities of Humans
Artificial intelligence technologies have the potential to maximize the work efficiency of staff members. Although AI allows organizations to automate many processes, the human element will remain an integral part of the process.
The goal is to achieve the optimal balance between AI-based automation and manual inputs. During the 4th industrial revolution, aerospace manufacturing companies will achieve this balance.
Big things are on the horizon for the aerospace manufacturing sector. Companies will become ever more agile, explore ways to drive operational efficiency and learn to make better use of AI technologies.
This learning will set the stage for significant technological breakthroughs that will usher in the next era of aerospace engineering and manufacturing.
Next Article
