The Disruptive Force of Industry 4.0

Industry 4.0 is a suite of digitally enabled technologies that combine embedded sensors, new kinds of materials, models as digital twins, and cutting edge computing to change the way that companies think about their product and facilities and even their customers. The idea of adopting these advanced manufacturing technologies can be daunting to small companies that have had success with traditional processes. Pavan Muzumdar, chief operating officer at Automation Alley, a nonprofit Industry 4.0 knowledge center based in Troy, Mich., discusses how 3D printing and other Industry 4.0 technologies are transforming small manufacturers.