The event will help to raise awareness of the Industry 4.0 concept and enabled attendees to better understand the implications and applications of Industry 4.0 in the workplace. It also explained how existing – and near future – technologies can contribute to smart factory status.
Industry 4.0 is a high-technology strategy that promotes the computerisation and digitalisation of traditional industries, particularly manufacturing. The goal is to create intelligent factories that focus on cyber physical systems supported by advanced communication technologies and software, with processes that have the potential to communicate and interact with each other in an intelligent way.
Ken Christie, Director of EPLAN UK explained: “We often hear that businesses believe Industry 4.0 to be too complex, but what many fail to understand is that the time-saving, efficient technologies that underpin it are, in reality, within easy reach. It is unfortunate that some manufacturers are adopting only a small percentage of the available technologies, thereby missing out on big opportunities for revenue growth and productivity enhancements. If they are to continue to compete successfully in the global marketplace, it is essential that manufacturers in the Republic of Ireland take up these innovations, as it is widely accepted that Industry 4.0 could lead to a 30% increase in industrial activity”.
Visitors to the Industry 4.0 Technology Day were able to view innovations and discuss ideas in an exhibition area and also participate in a series of seminars on key topics in breakout rooms. During the seminar sessions, industry leaders explained how SMEs can harness the technologies made available by smart manufacturing philosophies and how they can best prepare for Industry 4.0.
“This is our second event with EPLAN and we are extremely happy to welcome them again on our campus,” said Professor Vincent Cunnane, President of Limerick Institute of Technology. “Following on previous years’ success, we are very much focused on leading those attending towards a world where Industry 4.0 and digitalisation represent the day-to-day norm and not the exception. EPLAN is a true industry leader and the insights it provides will pay dividends in the near future for industry as a whole.”
Other companies exhibiting and/or making presentations at the event included ABB, Festo, Igus, Omron, Panasonic, Rittal, Phoenix Contact, Schneider Electric, Siemens, SMC, Weidmüller and more.
