First there was the invention of the steam engine during the 18th century, then mass production techniques were implemented in manufacturing in the early 20th century. The next few decades to follow developed electronic systems and computer technologies to improve production lines. In the following article, Sam Shead, reporter for The Engineer, asks the question: "What's next?" Industry experts from Siemens Industry and Bosch Rexroth say there is a new period of manufacturing that will arise over the next few decades known as 'Industry 4.0.' Learn how intelligent factories that link up every part of its production chain with next-generation wireless automation could mark a sea change in manufacturing.
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