DISTRIBUTION
Running a digital twin allows organisations to see the future in the virtual world before putting it into the real world. The digital twin can also speed up and run, for example, a week’s worth of tests in an hour, so it has a tremendous amount of potential. The biggest technological advancement that has made digital twins a reality is edge computing, which allows for everything to be computed at rapid speed. As computing power increases across the board, these practices will become more common. Right now, the cost of systems to run edge computing are quite expensive, and therefore unattainable for many organisations. But the tradeoff of being able to forecast staffing needs and the awareness of when systems need to be replaced is extremely valuable to factory operators. It saves time, and instead of having to schedule maintenance, they actually know when the system is going to fail and can prevent it, shortening line down timeframes.
The usage of edge computing and digital twins is also creating more high paying and technology focused jobs like information technology (IT) roles, data analysts and more. With the addition of collaborative robots on factory floors, they can take on more of the tedious and monotonous roles and free up staff that previously did those jobs to take on more valuable positions within the organisation.
The Show must go on Whether it’s issues with machinery, component shortages, or other potential challenges, manufacturing shutdowns are simply not an option anymore. Today’s factories must achieve system-wide visibility through the use of complex sensors and
The PDCe features more than 43 kilometers of automated conveyor inside the building, and an average order will travel more than 975 meters inside the building
hardware designed to capture, monitor and deliver key insights before issues arrive. The biggest problem facilities are facing today is literally a one million-person gap in skilled employees that are needed in the automation space, and it’s only going to get worse. So, the challenge is finding the processes that should be automated to allow you to work with the same number of people, but to grow. Automation is scalable – when you automate something, you can usually do it with fewer people or not have to add people as you grow.
The pandemic furthered this trend since companies realised pretty quickly that they’re likely never going to be able to recruit enough workers to meet demand, so the challenge has become figuring out what can be automated that actually saves money, because just throwing a robot at something to replace a person doesn’t necessarily fix anything or replace the need for that person.
There is also a massive need for systems integrators who help manufacturers determine what can be automated, and how it can all work together seamlessly. Students should absolutely be learning about automation and figuring out how to get jobs as integrators, as they’ll be set for future work.
Thinking outside the box Pioneers in the world of manufacturing are always thinking ahead and prototyping the future of technologies across the factory floor. Looking ahead, there will be many short-term trends that will move Industry 4.0 from idea to reality. From collaborative robots that can do multiple tasks to the moment when artificial intelligence and robotics merge, I truly believe this will be bigger than the invention of the wheel. The demand for systems integrators won’t cease, and there will continue to be a bigger push for localised manufacturing. This isn’t just a U.S. trend, but a global trend – everyone wants their manufacturing to happen closer to where the product is going. And with more localised manufacturing, organisations can more easily provide customised products, one-off designs and smaller lot sizes. As we head towards a more automated future, Digi-Key is committed to having what you need for the next revolution of your business. With more than 70,000 automation- specific parts in stock, and 150,000 automation & control products available, Digi-Key carries nearly anything that you might need for automation, because we are your automation experts.
Digi-Key
www.digikey.co.uk
KNAPP, a specialist in warehouse logistics and automation, partnered with Digi-Key on the internal automation and operational equipment of the facility
DECEMBER/JANUARY 2023 | ELECTRONICS TODAY 11
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