Industrie 4.0

The film »Industrie 4.0« [Industry 4.0], which was created in collaboration between the ZKM | Karlsruhe and Fraunhofer IOSB, shows current research and development in Industry 4.0. The term Industry 4.0 designates the digital transformation of industry through the increasing use of automated processes that are guided by smart objects. Products and components are equipped with embedded systems that are capable of collecting data, joining networks, and communicating. Furthermore, ever more processes are standardized to ensure that both production and logistics processes run smoothly. Interoperable components are developed so that systems such as machinery can interact with one another even better and more efficiently. This leads to greater flexibility and more efficient processes. Beyond this, new strategies to maintain and service facilities with the support of machine learning are coming to the fore. Rather than simple corrective maintenance, there is a trend towards systems that make forward-looking suggestions about maintenance and other actions to take.  

The film documents these processes and research areas, demonstrating how a smart factory could look in the near future.