ADVANTAGES OF A SMART FACTORY Previously, OEMs could only automate simple tasks. With limited access to manufacturing data points, a large and experienced workforce was required for analyzing and adjusting manufacturing processes, as well as monitoring and maintaining equipment. Today’s smart facilities are equipped with advanced sensors, embedded software, and connected devices that collect and analyze data and allow for better decision making. By mounting sensors on multiple devices, smart factories leverage highly adaptive, autonomous equipment, often with machine learning capabilities, for self- optimization. In addition, smart factories offer remote monitoring and predictive maintenance to ensure the manufacturing line stays up and running. DEVICE TRENDS IN SMART FACTORIES Modern manufacturing facilities have more connected devices than ever before such as: • Industrial robots • Machine vision cameras • Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) • Sensors and controllers
requirements of up to 10 Gb/s typically equate to more connection points in a system. Simply put, smaller high-speed connectors offer more design flexibility on the board to decrease the size of the device while improving functionality. However, miniature connectors traditionally come with a compromise in ruggedness. In most cases, legacy connectors no longer meet the stringent demands of Industry 4.0 applications. MARKET BACKGROUND The industry 4.0 market is projected to grow from USD 64.9 billion in 2021 to USD 165.5 billion by 2026, a CAGR of 20.6%. Key factors fueling this growth include: • Rapid adoption of AI and IoT in the manufacturing sector • Increasing demand for industrial robots in pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing • Rising government investments in 3D printing and additive manufacturing • Growing adoption of blockchain technology in the manufacturing industry Additionally, the application of AI and IoT in medical wearables is expanding the medical technology market in new directions.
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