Implementation of Industry 4.0 and Robots in Production Processes of the Metal Industry

Abstract

We are witnessing major changes in all industries. Due to the application of new technological discoveries, new business methods are emerging, with the transformation of production systems, and a new form of consumption, delivery and transport. The course of development in the field of production in the world is directed towards Industry 4.0, which aims for production based on smart production processes. This requires the introduction of new technologies such as: robotics, Internet of Things (IoT), 3D printing, smart sensors, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), etc. The application of the first-generation industrial robots introduced rigid automation of production processes. The major deficiencies of the first-generation robots are that they were fenced and took up a lot of production space. The development of robotics technology and other new technologies has led to the development of the second-generation industrial robots. Compared to first-generation robots, collaborative robots have a number of advantages. Robotic technology is one of the most important technologies in Industry 4.0, so the application of robots in the automation of production processes, with the support of information technology, leads to ‘’smart automation’’, i.e. ‘’smart factor’’. The paper presents the implementation of industrial robots and Industry 4.0 in the production processes of the metal industry, as well as the possibility of increasing productivity, reducing time, and increasing the quality of product manufacturing.