Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the top trends to look out for in 2020. Next generation embedded systems will be powered by AI and Machine Learning technologies. This includes advanced intelligence technologies like cognitive learning, inference engines, Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), deep learning, embedded vision and speech & embedded machine learning in smart edge devices.
Moving to the cloud
Cloud computing and Software as a Service (SaaS) offer significant business benefits to manufacturing operations and IT. Cloud application platforms provide a modern approach for developing and deploying software applications. This approach is gradually displacing the older client/ server model, in which large, complex, monolithic applications were created and run.
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)
To realise the full potential of AR and VR to support digital transformation in the industry, they should be integrated with larger enterprise solutions. When packaged with IIoT & analytics and drawing on internal knowledge resources, connected AR/VR tools offer the potential to provide users with immersive experiences, real-time contextualised data and role-related information to help them execute their daily tasks quickly, accurately and effectively.
Edge computing
Edge computing in industrial environments offers the promise of getting the right device data in near real-time to drive better decisions and maybe even control industrial processes. The industrial network ‘edge’ (where computing occurs) can extend to industrial devices, machines, controllers and sensors.
Digital twins
Properly managed and deployed, the digital twin changes over the asset lifecycle timeline to reflect the asset changes, such that the user can see crucial information about how the physical asset is or was performing in the real world. On top of this basic digital twin, more sophisticated aspects of the twin can be constructed, such as engineering calculations, process simulation, 3D models, construction modeling and immersive simulation.
Cybersecurity
Many industrial organisations consider cybersecurity to be their greatest threat today. Serious vulnerabilities are identified on a regular basis and new threats continue to emerge to exploit those vulnerabilities. Industrial systems share many of the same vulnerabilities and are subject to the same threats. However, the consequences may be more severe. This makes cybersecurity an imperative for the asset owner, who ultimately must bear the consequences of an adverse event.
