The Industrial Revolution began around the 18th century in Britain, with the change of a handicraft economy to one utilizing industrial processes and machine manufacturing. The main features of the Industrial Revolution involved technological and sociological advancements, with many more following. The changes in technology included new basic materials such as iron and steel, new energy sources, and inventions of new machines. Sociological differences included a wider distribution of wealth, the decline of land as a source of wealth, and increased international trade. However, the focus of the original industrial revolution was fixated on implementing machinery in product creation and processes of goods for customers or other businesses to provide their service.
The Second Industrial Revolution, also known as the technological revolution, was a period of rapid standardization and industrialization in the late 19th to early 20th century. Advancements in technology to improve manufacturing efficiency resulted in systems such as the telegraph and railroad networks, gas and water supply, and sewage systems. The expansion of the technological revolution results in a new wave of globalization as electrical power was identified and products such as the telephone were created later on. Automobiles and planes also came into the picture during this time frame. This portion of the industrial revolution ended with the beginning of World War I and many focusing on serving their country.
The Third Industrial Revolution appears in the second half of the 20th century with the emergence of new types of energies. While the rise of electronics, telecommunications, and computers, this period focuses on the expansions of different types of energy, like nuclear and renewable energy. The study and enhancement of energy sources would result in capabilities such as space expeditions, research, and biotechnology.
While many are unsure, some sources claim the Fourth Industrial Revolution, commonly known as Industry 4.0, has begun with the focus on technology advancement using the internet. The main difference indicating the shift from the third to the fourth industrial revolution is companies utilizing digital connection methods, such as cloud hosting sensor data capabilities or machine learning, to achieve their business goals as it boosts productivity to drive decision-making. The emphasis on this process is through the Internet of Things (IoT) and cloud-based applications to boost worker efficiency as it collects volumes of data generated through these new capabilities. The capabilities also allow different types of machinery and systems to connect to each other, creating an integrated approach and automation of previously disconnected equipment. With the ability to stream large amounts of data into one cloud system, employees can review with easy from their own computers on-site or at home.
Industry 4.0 has also enhanced wearable technology to better employee safety. While many rely on situational awareness to assess their safety, wearable technology gives companies information on the overall health of their employees while they work. For example, if a gas leak not commonly found in the area occurs and desensitizes a detection system, notifications can be sent to the control room or managers when workers start to have increased heart rate and trouble breathing, common physical signs of gas leak exposure. Industrial Revolution 4.0 also utilizes technology for portable and wired equipment. This is essential as it ensures the proper use of all devices, transferring useful information from the device to the cloud system, when calibrations need to be performed or when a device malfunctions, and more.
While the concept of the Industrial Revolution 4.0 is still new, it’s focus centers on utilizing technology, more specifically the IoT and its capabilities, to improve efficiency while maintaining and improving worker safety. DOD Technologies values the safety of all personnel and work environments by offering a variety of portable and fixed gas detection systems for your needs. Do you have a question regarding gas detection within your application? With more than 150 years of combined instrumentation and application knowledge, DOD Technologies is prepared to offer its expertise and solutions for your toughest requirements while keeping you, your employees, and your equipment safe.
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