For many years, industrial robots have been utilised to change mass manufacturing and register automation to carry out unique procedures more quickly and safely without any human lapse. The mass manufacturing produced from industrial robots lowers the cost of the product and increases the speed of delivery without much error. Production procedures, technology development, smart supply chain and trade aspects have been changed by Industry 4.0. Artificial intelligence (Al) and machine learning transformed the older ways of executing processes and operating industrial robots. To this end, novel research has been carried out and plans have been made for future robot generation, automation lines and smart factories. Although Industry 4.0 is not a widely used term and known idea, it is outstandingly capable of enhancing human life. All manufacturing procedures and supply levels are prognosticated to be impacted in the production. A relation of Industry 4.0 and smart factories in terms of industrial robots is described in this chapter and the benefits and applications are addressed. The influence of industrial robots on smart factories and the future expectations are later discussed in the text.

Chapter Contents:

• 9.1 Industry 4.0 and industrial robots
• 9.2 Smart factories
• 9.2.1 Efficiency and productivity
• 9.2.2 Safety and security
• 9.2.3 Flexibility
• 9.2.4 Connectivity
• 9.3 Internet of Things
• 9.4 Artificial intelligence
• 9.5 Smart materials and 3D printing
• References

Inspec keywords: factory automation; industrial robots

Other keywords: robot generation; smart factories; automation lines; industrial robots

Subjects: Robotics; Robotics; Control applications in manufacturing processes; Manufacturing systems; Control in industrial production systems