The Fourth Industrial Revolution is the new period of revolution in industry , marked by the presence of new technologies.It is considered the greatest revolution since the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century.
It is characterized by the development of technologies in areas such as genetics, physics, technologies and digital advances .The impacts of these advances can already be seen in various sectors and affect the development of markets, businesses, employment relations and social relations.Innovations also provoke discussions about ethics and the limits of relationships, such as issues of biological and genetic manipulation.
Characteristics of the 4th Industrial Revolution
The characteristics of this revolution, derived from technological innovations and the advancement of the internet, are as follows:
- Intelligent machines : Artificial intelligence technology allows machines to “learn” and perform activities without the need for human interference, using accumulated, organized and stored data, such as algorithms. One example is the use of robots in industrial production lines.
- Importance of data : the power of data and information (and the large storage capacity) are the most powerful tools, which can be used for countless resources and activities. Examples include: increased productivity, improved trade, etc.
- Generation of less polluting energy : the search for the creation and use of forms of energy that are less harmful to the environment is a characteristic of this period. Examples of less polluting energy sources include solar energy and wind energy.
Impacts of the 4th Industrial Revolution
The revolution is responsible for changes that transform and will continue to transform industries and societies in the near future.
Discover the greatest technological innovations of the Fourth Industrial Revolution:
Robotics
Robotics is the use of advanced technologies, which use circuits and mechanical systems to build robots capable of performing tasks and can be used in industrial or domestic activities.
Robotics technology can have many applications. Its advantages include reducing costs and increasing productivity, as well as reducing errors in industrial processes.
These innovations have been used to replace human labor. And this is the negative point of the application of robotics: increased unemployment, since some functions previously performed by people are now performed by robots.
However, from another point of view, the arrival of this technology will also generate other types of jobs.
Augmented reality
Augmented reality is the application of modern technologies to combine the experience provided by the virtual world with the real world . In order for this reality to be experienced, devices, sensors and software must be used to “superimpose” these two realities.
The technology works by combining virtual information recorded in the software and equipment that allows the user to experience augmented reality.
The technology can be used in countless applications. For example: in games, films and animations, in mobile applications, in the development of design products and even in surgeries.
Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence is a branch of computer science that develops machines and computing devices with a processing capacity that mimics the “logic of human reasoning”.
In artificial intelligence, through the application of data processing and storage technologies, devices are expected to be able to make decisions, perform data analysis, resolve situations and learn from them.
Facial recognition technologies, store inventory control and virtual assistants are examples of artificial intelligence.
Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology is an area of science that studies the use of molecules and atoms . Simply put, it can be said that nanotechnology is based on the study of structures, which are formed by atoms.
This technology can be used in many functions, such as creating new materials, improving health with new surgical intervention methods, among others.
Nanotechnology has been widely used mainly in innovations in computing, communication and medicine.
Biotechnology
Biotechnology studies and develops methods for using living organisms to create products and innovate methods.
Biotechnology is a very broad area, studying everything from applications in areas such as agriculture to the complex processes of genetics and fertility.
Biotechnology when applied to health, for example, covers areas such as genetics, the creation of new medicines and disease treatments.
When focused on environmental preservation, it can help in the generation of sustainable energy, agriculture and the chemical industry, etc.
Big data
Big data is a broad set of data present on internet servers and in companies. This data, originating from online processing, is generated, collected and stored in databases .
Big data is data that can be stored, analyzed and used in applications, machine learning and other strategic actions, such as marketing and improving productivity.
The emergence and use of big data is explained by the frequent use of the internet by millions of people, as well as by the increase in internet speed in recent years, which makes it possible to monitor the thousands of new data generated every day.
Emergence of virtual currencies
Virtual currencies are a form of virtual money , used to make transactions, applications, payments and online purchases, as long as they are used in a specific way.
The first virtual currency was launched in 2009 and was called bitcoin . Although they are not regulated or controlled by banks, virtual currencies are used on many platforms and, in some cases, can be used outside the virtual world.
Some examples of virtual currencies created are: bitcoin, litecoin, ethereum and cryptocurrency.
3D Printing
This technology allows the printing of objects in a three-dimensional way , by superimposing layers.
First, before printing, the object must be created in 3D software. Then, the file must be sent to the 3D printer, which can print objects in materials such as rubber, plastic, metal, among others.
This technology has been used for numerous benefits. One of the most important is the 3D printing of prosthetics used by people with physical disabilities. It is also possible to use the technology to print art and decorative objects, clothing and car parts.
Industry 4.0 and Economy 4.0
These two expressions are directly associated with the occurrence of the 4th Industrial Revolution, also called Revolution 4.0.
Industry 4.0 is a term that refers to the new technologies brought about by this movement, such as innovations in the internet, computing, robotics, industrial automation, the virtual world, among others.
The expression emerged in Germany in 2011 and was initially linked to innovation processes in computing and information technology.
Economy 4.0 refers to the economic and corporate innovations that are occurring (and will continue to occur) as a result of the consequences of the revolution. It is related to the changes caused by technological innovations in the business world and in labor relations.
The 4th Industrial Revolution in Brazil
According to experts, Brazil is well-positioned to keep up with the advances of the revolution. However, they emphasize that it is necessary to invest in areas of innovation to guarantee the benefits and productivity provided by these technologies.
This condition is essential for the country to produce and participate more in new markets, keeping up with developed countries, especially in areas linked to technological and digital research.
Examples of areas that can be very beneficial for Brazil are:
- use of clean energy (such as solar and wind energy),
- innovations in genetics research,
- automation of industrial processes (using robotics, for example)
History of the Industrial Revolution
Since the first Industrial Revolution, all subsequent historical moments also marked by technological innovations have been called the Industrial Revolution.
The Industrial Revolution originated in England during the 18th century and spread throughout the world. It was marked by the beginning of the use of machines, the mechanization of production processes, the use of steam engines and the evolution of transportation.
The Second Industrial Revolution , in the 19th century, occurred in France, England and the United States. Its main characteristic is the technological and scientific advances that allowed the expansion of industrialization. Examples include the invention of airplanes, automobiles and the use of steel.
Important features of this phase include the use of different energy sources (such as nuclear, hydroelectric and oil), as well as the invention of radio, television and the telephone.
The Third Industrial Revolution , which began to occur in the 20th century, is characterized by information technology and technological innovations applied to industries, their growth and increased productivity.
The emergence of important scientific areas, such as robotics, the internet and biotechnology, is also crucial in the history of this period.
The growth of the capitalist system, the process of globalization and the expansion of multinational companies are part of the development of the Third Industrial Revolution.
