The industry of the future

The industry of the future is a technological revolution providing new means of production and enabling us to address the new challenges facing French industry.

Here, you will soon find the latest news, stakeholders, training, innovation, and research projects of the industry of the future in Pays de la Loire.

This will be achieved through a high level of automation and digital integration of the whole production chain.

The industry of the future is a technological revolution providing new means of production and enabling the new challenges facing French industry to be addressed.

 

Factories of the future will be :

  • More agile and flexible
  • Less expensive
  • More respectful towards workers and the environment

The industry of the future – linking-up the skills mosaic

The industry of the future goes beyond a range of technological innovations capable of improving the production system.

Linking-up these innovations is essential if we are to achieve the aforementioned goals.

For example, as big data requires efficient cloud technologies and enhanced cyber security,

it makes more sense that the Internet of Things (IoT) develops alongside it.

Nonetheless, the following fundamental skills have been identified  :

 

Basic skills :

Big data processing and analytics

The appearance of sensors on machines and products enables a substantial amount of data to be collected. With good processing and analytical tools, this data will allow production lines to be optimized by identifying specific problems that arise and also to enhance knowledge on consumer habits and preferences, etc.

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Autonomous Robots

Today, advanced robotics means that robots can be created that are more flexible, autonomous and work more cooperatively with operators.

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Simulation

The 3-D simulation of products, materials or processes extends to the entire production line; the collection of real-time data allows models to be refined.

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IT systems

IT systems must facilitate intra- and inter-company integration and communication. They will enable the automation of supply, production and distribution chains, and help to create closer links between different company departments to better respond to demand.

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The Internet of Things (IoT)

With sensors on unfinished machines and devices, machines will be able to identify a device’s production history and the end of chain request to then respond automatically or via a central command station.

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Cybersecurity

The spread of digital technologies and the concurrent increase in communication technologies (data-gathering sensors, communication technologies within and outside companies, etc.) means cybersecurity is a major challenge for industrial companies. Many suppliers of Industry 4.0-ready materials have developed cybersecurity expertise to offer services integrating this element.

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The cloud

The cloud is already widely used for software and data management. The growing interconnectivity between production sites and company departments requires the sharing of large data sets, a process that the cloud has made a lot easier.

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3D printing

There are high hopes riding on this technology. In addition to the production of prototypes, 3D printing can already produce small series of complex parts, spare parts and even customised tools.  As the technology develops, printing will become faster and more accurate, allowing for large-scale production.

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Augmented and virtual reality

This aims to provide real-time data on repair techniques for parts, by making this information available on augmented reality glasses, for example. These technologies can also be used for training, or to make design stages more realistic so that more people can get involved.

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(Industry 4.0 The Future of Productivity and Growth in Manufacturing Industries – The Boston Consulting Group, April 2015)

Atlanstic 2020 and the industry of the future

The Atlanstic 2020 research teams are already fully integrated in this revolution, particularly through their work on the following :

  • Data processing and analysis :
  • Robotization
  • IT systems
  • The Internet of Things (IoT)
  • The cloud

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supporting change with training

The industry of the future will entail important technological and digital changes.
New production methods will make significant changes to work organization and employer expectations.

Training must accompany this change, address new requirements and support the industry of the future.

New professional skills will be needed.  New professions have emerged and will continue to emerge,

such as robotics technician, virtualization engineer and data scientist.

There are several training courses in the region that prepare for these new professions :

Engineer

IMT Atlantique

Engineer

Centrale Nantes

Master

University of Nantes

The industry of the future is in motion
with Atlanstic 2020