Based on the software encapsulation or proxying of hardware after decomposition, this is actually the core essence of Industry 4.0: building a distributed augmented network manufacturing system. The purpose of this distributed augmented network manufacturing system is to achieve flexible and arbitrary switching and combination of automation, and ultimately support mass customization production modes through extremely flexible and efficient reconfigurability of hardware and its control.
However, this focuses more on the reconstruction of smart manufacturing hardware. Germany, which proposed Industry 4.0, is also good at hardware, but it lacks a more software-oriented digital architecture or explanation of Industry 4.0.
However, distributed, networked manufacturing systems offer significant insights and guidance for digitalization. From another perspective, digitalization is essentially a form of production line, albeit one focused on information and its processing. Perhaps the Germans consider this a natural, implicit understanding, so let's try to explain it further.
First, distributed, enhanced network-based digital systems, much like the future automotive industry which will operate without production lines but instead rely on individual workstations and their dynamic configurations, will no longer be a fixed or rigid whole. Instead, they will be discrete, interoperable service modules. This is essentially the core concept of the Industrial Internet advocated by the United States. From this perspective, at a fundamental level, the US and Germany share the same understanding. Only in this way can an industrial operating system be built. Only in this way can a reconfigurable digital business system that balances efficiency and flexibility be constructed. This is the current obvious development trend, and everyone is working towards it.
Secondly, truly flexible production units are never rigid logistics connections, but rather based on mobile AGVs. Data flow in digital systems should also be similar, such as on-demand processing. What I'm suggesting with this concept is that data platforms essentially operate on the same principle. Furthermore, business processes related to data should also be organized and collaborated on an on-demand basis, even employing process platforms or similar approaches. These practices are all on the right track in terms of trend.
Third, for such a complex distributed, enhanced network-based digital system, modeling is almost inevitable, and the principles of systems engineering must be implemented. This should also be the underlying logic of Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet. Correspondingly, this relates to MBSE (Mobile Equipment Safety). Although development in this area is currently rapid in product development, it is also essential to implement corresponding digital systems for production and manufacturing execution. This should be the future development trend.
