Fourth Industrial Revolution

The chances are, you are part of the Fourth Industrial Revolution; also commonly referred to as '4IR', 'Industry 4.0' and the 'Technological Revolution'.

The Fourth Industrial Revolution refers to the fast-growing technologies which are loosely based on Artificial Intelligence and new communication forms - also including Big Data, Blockchain, Internet of Things and 5G. In essence, these technologies are taking what we can achieve digitally to another level. 

Carrying the baton

The Fourth Industrial Revolution is the latest in a series of industrial revolutions which have shaped the United Kingdom and the wider world since the 1700s, starting with the first Industrial Revolution based on steam power, the second based on electricity in the 1800s, and the third, which refers to the rise of computer technology, in the late 1900s.

Symbol of Industry 4.0

The smartphone can be seen as a symbol of Industry 4.0, such is its importance in providing a link to the end user involved in many of today's digital processes. With as many as 3.5 billion smartphone users worldwide, handsets are increasing the number of potential participants in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, working with Industry 4.0 technologies such as superfast 5G wireless and the Internet of Things (IoT).

The rise of the machine

Machine learning is playing a substantial part in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, with computers capable of teaching themselves. This is exemplified by Big Data; a development which has seen a new value in statistics for larger organisations, thanks to predictive analytics and user behaviour analytics. This has gone hand in hand with Artificial Intelligence (AI); computer technology which has fostered new problem solving and learning capabilities allowing machines to become ever more intelligent. 

NFC and Industry 4.0

Near Field Communication (NFC) could be dubbed as part of the 'steam power of Industry 4.0', such is its ability to deliver benefits to both businesses and consumers. In enabling mobile devices to send and receive data instantly, NFC has led to many new ways of manufacturing and marketing products in the business-to-consumer and business-to-business spheres. Whether it is optimised and automated stock control within a factory environment or instant downloads from an advertising poster - all around us, NFC embodies how the Fourth Industrial Revolution is multiplying possibilities and upping efficiency.

NFC Direct has been at the forefront of NFC, and the wider Fourth Industrial Revolution. As this era develops, our products will allow you to use the best Industry 4.0 innovations for practical business purposes.