I think highlighting only AI to drive the Industry Revolution 4.0 is being partial to other technologies, but the force & capabilities it’s surprising us with is what is taking the centre stage in 4IR. Although this revolution helps enable smart factories & high level of automation by encompassing powerful technologies like:
- Artificial intelligence (AI)
- Robotics
- Internet of Things (IOT)
- Cloud Computing
- Big data & advanced analytics
- Quantum computing
- AR & VR
- Biotechnology
But among these, AI stands out as the “brain” of Industry 4.0. To my surprise, Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis claims that the AI revolution will be 10x bigger and 10x faster than the industry revolution. After coming across this news, the real question arises: will AI be the brain of Industry Revolution 4.0, or will AI shift surpass the fourth industrial revolution?
What is Industry Revolution 4.0?
Industry Revolution 4.0 is the fusion of physical, digital, and biological advancements connecting machines, products, and people through digital networks, enabling automated, data-driven decision-making. Smart factories, predictive maintenance, and IoT analytics reshaped entire industries.
AI shift will impact, Which Industries in the Industrial Revolution 4.0?
Manufacturing
AI automates lines, predicts maintenance failures (Siemens uses AI for machine health), and enables robotic assembly (BMW, Tesla use AI-driven robots) for efficiency and cost reduction.
Healthcare
AI powers faster, more accurate diagnoses (Google’s DeepMind detects eye diseases better than doctors), virtual assistants (Buoy Health triages symptoms), and drug discovery (Insilico Medicine designs novel drugs with AI).
Finance
AI flags fraud (Mastercard’s AI platform detects suspicious transactions), runs trading algorithms (JPMorgan’s LOXM), and powers chatbots for millions of banking customers (Bank of America’s “Erica” virtual assistant).
Logistics/Supply Chain
AI forecasts demand and automates warehouses (Amazon’s Kiva robots fulfil orders), plans routes (DHL deploys AI for route optimization), and improves tracking with real-time insights.
Retail
AI personalises shopping (Amazon’s recommendation engine), manages inventory (Walmart uses AI for stock replenishment), and enables automated checkout (Amazon Go stores).
Energy/Utilities
AI predicts energy needs (Google reduces data centre energy by 40% with AI), manages smart grids, and prevents outages with predictive analytics
Automotive
AI drives autonomous cars (Tesla Autopilot), helps with safety via ADAS, and personalizes in-car experiences (Mercedes-Benz MBUX voice assistant).
Government/Public Sector
AI detects welfare fraud, monitors public health (AI models tracking pandemic outbreaks), and powers urban management (Singapore’s “Smart Nation” uses AI for city systems).
Emerging Agriculture:
AI drones monitor crops (John Deere’s See & Spray system); Education: AI platforms like Coursera provide adaptive learning.
Summary
To summarise this, I think the Industry revolution 4.0 is not defined by any one technology but by the powerful fusion of many digital, physical, and biological breakthroughs. But among these, AI stands out as the brain powering smart automation, data-driven insights, and transformational innovation at scale. While AI’s rapid advancement may feel like a shift beyond 4IR, it is currently the driving force enabling the connected, intelligent world of Industry 4.0. Understanding AI’s role, alongside other emerging technologies, is key to navigating the future of work, industry, and society.
