Top 7 Technologies That Are Revolutionizing Manufacturing (And Where JD Edwards Fits in the Picture)

Smart technology has gone from an accessory to a foundational element of business and everyday life. Artificial intelligence (AI) alone is expected to increase global GDP by 26% by 2030.

In manufacturing, modern technologies are a game-changer. From big data to advanced robotics, they help increase productivity and profitability by reducing human intervention and downtime. Several new technologies are currently impacting the manufacturing industry in a positive way. These include:

• Internet of Things (IoT)
• 3D printing
• Robotics
• Nanotechnology
• Augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR)
• 5G
• Artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML)

Read on to learn how these technologies are helping manufacturers, as well as how JD Edwards supports new tech implementations.

2. 3D Printing

With 3D printing, you can produce a vast array of objects, large and small, that can be used to create and test products or their components. Manufacturers can 3D-print parts for products, see how they fit in the end solution, and then assess how to make changes.

For example, if a new vehicle is underperforming in aerodynamics tests, a manufacturer can simply print out more aerodynamic components, such as shields that protect the undercarriage. The company can then put these on a test model and see how they impact air resistance.

3. Robotics

Robotics enhances the speed and quality of production while reducing human error. Robots on the factory floor can:

• Perform intricate, difficult tasks repeatedly and with fewer errors
• Move, twist, and install components that are too heavy for people to manipulate
• Work through the night, as well as on weekends and holidays
• Collect data regarding their performance that can be analyzed by decision-makers

4. Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology involves the use of minuscule components, the size of which is measured in billionths of a meter. For example, a carbon nanotube is 1 nanometer in diameter, which means you would need 100,000 of them to equal the width of a strand of hair. This and other nanotech are used by manufacturers to make products such as:

• Solar panels
• Flexible sensors
• Electric textiles
• Boat hulls
• Car parts

5. Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality (AR/VR)

Augmented or virtual reality makes it possible for a company to model a virtual environment based off a real one and then allow a human to interact virtually with the physical environment. Manufacturers use augmented reality to:

• Conceptualize a product
• Make working conditions safer
• Observe and measure changes in the production process

6. 5G

5G is the fifth generation of cellular technology, and it enables the transfer of large amounts of data instantaneously wirelessly. This is possible because 5G uses higher-frequency radio waves than regular wireless signals.

Manufacturers can set up 5G networks within their facilities to enable:

• Instantaneous transfer of enormous amounts of data between machines and computers
• The collection, analysis, and use of production data in real-time
• High-bandwidth connections between employees and devices on the company’s campus

7. Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML)

Artificial intelligence and machine learning make it possible for computers to learn patterns, apply the knowledge they gain, and even make changes to systems with minimal human input. Manufacturers can leverage both AI and ML to:

• Gather and analyze supply chain data in real-time
• Study the production process and find ways to make it more efficient
• Optimize how factory floor space is used