ENDEAVOUR PERSPECTIVES /

Industry 4.0: Revolutionising Society

By KV Soon
Co-founder / Director
Spirit of Endeavour

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1 August 2022 - Industry Revolution 4.0 (Also known as ‘IR4.0’) is the adoption of advanced technologies that enables a very high level of automation.

Computers and technology were introduced in the third industrial revolution, though with varying levels of success and limited implementation. Building upon its predecessor, industry 4.0 looks to take technology to new heights by creating a network that emphasizes on automation. This revolution looks at predicting probabilities via quantum computing, artificial intelligence, 3d printing, robotics, smart sensors and other connected devices.

At its core, industry revolution 4.0 aims to replace the repetitive work humans do with computers and machines in a way that minimizes errors, improves efficiency, reduces wastage and boosts productivity. This will eventually lower the cost of production, which is the main driver for I4.0.

Many also look at IR4.0 from a revenue generation angle. IR4.0 has the potential to transform businesses holistically – which is why we often see the term used during digital transformation programmes or initiatives. Keeping in mind that digital transformation’s key driver is service excellence, a large increase in productivity and efficiency provides entities with the breathing space needed to achieve this goal. As far as for-profit businesses go, they have little choice but to evaluate their operations and take steps to adopt automation and data-driven technologies. In the long term, such an approach will not be an option – rather a necessity in a competitive, capitalistic society.

With this in mind, the existence and adoption of all industrial revolutions stem from a singular focus: maximising productivity for commercial use. Let's break this down.

The first industrial revolution is characterised by the introduction of the steam engine. Initially created to pump water out of mines, it was soon improved upon and patented around 50 years later. Soon enough, its utilisation expanded into cotton mills and waterworks, as well as leading into the creation of the first trains.

Yet, all these miraculous things came from the sole intent of creating profit and productivity. Although employment opportunities saw a large increase, living and working conditions for workers were unfathomable. Why? Because that did not fall into the grand scheme of making more money. It was also a time where child labour was in effect. Children were extremely underpaid (10-20% of original wage), received harsher treatment, and had an increased percentage of getting sick or injured due to poor regulation. Even the textile industry, now mechanized and having increased their output capacity many times over, did not directly stop homeless people freezing to death during cold weather due to a lack of clothing.

The second industrial revolution is mostly characterised by mass production with the new assembly lines, as well as electricity. This allowed the production of goods on a massive scale (hence ‘mass production’). We also saw iron and steel being widely produced, more railroads and the use of petroleum.

It was a time where materials were easier to produce, accompanied by an explosion in their demand. Even more than the first industrial revolution, this resulted in factories spewing out toxic black smoke into the atmosphere, mines drilling deep into the planet for steel and oil, and volatile chemicals seeping into both soil and air. Again, we see what happens when a revolution based on productivity and profit ignores its impact on society and the environment.

The third industrial revolution introduced electronics, internet technology and automation. Here, we are introduced to the reality and potential of digitization. Magnificent, powerful tools known as computers were introduced. Consumer electronics like phones have been made available to the public.

Undoubtedly, these benefits are fantastic on paper, but let’s look at what happens when the focus only looks at personal, financial profit: Similar to what we’ve seen in the previous industrial revolutions, an explosion of demand for computer parts occurred, and factories are filled with employees working in harsh conditions and for inhumane hours. The golden rule is this: the more I make, the more I can sell. The more I sell, the more money I can make!

This article is not an attack on capitalism – rather, we believe all industrial revolutions to be an overwhelming benefit towards humanity. Yet, there is more room for empathy and compassion. Imagine - when revolutionizing technologies are created - we place more emphasis on how it can help society, the environment and governance.

The point of all this is, we can do better.

We can always do better, and we must always strive to be better. This is not limited to a personal capacity, but in terms of how we can make our environment and the people around us improve. Let us emphasise more on how others can benefit. Let us revolutionise not only commercial production, but the quality of life, the freedoms to basic necessities, the process and ideas of education. How do we achieve these goals with the new tools we have at hand? The new principles we have learned?

We must be willing to rethink everything from the ground-up. Find the courage to consistently challenge the ‘norm.’ Attempt to revolutionise something outside the intent of money and profit.

For those in power, we offer you a different perspective: think about your children (or future children). Introspect what you want for them in life – not only external experiences, but internal values and capabilities.

Is there anything we can do for our education system to bring the best out of your children? Are there things - processes, ways of thinking, subjects that are taught - that have been in place for a long time without change? If so, has their relevance waned over time? What can be done to improve this system?

What values do you want to instill into your children? Is there anything more than the value of money? Do you think it is important for your children to care about others, and the environment they live in?

These are questions you must ask yourself today. Time moves very fast. Without putting serious thought into this, 10 years may have passed and you might realise the things you could have changed too late.

As adults of our nations (and especially decision makers), our children look to you – no, depend on you for hope, change and revolution.

The Industrial Revolution will affect all aspects of our lives and it critical we understand and address the oncoming changes.  Let us learn from our past mistakes, and keep trying to think outside the box when we think of ‘revolution.’ We need to re-evaluate economic strategies, review social models and develop approaches to ensure the sustainability of the ecological environment. 

We must drive change.

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