How AI serves as a cornerstone of Industry 4.0

The Fourth Industrial Revolution, or Industry 4.0, entails using the most up-to-date versions of technologies such as AI, IoT, cloud computing and big data within industrial environments and operations. For context, the First Industrial Revolution began in the latter part of the 18th century when mechanization from steam and waterpower was revolutionary. Then came the Second Industrial Revolution, which saw the advent of electrical power and mass production systems. Finally, the 20th-century Third Industrial Revolution introduced computers to business processes. The current level of digitization in industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, finance and agriculture is at a level that was once considered futuristic.