IoT and Industry 4.0

The use of steam power and mechanisation of production kicked off the First Industrial Revolution in the 18th century. What was previously produced on simple spinning wheels achieved eight times the volume in the same time as the mechanised version. Steam power was already well understood. Its application of it for industrial purposes was the most significant breakthrough in increasing human productivity. Further massive changes were brought about by developments such as the steamship or (some 100 years later) the steam-powered locomotive, which allowed humans and goods to travel long distances in fewer hours.