There is a revolution in our midst, are you ready?

Autonomous vehicles, augmented reality, blockchain, cloud computing, advanced robotics and big data analytics are no longer things of the past. The fourth industrial revolution is here and questions what it means to be human.

What is the Fourth Industrial Revolution?

Contrary to the past revolutions, the Fourth Industrial Revolution involves new technologies that morph physical, digital and biological concepts, disrupting countless disciplines, economics and industries. The basis of the revolution is the advancements of cyber-physical systems, the Internet of Things and the Internet of Systems. The velocity, scope and systems impact defines the Fourth Industrial Revolution, with unprecedented exponential speed of technology breakthrough. The revolution aims to solve global problems including low-quality education, climate change and poor service delivery.

What technologies are part of the movement?

Artificial Intelligence: AI is already used daily around us, from virtual assistants and online shopping, to drones and self driving cars. Disrupting every industry, AI has the ability to stimulate human intelligence in machines, with the goal to learn, reason and correct. According to Oxford academics, Carl Benedikt Frey and Michael Osborne, an estimated 47% of American jobs will be affected with AI by the 2030s. To name a few, AI is already being developed to create self driving cars and transport vehicles, detect diseases, perform surgeries, efficient automation and improved customer service.

Robotics: Robotics is an emerging field in the Fourth Industrial Revolution that combines engineering, science and technology to create mechanical machines(aka. robots) that replicate human actions. Robotics are infiltrating a variety of workspaces improving industries in automation, research, law-enforcement and healthcare. Robots can be seen assembling vehicles, exploring harsh conditions on Earth and in space, perform surgeries and create mass production of consumer goods. As the world of robotics is rapidly expanding, by 2030 it is predicted they will take over nearly 20 million U.S. jobs.

The Internet of Things (IofT): The ability to use a device such as your phone to lock your home door, make coffee from a smart coffee maker and remotely set your smart thermostat is all thanks to the Internet of Things. Devices, whether a sensor or a smartwatch that communicate to each other through the internet is known as the Internet of Things. This revolutionary concept allows for our daily lives to be more efficient saving us time, money and emissions. The potential for the Internet of Things is limitless however due to the simplicity of hacking over the internet a lot of ethical issues regarding privacy are hindering the speed of development.

3-D Printing: 3-D printing is used for much more than printing out small little figurines. Companies like Bosch are using them more than ever to create spare parts and create experimental solutions. As the prospects for 3-D printing increase, more and more universities are establishing 3-D printing departments and teaching printing skills many employers seek. These printers can create small mechanical parts like washers all the way to heart and limb imitations. The technology allows for rapid prototyping and increased personalization, making its future looking prosperous.

Genetic Engineering: From curing cancer with CRISPR to altering a plant’s nutritional content, genetic engineering is changing the world of medicine and biology. Genetic engineering is the process of altering DNA to change an organism’s genome. Though indirect genetic engineering has been happening for decades(i.e. dog breeding), it has only been recently tapped into its full potential. Today research is being done in applying how genetic engineering can help create a vaccine for the global Covid-19 pandemic.

Quantum Computing: Quantum computers use quantum mechanics to analyze a vast amount of data nearly 100 times faster than an ordinary computer. Contrary to your and my computer that uses bits and bytes of zeros and ones, a quantum computer analyses pieces of quantum bits, or qubits. These pieces encode the zero and one into two different distinguished states, “superposition” and “entanglement.” This will revolutionize how data is stored and executes calculations, out performing any supercomputer.

Brain Computer Interfaces: Have you thought it would be possible to switch the TV channel by just thinking about it? With brain Computer Interfaces(BCIs) this will be possible. BCIs collect data from brain signals to be analyzed and translate them into commands for output devices that undergo the desired thought. Even though the ethics behind the technology is controversial, it’s currently being researched to be implemented into artificial movement control, locomotion and neurorehabilitation.

What does the fourth revolution hold?

As the Fourth Industrial Revolution is exponentially growing it creates greater efficiency in all industries, it is expected to increase the GDP of many countries like China and U.S. For underdeveloped countries the revolution offers hope for a better quality of life and increased income levels. As more and more technologies are being introduced into the workplace, technology and humans are working alongside each other to reduce error, offer greater efficiency and enhance our service. The technology emerging from the revolution is being used to fight global problems from climate change to the Covid-19 pandemic. Even though developed countries already use technologies from the Fourth Industrial Revolution on a daily basis, much more research and development must be done.

What threat does the Fourth Industrial revolution have?

With all these new technologies, government officials will enact increased security laws. The Fourth Industrial Revolution might lead to a segregation of the working class population, from “low skill, low pay” to “high skill/high pay” classes. As the revolution is exponentially growing, upcoming technology can make jobs obsolete in the coming years. For those that stay ahead of the game, and learn with the growth curve might not be able to keep up as the revolution becomes ever so larger.

How to respond to the revolution?

It is key to remember that these technologies are made by humans to support humans. Their intention is not to destroy the job markets, rather make jobs easier and more efficient while working alongside technologies. Everybody must become proactive in shaping the revolution, and adapt to how the revolution is advancing our economic, cultural, social and daily lives. Companies should expand their technical infrastructure and data analyzing capabilities. Greater education should be offered to help the working class adapt to the ever changing job market.

Change is coming, and every industry and individual must adapt. The Fourth Industrial Revolution will create a better future for all and solve some of the world’s largest problems with disruptive technologies.

Key Takeaways:

• The basis of the exponentially growing Fourth Industrial Revolution is the advancements of cyber-physical systems, the Internet of Things and the Internet of Systems.
• Some disruptive technology in the revolution include: artificial intelligence, robotics, 3D printing, the Internet of Things, Genetic Engineering, Quantum Computing and Brain Computer Interfaces.
• The revolution holds many global promises. Undeveloped countries are expected to have a better quality of life and increased income levels. Developed countries will have an increased GDP and greater efficiency in all industries.
• Adapting proactively to the everchanging industries will be key in order to remain an important member of the workforce. Companies and educational institutions should develop leaders to become strong and useful members of the workforce that work alongside technology.