The Internet of Things in Manufacturing: Key Issues and Potential Applications

The IoT is widely accepted as a novel paradigm that can radically transform the manufacturing industry. It can realize the seamless integration of various manufacturing devices equipped with sensing, identification, processing, communication, actuation, and networking capabilities. Based on such a highly integrated smart cyberphysical space, it opens the door to create whole new business and market opportunities for manufacturing. Even though we cannot predict exactly when or whether the IoT will be built globally like the Internet, we can expect it to develop, first, locally and then gradually and possibly become globally unified in the end. IoT-enabled manufacturing (e.g., Industry 4.0, Factory of the Future, and Made in China 2025) is such an effort, which can have a high impact on the global economy.