It is possible to make many
definitions for Industry 4.0. However, if we make a general definition, we can
say that it describes the process of development in production and management. This
process includes all developments in automation, interconnectivity, data
exchange, information technologies, data processing and production. Therefore,
industry 4.0 is a collective term that works, develops and relates with many
different fields.
In order to
understand exactly what the fourth industrial revolution is and to discover
their potential and to direct industry in the interests of the country for the
future, and perhaps to form the basis of the fifth industrial revolution, it is
necessary to examine the previous industrial revolutions and to know how they
direct humanity.
The first
industrial revolution began in the late 1700s with the discovery of a steam
engine, with the invention of machines that turned water and steam power into
mechanical power for production. Thus, for the first time, the power of nature
was used instead of arm strength in production.
The second
industrial revolution began in the late 19th century and early 20th century
with the discovery of electricity, a more useful form of energy than steam. In
this way, electric machines with more mass production potential were invented. In
addition, the discovery of steel has led to the construction of durable
automation machines, and the invention of telegraph and telephony has
accelerated communication, thus becoming the dynamos of the second industrial
revolution.
It can be
said that the third industrial revolution began in the late 1950s, when the
first computers, which are the ancestors of today's computers, but can be
regarded as the advanced technologies of the time, began to be used for production.
In fact, the development of semiconductor technology and the invention of
transistors in 1948 led to the emergence of computers and microprocessor-based
devices. This stiation also heralded the transition from mechanical technology
to digital technology.
With
digitalization, there are so many improvements that we can write for the fourth
industrial revolution. But if we do not write the internet which is the pioneer
of all these developments and technologies from the very beginning, we would be
wrong. Interconnectivity, interoperability and communication have increased
with the development and expansion of the Internet. This communication
capability and increased processing power have enabled the development of many
technologies including machine-machine interaction, internet of things, cloud
computing, parallel and distributed system technologies, real-time data
processing and autonomous robots and etc.
Because of
sociological and economic adversities that found in Turkey, unfortunately,
industrial revolutions are not caught up in the time period of took places. However
now with the acceleration of communication, Turkey has started to close the gap
with the countries that have fully realized the industrial revolutions. As long
as the necessary reforms in education are made and with the correct orientation
of the dynamic manpower, Turkey will also catch these countries. For example,
until ten years ago Turkey's own unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was not
available. We can say that we are in the champions league in the UAV sector by
taking the right and fast steps in ten years. We are even better than many
members of this league.
But how did
we catch the countries that were 50 years ahead of us about the UAV ten years
ago?
As can be
seen in this example, countries with advanced technology and industry, are no
longer 50 years ahead of us. If the possibilities of technology and serial
communication are used correctly, we may catch them a decade or a year.
In order to increase our competitiveness in the international
arena as a country and get more shares from the cake;
·
We
have to invest in people. We need to be able to train our human resources in a
quality and homogeneous way required by the age and to train qualified manpower
that will lead us to industry 4.0.
·
We
should be able to learn how to use developing technology in line with our goals
as a society.
·
We
should be able to turn our country into a center of attraction in this field in
order to direct the investor to make technological investments in our country. Therefore,
technological infrastructures should be realized by the government if
necessary.
·
Turkish
industrial companies should ensure digitalization and institutionalization. It
should be able to produce faster and hassle-free production with artificial
intelligence and automation.
·
We
should raise awareness of our industrial companies and factories towards
branding and support the branding efforts as a state.
If we can properly utilize the
advantages of new age and technologies in our country as a society, we realize
Industry 4.0 and open the doors of Industry 5.0.
Dr. Musa MİLLİ
