Fortunately, wireless power has evolved with magnetic induction to be capable of both contactless power and data transfer, which is ideal for Industry 4.0 technologies that demand autonomy and reliability.

With the influx of factory automation in recent decades, having a bunch of machines that require considerable amounts of power and data transfer poses a significant problem. It does not make sense to have a battery-operated device tethered to a cable to allow for around-the-clock data transfer. Therefore, they require adequate power and must be capable of quickly and seamlessly transferring data at all times.Д«atteries simply do not provide this capability. Moreover, Industry 4.0 technologies are, by definition, meant to be connected and share data. Unfortunately, the alternative is not much better: wires and exposed sockets are also especially hazardous in industrial environments. Damage can occur immediately or over a period of time from physical impact, exposure to certain temperatures, and improper charging. ThereвЂ™s also the matter of safety, as damaged lithium-ion batteries pose a considerable fire risk. Not to mention, identifying and replacing dead batteries in a manufacturing facility is a logistical nightmare. A device that loses power can cause a chain reaction that impacts productivity for the entire plant. Recharge or replacing batteries consistently can quickly raise opportunity costs as well. MoreВ than 60 percent of industrial IoT (IIoT) setup costs are spent on cabling and installation. For example, Cobots and autonomous mobile robots and vehicles (AMRs & AMVs) are typically powered by high-efficiency batteries or route wires and power cords. Many of todayвЂ™s Industry 4.0 technologies are characterized by complex, expensive, limiting, and sometimes hazardous cabling and connector solutions.

According to a 2020 Deloitte study, organizations with comprehensive Industry 4.0 strategies significantly outperform their peers with no or disjointed strategies.ДЄpproximately 90% of surveyed organizations with comprehensive Industry 4.0 strategies generated at least 5% annual revenue growth in the most recent year.ДЄnalysts at Mckinsey & Company say it is not uncommon to see 30-50% reductions in machine downtime, 10-30% increases in throughput, 15-30% improvements in labor productivity, and 85% more accurate forecasting with digitally enabled factories.

With Industry 4.0 fully underway, many companies are scaling up deployments of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), 5G connectivity, sensors, and robotics.

Tech company readwrite