Industry 4.0 leverages broad capabilities including AI-enabled systems, augmented reality technology, robots and cobots, as well as autonomous guided vehicles to achieve the efficiency promise of smart factories. While every operation is different in its approach and the tools employed, one fact is consistent: all rely on sensors and sophisticated components to deliver the powerful continuous functionality and dependable performance required for high-quality, closed-loop production.
Though smart factories are at the apex of modern industrial automation, other hardware, even as seemingly straightforward as a washing machine motor, are also challenged to meet demanding reliability and performance metrics within the framework of greater functionality. If a single part fails due to any of a multitude of factors – from moisture to vibration damage to an electrical short – the entire system can go down. Thus, a strong foundation is a recipe for a long life.
As a leading supplier of materials for motor drives, process controls and electric motors – all integral to industrial operations – Henkel is helping systems designers of all types of automated devices meet these challenges head-on.