Thin Film Technology and Industry 4.0

Fredrick Madaraka Mwema, Tien-Chien Jen, Lin Zhu

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

The relationship between Industry 4.0 (Fourth Industrial Revolution) and thin film technology is explored in this chapter. The definition of the terms “Industry 4.0” and the “Fourth Industrial Revolution” in the context of today’s manufacturing sector and lifestyles is provided. It is no doubt that the adoption of digital technologies in the modern manufacturing is unavoidable. Some of these technologies include augmented/virtual reality, Internet of Things, additive manufacturing, advanced simulations, COBOTS, big data, etc. Acquisition of data is key for Industry 4.0 in manufacturing. Thin film technology is key for actualisation of these digital technologies. The chapter describes a clear relationship between these two technologies and the role of thin film materials in supporting the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The use for wearable devices and flexible sporting gadgets has become a common lifestyle and therefore the need for thin film technology. The demand for superspeed data storage and transfer devices implies the need for spintronics materials. Thin film materials and technologies play a key role in in-situ health monitoring and real-time treatment of life-threatening diseases. As illustrated, Industry 4.0 strongly depends on thin film technology for its survival.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThin Film Coatings
Subtitle of host publicationProperties, Deposition, and Applications
EditorsFredrick Madaraka Mwema, Tien-Chien Jen, Lin Zhu
Place of PublicationBoca Raton, US
PublisherCRC Press
Chapter14
Pages271-275
Number of pages5
Edition1st
ISBN (Electronic)9781003202615
ISBN (Print)9781032065106, 9781032065113
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 20 Jun 2022
Externally publishedYes

Publication series

NameEmerging Materials and Technologies
PublisherRoutledge
  • Thin Films for Biomedical Applications

    Mwema, F. M., Jen, T.-C. & Zhu, L., 20 Jun 2022, Thin Film Coatings: Properties, Deposition, and Applications. Mwema, F. M., Jen, T.-C. & Zhu, L. (eds.). 1st ed. Boca Raton, US: CRC Press, p. 129-145 17 p. (Emerging Materials and Technologies).

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

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