Thin Film Technology and Industry 4.0

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.