Advanced technologies at the service of companies

the artificial intelligence It has landed in the collective imagination thanks to platforms like Chat GPT, which have monopolized the discourse in recent months. Moreover, artificial intelligence will be one of the main elements of a new industrial revolution that is already underway, and it can be defined as 4.0. In addition to advanced technologies such as robotics, internet of things, data analytics, nanotechnology and mldr; A transformation that generates great expectations of change at the industrial level and the organization of work and at the same time uncertainty and resistance.

To analyze its current situation, future prospects and outstanding challenges, EL PERIÓDICO and Barcelona Free Zone Federation (CZFB) organized the roundtable Industry 4.0: The New Revolution, at the factory Barcelona. Moderated by journalist Alberto Gonzalez, participants Beret navares, State Special Representative at CZFB; Miriam Garcia Peru Eurecat Technology and Transfer Manager; Valentine’s Day StoneGlobal Head of Private Networks at Cellnex; Xavier B, co-director of the Industry 4.0 master’s degree at the UPC School; And Alicia MolinaChairman of the Industry 4.0 Committee of Enginyers Industrials de Catalunya.

A team of experts to analyze, above all, what we can expect from this Industry 4.0, what mental barriers need to be broken and what role human values ​​will play during this process. “Every industrial revolution generates doubts and doubts, but in this case there is a whole series of concepts associated with 4.0 that make me optimistic, such as Protect the planet, and achieve Sustainable Development Goalsdecent work and equality for women and mldr; We have to make sure they always go together. Perry Navarro kicked off the conversation with a question that led to consensus. “We are in a moment of turmoil in which they appear A whole series of well-used digital tools will bring us greater well-being, But we can never separate it from ethics and sustainability ” Miriam García Pirro added.

In this sense, Alessia Molina puts on the table the fundamental question of the limits of artificial intelligence: “It is developing so rapidly that artificial intelligence will soon take over people,We need laws that define boundaries and guarantee protection. I am optimistic about its merits, but you have to pay a lot of attention to the social aspects.” For this reason, Navarro noted that along with artificial intelligence, “natural intelligence” is also needed & rdquor; forget that AI must be trained, fed with data, and interpreted, and this can only be done by people.

Higher quality of life

From his point of view as an engineer, Xavier Pi was clear: “It will be machines that do our work for us, and this is a great starting point, as long as not only technical aspects are included in the discussion, but also social ones.. I’m convinced we’ll get to more than that Sustainable Development Goals Thanks for these machines & rdquor.. And to close the block, Valente Rocca concluded: “Artificial intelligence improves industry processes and increases productivity, Which means improving people’s quality of life. Of course we have to face arguments like the job losses that will mean in some sectors. Here, Perry Navarro noted that “for every job lost, three new ones will be created,” so it is imperative to do a good job “moving” from one professional profile to another.

It is clear that Industry 4.0 will generate strong demand for new professions, although one of the conclusions of the experts sitting at the table was that, rather than talking about specific profilesThe most important thing is to create multidisciplinary teams that can bring different perspectives. The groups in which engineers, programmers, mathematicians, physicists, environmentalists, social sciences, and even psychologists coexist. Because, in fact, one of the biggest challenges is to achieve convergence between traditional industries and Industries 4.0.

Resistance to change

Anyway, is the fabric of the business really digitized? Although there is a strong ‘startup’ ecosystem, and the residents at DFfactory Barcelona are a good example, the traditional industry still has a long way to go. We’re still finding some resistance from some sectors of the industry because it’s difficult for them to know what the return on investment will be. Dr..From a technological point of view, we must further educate and assist companies in their digital transformation process.Claimed Valente Roca. To make things easier for companies, Alicia Molina explains that it should not be “digital for the sake of digital”, but it is better to focus on those aspects that will improve productivity and efficiency. Xavier Pi emphasized that “the main obstacle to taking a step into the digital world is not finance, but rather a lack of vision.”

for this reason, It is imperative that the business fabric recognizes the benefits offered by the most advanced digital tools. “Technology must land in companies, and for this it is necessary to integrate profiles that provide a broader view and are able to communicate their benefits,” commented Miriam García-Pirro. And this is as Per Navarro explained, Attitude to changes will be key in this transition towards Industry 4.0: “Companies that know how to adapt will survive, and for this they do not require large investments. At the technological level, there is a wide range, from cutting-edge systems to other simpler systems that, however, offer significant improvements & rdquor ;.

Improve results

Perhaps a good way to highlight the benefits of advanced technologies is to analyze their practical applications. “Artificial intelligence will allow us to improve results, because He will tell us which operations are the most efficient and fastest” “This is something that is already being applied in the logistics sector, where algorithms determine loads and trajectories,” Rocca and Navarro said. And in somewhat more specialized terrain, Xavier Pi spoke of “digital twins.” That is, digital representations that allow “simulation ” of processes, products or services that are “synchronized with reality” and rdquor; and that they are very useful for making decisions and dealing with cyberattacks.

Not only does artificial intelligence have applications for production, it has already shown Useful for communication, interpretation and education. Another tool that is also developing is 3D printing, which allows maximum customization of both small and large parts, which is already lending itself to mass production. In any case, technology is advancing at such an amazing pace that we will soon be hearing about new tools, applications, and processes. And this is still an exciting process that entails many changes that must always be linked to human values, as established by the Round Table participants.