Just like every other industry out there, technology has revolutionized the manufacturing industry as well. Automation and software implementation provides for increased accuracy, efficiency, flexibility, speed, and cost-effective operations.

Following are some of the advanced technologies that are driving the growth in the manufacturing sector.

1. Nanotechnology

It is the technology of the future. However, the first generation of nanotechnology is already here. It provides for precise manufacturing operations by manipulating matter on molecular, atomic, and supramolecular scales. As of now, nanotechnology is mainly used in biotechnology and space technology. However, in the near future, nanotechnology is expected to play an indispensable role in the manufacturing sector. Nanobots or microscopic robots are slated to play a vital role in the medical field. They will be able to carry medicines or drugs to specific tissues in your body. Nanotechnology applications include:

• Super fast computer processing
• Smaller memory cards with larger memory space
• Smart bandages that have the capacity to make the wounds heal faster
• Durable clothing that adapts to the external temperature

2. Cloud computing

Internet-based computing that provides resource sharing and data storage, data management, and data processing. Compared to the earlier days, cloud computing is more reliable and stable now. A large number of manufacturing companies can nowadays be seen adopting the technology in order to share data/information efficiently and quickly across the globe. The advantages of cloud computing for the manufacturing sector are increased productivity, quality control, and efficient and cost-effective operations. Near future will most probably find most of the manufacturing companies in the cloud.

3. 3D Printing

Application of 3D printing technology in the manufacturing sector has been one of the big things that has happened in the industry, in the past few years. This technology could very well be termed as the most important invention that caught the imagination of the manufacturing industry since PCs and the Internet. Nowadays it is possible to produce almost any component using mixed materials, plastic, and even human tissue with the help of this technology. The scope of product development for the designers and the engineers with the help of 3D printing is vast. 3D printing has already changed the face of the manufacturing industry. In the coming years, the application of 3D printing in the industry will only increase.

4. Predictive maintenance and big data

The technology of predictive maintenance helps to predict defects and snags. This will help the manufacturing companies to cut downtime and expenses. Big data can help the industry to improve productivity and efficiency by collecting, processing, and analyzing data/information in real time. A few of the data collection methods involve electronic devices that link companies or factories via the Internet, and the process controlling web portals that double as dashboards. IoT (Internet of Things) is a vital part of big data.

5. IoT (Internet of Things)

The basic idea behind IoT is the communication between electronic devices connected to each other via Internet, without the intervention of human beings. The manufacturing sector will be able to make good use of this technology. IoT will essentially help the industry with increased quality, reduced downtime, low wastage, and cost-effective operations. For example, when the main device in a manufacturing company detects a failure in one of its sub-parts, it can send a notification to another device or a user, so that the issue could be resolved as quickly as possible.

Nowadays, the success of a manufacturing company is heavily dependent on the adoption of the latest technologies available in the market.