Process automation at drinktec 2017: Industry 4.0: Revolution or Evolution?
There will be filling and packaging systems as long as matter cannot be transported through the Internet; of course this witty remark by the former Executive Board Member of Krones AG, Hans-Jürgen Thaus, still applies. Nevertheless, digitalization has long since changed both plant engineering and construction as well as the entire process of brewing and beverage production. In addition, more and not less is destined to follow as the next revolution—Keyword: Industry 4.0. The opportunities that this will provide for the global beverage and liquid food industry will be shown in detail at drinktec 2017 on the Messe München fairgrounds from September 11 to 15, 2017.
Industry 4.0 obviously first raises the question of which three revolutionary or evolutionary steps preceded it? The first was the invention of the steam engine and the resulting possible drive of mechanical equipment. This was followed by the second one, electrical engineering, with which mass production could be increased further. The microprocessor was the third one, which digitalized control and process engineering.
OPINIÓN