The convergence between physical and digital systems (the so-called "cyber-physical" systems), the networking of machineries, the complex analysis of large quantities of data linked to production through Big Data Analytics techniques, robotics (in particular in their collaborative version), intelligent sensors, augmented reality and artificial vision, simulation and virtual prototyping, cloud/edge computing, cyber-security and artificial intelligence, are just some of the methodologies and technologies that underlie the model of smart factory.
The highly interdisciplinary characteristic of the industry 4.0 paradigm, combined with the founding nature of ICT technologies for the full realization of the model, make DEIB the natural riverbed for the ICT for Industry 4.0 research area, in which all different Department fields of competence have the possibility to contribute significantly, as well as to interact with Cefriel with regard to the technology transfer to industry.
Over the next three years, the DEIB department will have to tackle the challenges that the increasingly accelerated digitalization of the industry and the subsequent need to create value from the acquired data will pose to the research world. Participation in the research programs at European level, Horizon Europe and Digital Europe, and the interdisciplinary nature of Industry 4.0 will require the creation of a critical mass of researchers which will naturally lead to a cross-fertilization of the current research areas of the Department, through a skill sharing process that has already manifested itself with the latest Horizon 2020 calls. The research activity will focus on innovative technological and methodological paradigms with the aim of increasing productivity, safety and production quality of the facilities.
Attention to sustainability will characterize the researches related to the application of the industry 4.0 model outside the perimeter of the manufacturing industry, with particular reference to energy management and production and to the process industry.
Expected impact on sustainable development goals in the areas: SDG6, SDG7, SDG8 and SDG9.
