Technology and product development
Industry 4.0 Hub
The fourth industrial revolution has begun. Are you ready?
What is Industry 4.0?
We are now experiencing the fourth industrial revolution – dubbed ‘Industry 4.0’. This is characterised by a fusion of technologies that is blurring the lines between the physical, digital and cyber-physical.
Just as businesses 150 years ago had to adapt to electricity enabling mass production, today’s enterprises face the challenge of embracing smart technologies (such as robotics and artificial intelligence) and data to drive intelligent action in the physical world.
Knowing when and how to incorporate these new technologies into your business model isn’t easy, and helping companies adapt to Industry 4.0 is a priority for Callaghan Innovation in its role as New Zealand’s innovation agency. We do this by connecting you to the capabilities, co-funding and networks you need to succeed, and by providing valuable insights and ideas.
What does Industry 4.0 look like in practice?
Advances include:
Internet of Things: monitoring and control for increased efficiency
Recent advances in sensing and communication technologies enable you to better understand your production and manufacturing processes. You can identify process bottle-necks and implement predictive and preventative maintenance. Sensors can provide you live updates on your production process as well as identifying when tools are becoming worn or require maintenance.
Digital twin: modelling your product and processes
Using the data collected by sensors and building a computer model of your product or process will allow you to create a Digital Twin. This will give you real-time status updates on your product and processes, as well as going through ‘what-if?’ scenarios, without putting your assets at risk.
Robots and automation: increased efficiency and precision, reduced health & safety risks
Modern production systems are increasingly automated. However you can also retrofit automation to existing and older machinery to improve performance. Integration of assistive robots, e.g. to perform repetitive and dangerous tasks, delivers further benefits.
Download our infosheet to find out more about Industry 4.0: 
Industry 4.0 Infosheet
Download our providers map to find out who provides Industry 4.0 in New Zealand: Industry 4.0 New Zealand providers map
Case study: Production Machinery Limited (PML): PML, set up originally by Fisher and Paykel last century to develop a single production line for all their appliances, has continued to evolve and is now an exemplar for Industry 4.0. Read more...
Case study: Siemens. In Siemens’ flagship factory for Industry 4.0 in Amberg, Germany, the factory is eight times more productive than 25 years ago (with the same number of employees) thanks to the incorporation of digital intelligence. Read more at the Siemens website
Internet of Manufacturing Trek – 2018. Callaghan Innovation in collaboration with EMA and the Manufacturer’s Network is heading to the US with future-focussed New Zealand manufacturers to get an inside look at leading Midwest factories and meet some of America's manufacturing trendsetters. Read more...
MaD2018. This event is focussed on the future of NZ manufacturing and design. Come along and be inspired by collaborative industry and research projects and an exciting line-up of speakers #MaD2018. Find out more at www.mad.org.nz
How we can help
Callaghan Innovation can help your business make the most out of the opportunities Industry 4.0 offers.
Our experts deliver a range of relevant services, including advanced manufacturing R&D, Lean manufacturing training, 3D printing and industrial robot hire. We also provide access to events, sector collaborations and overseas delegations.
Lean
Unleash the value in your business by putting every step of the business process under the Lean lens. Eliminate waste and improve your customer experience.
Tech and product development
Take an idea from concept to commercial reality with our tailored R&D solutions.
Manufacturing robots
Trial a collaborative robot in your workplace to validate digital manufacturing as an R&D tool for your business.
AddLab
Our AddLab was developed to inspire and enable more New Zealand businesses to explore new R&D territory through additive manufacturing.
Data & Internet of Things
Our IoT and data experts will accelerate your product development throughout the entire IoT stack
Hannover Messe 2017
In 2017 we visited the world’s largest industrial technology show with some of New Zealand’s future-focused manufacturers.
Data and Internet of Things (video)
Unsure of exactly what AI, IoT and AR/VR mean, and how they work together? Then check out this primer presentation from Callaghan Innovation’s Jonathan Miller.
Waves of AI disruption for key New Zealand business sectors
Is New Zealand industry ready for Artificial Intelligence?
Read more about Waves of AI disruption for key New Zealand business sectors