Although the Industrial Revolution first saw its start in the 1700s, the world has quickly progressed through advancements in technology since then.
As of now, our society is reaching the end of Industry 4.0 and gearing up to move into the digital space of Industry 5.0.
But one of the biggest questions manufacturers, scientists, technologists, and more are asking is are we ready? Better yet, is the manufacturing industry ready for Industry 5.0 in Ireland in 2023?
We’re taking a look at what the current landscape of the manufacturing industry in Ireland looks like and what it’s prepared for in the near future.
What is Industry 5.0?
Industry 4.0 in Ireland and worldwide saw a focus on quickly advancing technology into the digital space. It will forever be known as the rise of technology.
Industry 5.0 is expected to showcase a better balance between both technology and human-centred and value-centred products and services.
The newest age of the Industrial Revolution, known as Industry 5.0, will see a rise in the usage of artificial intelligence, robotics, and cybersecurity.
Industry 4.0 vs Industry 5.0
The major difference between the fourth Industrial Revolution and the newest - Industry 5.0 - is where the focus lies.
Industry 4.0 saw more focus on bettering technology and advancing it quickly. Consider the fact that two decades ago, the term “smartphone” was not in our vocabulary. Now, we have apps and more conveniently in our pockets.
The newest Industrial Revolution will still see advances in technology. However, the difference lies in the focus. Rather than solely working on developing technology, manufacturers and technologists are working on implementing tools such as artificial intelligence designed to balance convenience and efficiency with human-centred values and goals.
What Countries Are Leading the Way in Industry 5.0 Adoption?
Although Industry 5.0 adoption isn’t expected to take place globally for another few years, many countries are already leading the way in the adoption of the newest Industrial Revolution.
The EU is a prominent location that is already boldly stepping into Industry 5.0 adoption. And Ireland’s adoption of Industry 5.0 is playing into that.
According to an interview with Barry Scannell conducted by The Irish Times, Ireland is favoured as “a special place to be when it comes to emerging tech.” Between the hundreds of thousands of people working in the tech sector, a tax structure that prioritises innovation and inward investment for the Irish manufacturing industry, and a collection of highly educated employees, the future of manufacturing in Ireland is looking extremely promising.
The Current Irish Manufacturing Industry Landscape
As of now, Industry 5.0 in Ireland is not yet fully-fledged. Currently, Ireland is still working on investing in new technologies to create advanced manufacturing processes.
That said, Industry 4.0 in Ireland is well underway. And we are reaching the edge of it before we leap with both feet into Industry 5.0, as Ireland’s Industry 4.0 strategy is set to end in 2025.
Has Ireland’s Manufacturing Industry Adopted Industry 4.0?
In 2019, a strategy regarding Industry 4.0 in Ireland was published. It spanned 5 years, between 2020-2025. In it, the strategy discussed the relevancy of adopting the fourth Industrial Revolution due to the booming Irish manufacturing industry.
The strategy works as a framework for how Industry 4.0 will enter into the manufacturing industry and what firms can expect up until the 2025 mark. The main objective of the strategy is to keep Ireland competitive and innovation-driven so that it remains at the forefront of technological adoption.
The Future of Manufacturing in Ireland: Industry 5.0
Although we haven’t yet met the 2025 goal mark of the Industry 4.0 strategy in Ireland, technologists, scientists, and leaders are already looking ahead to the future of manufacturing in Ireland.
It’s a booming sector and is known as one of the top manufacturing hubs in the world. Not to mention, Ireland is known for its prioritisation of inward investment, making it one of the most competitive manufacturing industries worldwide.
Has Ireland Begun the Adoption of Industry 5.0?
Ireland is still in the midst of the Industry 4.0 strategy, however industrial leaders from major EU companies still met for the Roundtable on Industry 5.0 in April of 2022. There, they discussed how EU countries would begin the adoption of Industry 5.0.
According to a case study conducted by Mary Doyle Kent and Peter Kopacek, Ireland has already taken major steps toward adopting Industry 5.0 standards in the manufacturing sector.
What Companies Are Leading the Way for Adopting Industry 5.0 in Ireland?
Many tools are already developed to assist manufacturers with Industry 5.0 standards, including our very own Eyecon2 particle size analyser and SmartX.
Several companies have invested in these tools and are leading the way in adopting Industry 5.0 in Ireland. Those companies and organisations include University College Cork, Dublin Institute of Technology, and Austar.
Other companies already looking to the future include Canon, McKesson, and Zimmer Biomet.
What Are the Barriers to Ireland’s Adoption of Industry 5.0?
One of the largest barriers to entry for Ireland’s adoption of Industry 5.0 is the investment it requires. Prioritising new technologies in company budgets is a task that many companies aren’t currently looking at.
However, Ireland has a reputation for investing inward within many of its competitive sectors, such as the manufacturing industry and the MedTech industry. If history repeats itself, the Emerald Isle will continue to be a leader in adopting Industry 5.0 in the coming years.
What Steps Can Manufacturers Take to Begin Adopting Industry 5.0 in Ireland?
Since we still have time to allow for a gradual transition into Industry 5.0, companies and manufacturers have more freedom and flexibility when it comes to the next steps to take. Still, the newest Industrial Revolution is already on the horizon, and it will be here before we know it.
Manufacturing companies can assess their current processes and workflows to determine strengths and weak points. What areas of the process may need additional assistance? What areas can benefit from having new technologies take over repetitive tasks? And where can human workers better spend their time and expertise?
Auditing current workflows is the next best step if one is looking to begin adopting Industry 5.0.
And once you have better knowledge of where Industry 5.0 technologies can fit into the manufacturing process, you can begin looking for the right tools to get the job done.
Innopharma Technology is proud to be at the forefront of emerging tools for Industry 5.0 in Ireland. From our Direct Imaging Particle Analyser to our Advanced Process Automation Software, we’re focusing on aiding companies as they transition into the human-centred, value-oriented Industry 5.0.
Get in touch with our experts today to find out how you can begin adopting Industry 5.0 to improve manufacturing processes!