How can Asian manufacturers maintain their competitive edge in the next 40 years? The answer lies in its evolution towards an Industry 4.0 manufacturing model. By Imtiaz Ahmed, Asia Pacific Mobil SHC brand manager, ExxonMobil Lubricants.

With Industry 4.0, there is now an increasing trend towards digitalisation in industrial environments. Bystronic’s head of development (CTO) Dr Jürgen Hohnhaus talks about the benefits behind this development. By Oliver Hergt with photos by Manuel Stettler.

Smart factories are an important spoke in a future decentralised society. Tools are being developed to help accelerate productivity and lower costs. Contributed by Cecilia Tan, marketing and communications manager, Schaeffler (Singapore)

In a world where everything is getting smarter, networked production can increase one’s production efficiency. By Bystronic

The smart factory employs smart sensors to intelligently detect and process data to improve productivity. By Michael Kaspar, product manager for photoelectric sensors & fibres, Sick