Blockchain Integration in the Era of Industrial Metaverse

Abstract

Blockchain can be realized as a distributed and decentralized database, also known as a “distributed ledger,” that is shared among the nodes of a computer network. Blockchain is a form of democratized and distributed database for storing information electronically in a digital format. Under the framework of Industry 4.0, the digitization and digitalization of manufacturing and production systems and networks have been focused, thus Big Data sets are a necessity for any manufacturing activity. Big Data sets are becoming a useful resource as well as a byproduct of the activities/processes taking place. However, there is an imminent risk of cyberattacks. The contribution of blockchain technology to intelligent manufacturing can be summarized as (i) data validity protection, (ii) inter- and intra-organizational communication organization, and (iii) efficiency improvement of manufacturing processes. Furthermore, the need for increased cybersecurity is magnified as the world is heading towards a super smart and intelligent societal model, also known as “Society 5.0,” and the industrial metaverse will become the new reality in manufacturing. Blockchain is a cutting-edge, secure information technology that promotes business and industrial innovation. However, blockchain technologies are bound by existing limitations regarding scalability, flexibility, and cybersecurity. Therefore, in this literature review, the implications of blockchain technology for addressing the emerging cybersecurity barriers toward safe and intelligent manufacturing in Industry 5.0 as a subset of Society 5.0 are presented.

Unfolding the role of metaverse in agri‐food supply chain security: current scenario and future perspectives

“…The metaverse can operate as a single virtual world owing to a decentralised blockchain ecosystem that enables independent nodes to synchronise (Lin et al ., 2022). Participants in this ecosystem can efficiently manage their social, legal, and economic relationships through the use of smart contracts, which in turn establishes the basic rules governing the metaverse (Mourtzis et al ., 2023). Blockchain appears to have the ability to completely eradicate centralised decision‐making processes throughout the metaverse and lower the risks related to malware and attacks (Bian et al ., 2022).…”

“…Fig. 2 illustrates the connection between the physical and metaverse realms using AI, big data analytics, blockchain, edge computing, the IoT, 5G, enterprise resource planning (ERP), and simulation (Huynh‐The et al ., 2022; Abou El‐Magd et al ., 2023; Mourtzis et al ., 2023). 3D printers, smart devices, and sensors integrated into tangible goods are examples of data sources in the metaverse.…”

“…Putting security measures in place can enhance the quality of the information stored and provide actors with the most recent information about things occurring within the AFSC (Abou El‐Magd et al ., 2023). Moreover, a metaverse‐based blockchain—which depends on transparent, reliable, and auditable data—supports fraud detection and counterfeiting preventative measures (George & Al‐Ansari, 2023; Mourtzis et al ., 2023). Furthermore, metaverse‐integrated IoT devices and sensors allow real‐time environmental condition tracking, including humidity and temperature (Abou El‐Magd et al ., 2023).…”

Metaverse in marketing and logistics: the state of the art and the path forward

“…To provide a narrow focus on how the metaverse is related to marketing ethics, we call attention to the metaverse that happens at the intersection of Web 3.0, which is built on blockchain architecture and enables an unprecedented level of decentralization (Mourtzis et al, 2023;Tan and Saraniemi, 2022). The fundamental principle underlying Web 3.0 is characterized by open, interconnected and intelligent websites as well as web applications.…”

Digital twin inception in the Era of industrial metaverse

“…Additionally, as Society 5.0, also known as a super intelligent societal model, and the industrial metaverse become the new reality in manufacturing, the need for greater cybersecurity is highlighted. Modern, secure information technology like blockchain fosters commercial and industrial innovation(Mourtzis et al, 2023)…”