How Do Technologies Based on Cyber–Physical Systems Affect the Environmental Performance of Products? A Comparative Study of Manufacturers’ and Customers’ Perspectives

Abstract

In the academic literature, there are studies that link the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies with an improvement in product-related circular economy indicators. However, there are scarce studies carried out in business contexts that analyse the degree, the stage of the life cycle and the value given to these improvements by customers and Industry 4.0 technology manufacturers. To contribute to clarifying these fields, a multiple-case study of nineteen technology manufacturers has been conducted, with input from the experience of venture clients as users and active participants in a shared project. Both manufacturers and their customers agree that Industry 4.0 technologies have a positive impact on circular economy. Benefits depend on the type of technology and its application and are mainly concentrated in the manufacturing phase. Additive manufacturing appears to be the technology with the greatest potential to influence circular economy, but customers also highlight the influence of augmented/virtual reality. Most manufacturers and customers emphasise the biggest influence is on reducing material consumption. This serves to improve the critical variables of market positioning by reducing product costs. However, acquisition cost, as well as quality and safety specifications, are of greater importance to manufacturers and customers, which may limit the environmental benefits obtained.

The Role of AI in Improving Environmental Sustainability: A Focus on Energy Management

“…The impact of I4.0 and digital technologies (DTs) on the Circular Economy (CE) is a complex and multifaceted issue. These technologies can improve circulation processes, contributing to sustainability by achieving economic, social, and environmental benefits [17], mainly when integrated with the principles of reuse, remanufacturing, and recycling [18,19]. However, a more nuanced understanding is needed, as certain technologies, such as sensors, RFID, and AI, turned out to be the most relevant, while others had a negative or no effect [20].…”

Driving Circular Economy through Digital Technologies: Current Research Status and Future Directions

“…Artificial Intelligence is a new technological science that is simulated by computers or machines, to extend and expand the ability of human thinking [89], and has the ability to reason and develop mental abilities. It assists in the improvement of decision making and develops perception, association, planning, motion control, and deep learning through research in the fields of image processing, natural language processing, and machine learning [90,91].…”

“…In a narrow sense, additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, creates 3D models by adding materials layer by layer [91,118], enabling the manufacture of complex material assemblies and geometric parts that are not possible with traditional manufacturing processes [119].…”