Sustainable Manufacturing for Industry 4.0 Technologies: Perspective of the Future

Abstract

Throughout history, manufacturing has consistently been at the forefront of technical progress, seeing the evolution from steam engines through cyber-physical systems, electricity, IoT, microprocessors, AI, automation, computers, and now. In the context of promoting growth of economy and generating lasting value in industries, sustainable manufacturing comprises the three essential components of manufacturing, namely processes, products, and systems. In order for manufacturing to be deemed sustainable, it is essential that these three components, when examined individually, illustrate the advantages in terms of environmental, economic, and social aspects. The primary objective of sustainable manufacturing is to produce things of superior quality while minimizing resource consumption and ensuring the safety of customers, employees, and local communities. This article explores the future direction of research in the domains of Industry 4.0 and sustainable manufacturing technology. Upon reviewing the extant literature, six key areas emerge as important subjects for further inquiry. These focal points are elucidated, along with the identified gaps in knowledge that need more exploration. Relevant papers for this research were identified using keywords such as "Sustainability," "Industry 4.0," "sustainable manufacturing," "manufacturing sustainability," or "smart manufacturing."