Intelligent Manufacturing Enabled by Information and Communication Technology in Industrial Environment

Abstract

The new intelligent manufacturing system integrates information and communication technologies (ICTs) with industrial technologies and supports the rapidly unfolding new round of industrial revolution. The rapid evolution of ICTs gives intelligent manufacturing the potential for accelerated development. This paper proposes a technical system for the new intelligent manufacturing system and elaborates the connotation and characteristics of a technical subsystem regarding ICTs from the perspective of industrial Internet system technologies and four basic technologies, namely, industrial big data, artificial intelligence (AI), fifth-generation mobile communication (5G), and modeling simulation/digital twin. Subsequently, we present the vertical, horizontal, and end-to-end application scenarios of intelligent manufacturing enabled by ICTs, and propose several suggestions for promoting the new intelligent manufacturing system through ICTs. First, special science and technology projects should be established focusing on advanced networks, collaborative computing, and industrial knowledge reasoning. Second, Industrial development should focus on the R&D and industrialization of the following technologies: 5G application, network collaboration, intelligent and intelligently connected products based on new-generation AI technology, and domestication of modeling simulation/digital twin tool sets and systems. Third, Application demonstration should be conducted regarding industrial design based on 5G Plus industrial virtual reality, industrial platforms for AI Internet of Things, and intelligent design of industrial products based on modeling simulation/digital twin technology. Meanwhile, it is necessary to improve the efficient and collaborative working mechanism for promoting new intelligent manufacturing policies, accelerate the construction of interconnection standard groups, promote the industrial chain and supply chain through industry–university–research collaboration, and enhance the deep integration of industry and education in intelligent manufacturing.

Keywords

• information and communication, intelligent manufacturing, enabling technology, digital twin