The New Industrial Age of High-Technology Production – A Level Design and Technology Edexcel Revision

The New Industrial Age refers to the current era in which production processes are dominated by advanced technologies such as automation, advanced materials, and digital technologies.
High-technology production involves the use of cutting-edge technologies including robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT) in the production process.
These technologies are designed to enhance efficiency, speed, and precision in production while reducing the dependency on human involvement.

Automation: Industries use automated processes that handle repetitive work without human intervention, increasing output and efficiency.
Robotics: Robots are used in manufacturing to perform complex tasks with high precision and speed.
Artificial intelligence (AI): In production, AI is used to make intelligent decisions such as quality control and predictive maintenance.
Internet of Things (IoT): IoT allows for data collection, machine communication, and remote control in production lines.

Computer numerical control (CNC) machines are automated milling devices that make high-speed, highly precise cuts.
3D Printing or Additive Manufacturing is being increasingly used, allowing for more complex shapes and structures, combined with rapid prototyping.
Cloud Computing enables decentralised control and data processing in manufacturing, increasing efficiency and flexibility.
Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) integrate computation, networking and physical processes. Embedded computers and networks monitor and control the physical processes, with feedback loops where physical processes affect computations and vice versa.

Increased Efficiency: The use of advanced technology leads to increased production speed and precision.
Quality Improvement: Advanced technology allows for more accurate production with fewer errors.
Flexibility: High-tech machines are adaptable and can be reprogrammed for different tasks.
Disadvantages include high initial investment costs, potential job losses due to automation, and a high degree of dependency on technology.

Job Transformation: High-tech manufacturing creates jobs in technology and advanced skills but may also lead to job losses in routine work.
Sustainable Manufacturing: Technologies like 3D printing can reduce waste, but the energy consumption of high-tech manufacturing processes can be high.
Increased Accessibility: High-technology production can lead to more affordable, quality products, improving accessibility for consumers.

The New Industrial Age is a result of the increasing application of modern technologies in manufacturing. This is sometimes referred to as the Fourth Industrial Revolution or Industry 4.0.
It builds on the digital revolution, with further fusion of technologies that blur the lines between the physical, digital, and biological spheres of production and design.