Review of Industry 4.0 from the Perspective of Automation and Supervision Systems: Definitions, Architectures and Recent Trends

Abstract

Industry 4.0 is a new paradigm that is transforming the industrial scenario. It has generated a large amount of scientific studies, commercial equipment and, above all, high expectations. Nevertheless, there is no single definition or general agreement on its implications, specifically in the field of automation and supervision systems. In this paper, a review of the Industry 4.0 concept, with equivalent terms, enabling technologies and reference architectures for its implementation, is presented. It will be shown that this paradigm results from the confluence and integration of both existing and disruptive technologies. Furthermore, the most relevant trends in industrial automation and supervision systems are covered, highlighting the convergence of traditional equipment and those characterized by the Internet of Things (IoT). This paper is intended to serve as a reference document as well as a guide for the design and deployment of automation and supervision systems framed in Industry 4.0.