China has levied tariffs on a further $60bn worth of US goods following President Trump’s Monday decision to add $200bn of duties on Chinese imports.
Manufacturing is already undergoing significant changes, and a report published by the World Economic Forum earlier this week has set out the four key drivers that it believes will accelerate this industrial transformation.
Will robots ever take your job? Latest research from the World Economic Forum suggests no. It forecasts that by 2022, robotics and AI could create over 130 million jobs, this almost double the figure they are set to displace.
Every new revolution needs its catalysts and enablers. Liverpool helped to create the infrastructure for the first industrial revolution, with its port, roads and railways at the epicentre of international trade.
Munich-based industrial wearables company, ProGlove, has launched the next generation of what it describes as the ‘first smart glove for industry’.
Automation is expensive. But what if a low cost solution, that is quick to construct and implement into the production line could be utilised? This would enable many small businesses to take the next Industry 4.0 step.
Globally, disengaged employees result in more than half a trillion dollars in lost productivity annually. Worryingly, more than a quarter (26%) of the UK workforce describe themselves as being ‘actively disengaged’.
Innovation represents the most important driver for business growth and competitive advantage, yet manufacturers routinely face challenges around how to successfully manage the process.
Utilising marketing techniques is essential if you wish to expand your brand.
Growing numbers of enterprises are using immersive technologies such as augmented and virtual reality to deliver better efficiency, productivity and safety, with augmented rather than full virtual, expected to lead the way.
![Manufacturing technologies will be accelerated, through digital advances, such as augmented reality [AR] and the Microsoft HoloLens – image courtesy of HVMC.](https://www.themanufacturer.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Sam-Turner-Hololens-May17-375x214.jpg)