BLOOMINGTON, IN—To be successful in today's hyper-competitive global marketplace, manufacturers are constantly finding innovative ways to use technology to increase productivity.
Businesses increasingly recognize the growth opportunities offered by digitalization and interconnectedness. These technologies are enabling new business models, efficient use of resources, and cost-effective production of highly customizable products. These developments are collectively referred to as "Industry 4.0."
The World Economic Forum recently named the best factories in the world. Five facilities are in Europe and three are in China. Only one is in the United States, UPS Fast Radius in Chicago.
HEMERAJ, Thailand--Responding to a booming automotive market, Bosch plans to open a new plant for injection technology here. It is the first smart factory in Thailand, and the second Bosch Mobility Solutions plant there.
NECKARSULM, GERMANY—Audi is preparing for the future with its Smart Factory, designed to optimize automobile production lines. First mentioned last year, the company envisions a factory where humans and robots will work together, and separate workstations allow a highly flexible working routine.