GENEVA, Switzerland—Details about watchmaker Tudor's manufacturing operations are scant. However, the company recently allowed a writer from GQ magazine inside one section of its campus to see how Tudor assembles its watches.

Keeping workers safe is a daily challenge for every manufacturer, particularly those that operate one or more automated assembly lines. To achieve this goal, many companies make sure their machines are equipped with sensor-based safety components that meet ANSI, ISO, ISA and OSHA standards.

Nexen Group, a supplier of precision motion-control components, is embracing Industry 4.0 technology throughout its product line, providing capability for remote monitoring and control, human-machine collaboration, real-time yield optimization, smart energy consumption and predictive monitoring.

Airplanes old and new share many of the same types of components. One is a nacelle, or engine housing, with an inlet lip skin that ensures smooth air flow. However, not all planes have similarly shaped lip skins.