ABSTRACT
The Industrial Revolution is a series of events initiated by technological changes that led to more advanced forms of production. The First Industrial Revolution began with the invention of the steam engine, which made possible the transition from a farming and feudal mode of production to new, industrial manufacturing thanks to the use of coal as the main energy. The chapter introduces the concepts of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, digital transformation and Industry 4.0, along with their driving and inhibiting factors. The concept of I4.0 was introduced in 2011. The I4.0 technologies enable the tracking and control of equipment, products and services by collecting large amounts of data, embedding them in integrated systems and analysing them through virtual models, thus enhancing decision-making processes. Smart factories leverage digital technologies to significantly improve their productivity and operational efficiency.
