14-Apr-25
CSE 1101 Computer Fundamentals
Lecture-6
4IR:
Basic concept of 4IR, Current status of 4IR in
developed and developing countries, Impact of 4IR
in manufacturing industry
Course Teacher
Prof. Dr. Md. Ashikur Rahman Khan
What is the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR)?
The Fourth Industrial Revolution, also known as 4IR or
Industry 4.0, refers to the rapid technological advancements of
this century – emerging technologies like AI, robotics, the
Internet of Things (IoT) and biotechnology.
The current unprecedented speed of break throughs, the
disruption caused to almost every industry worldwide, and their
potential to transform the global economy and society make this
a new industrial revolution.
Prof. Dr. Md. Ashikur Rahman Khan, Dept. of ICE, NSTU
1
14-Apr-25
What is the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR)?
The first industrial revolution was powered by steam and
water in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Electricity powered the second revolution.
Computers and the internet fuelled a third, digital revolution
in the last century.
Today, the rise of intelligent machines is driving the fourth
revolution, transforming how we live, work and play.
Prof. Dr. Md. Ashikur Rahman Khan, Dept. of ICE, NSTU
Fourth Industrial Revolution timeline
Prof. Dr. Md. Ashikur Rahman Khan, Dept. of ICE, NSTU
2
14-Apr-25
Fourth Industrial Revolution timeline
Prof. Dr. Md. Ashikur Rahman Khan, Dept. of ICE, NSTU
4 IR Technologies
Prof. Dr. Md. Ashikur Rahman Khan, Dept. of ICE, NSTU
3
14-Apr-25
Specific technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution include, but
are not limited to:
• artificial intelligence
• Internet of Things
• robotics
• virtual reality
• mobile devices
• 3D printing
• smart sensors
• Big data/analytics
• augmented reality (AR)
• data visualization
• Cognitive computing
• location detection
• Customer profiling
• Blockchain
• Quantum computing
• cloud computing
Prof. Dr. Md. Ashikur Rahman Khan, Dept. of ICE, NSTU
Ten technologies driving 4IR
The Fourth Industrial Revolution is often described as a fusion of technologies
that merge the digital, physical and biological worlds.
By embedding sensors and connectivity into objects, including our bodies,
we’re finding new ways to communicate with machines and enhance human
capabilities. Here are some of the key technologies driving the revolution.
1. AI and machine learning
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a set of technologies that can reason and learn to
solve problems or perform tasks that traditionally require human intelligence. It
powers innovations like autonomous vehicles, advanced healthcare diagnostics
and personalised customer experiences.
2. Big data and analytics
A significant underlying driver of the revolution, Big Data and analytics refers to
collecting and analysing vast volumes of data to reveal trends and insights. Big
Data is improving operational efficiencies and changing decision-making in
business and wider society.
Prof. Dr. Md. Ashikur Rahman Khan, Dept. of ICE, NSTU
4
14-Apr-25
Ten technologies driving 4IR
3. Internet of Things (IoT)
The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the network of interconnected devices
that exchange data over the internet. A key 4IR technology, IoT enables
advances like industrial automation, smart homes and real-time health
monitoring.
AI for network scalability
4. Cloud computing
Cloud computing is the on-demand delivery of computing services like apps,
storage and networking over the internet. Cloud services allow businesses
to rapidly innovate and scale operations without investing in their
infrastructure.
5. Robotics and automation
Advanced robotics enables sophisticated robots, including humanoid
assistants, to perform complex high-precision tasks independently with high
precision. These robots can play vital roles in manufacturing, healthcare and
customer service, often enhancing productivity and safety.
Prof. Dr. Md. Ashikur Rahman Khan, Dept. of ICE, NSTU
Ten technologies driving 4IR
6. Augmented reality (AR and VR)
Augmented reality (AR) overlays digital images on the world around you. In
contrast, virtual reality (VR) creates an alternative, computer-generated
environment that you interact with. These technologies are set to provide
immersive experiences for education, remote collaboration and customer
service.
7. Biotech and nanotech
Biotechnology uses living organisms, or their derivatives, to develop products
or technologies. Today, rapid advances in fields such as genetic engineering,
biopharmaceuticals and agricultural biotech are leading to breakthroughs in
medicine and food production. And nanotechnology, manipulating materials at
a molecular level, creates new materials for medicine and engineering.
8. Quantum computing
Using the principles of quantum mechanics, quantum computers can operate
at exponentially faster speeds than traditional computers. This enables us to
solve complex problems in fields like material science and cryptography.
Prof. Dr. Md. Ashikur Rahman Khan, Dept. of ICE, NSTU
5
14-Apr-25
Ten technologies driving 4IR
9. Blockchain
Blockchain is a decentralised ledger technology that ensures transactions
aren’t tampered with. Underpinning cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin,
blockchain is also used for digital ID verification, smart contracts and
supply chain management.
10. 3D printing
3D printing uses computer-aided design to create three-dimensional
objects by layering materials like plastics, composites or biomaterials. Also
known as additive manufacturing, 3D printing revolutionises production by
enabling rapid prototyping and customised manufacturing, reducing waste
and costs.
Overall, these technologies represent a revolution due to their exponential
growth and potentially profound impact on our lives.
Prof. Dr. Md. Ashikur Rahman Khan, Dept. of ICE, NSTU
Impacts of the Fourth Industrial Revolution
As 4IR technologies advance, they’re expected to transform the economy,
society, government and environment of countries worldwide.
1. Economy
First, integrating tech like AI, robotics and automation enables businesses to
boost productivity and efficiency. This can lead to higher production, faster
product innovation, enhanced customer service and reduced costs.
Second, 4IR is set to drive innovation in products and services, transforming
existing industries or creating new business models. Advanced manufacturing
techniques will allow greater personalisation of products and services.
Third, these technologies are set to displace some traditional manufacturing
and routine white-collar jobs. However, they’ll also create new jobs in high-tech
industries, data analysis and cybersecurity.
Prof. Dr. Md. Ashikur Rahman Khan, Dept. of ICE, NSTU
6
14-Apr-25
Impacts of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Contd.)
2. Society
To meet the demands of this new economy, education will have to adapt.
Schools and higher education must focus on STEM education and lifelong
learning to enable individuals for future jobs.
All the more so because we’ll live longer. Advances in health care,
personalised medicine and smart infrastructure will likely improve older
people's life expectancy and quality of life.
In addition, the proliferation of internet-connected mobile devices and the rise
of IoT gives us unprecedented connectivity. This enables near real-time data
exchange globally, fostering collaboration and competition.
However, access to advanced technologies varies across communities and
countries. Owners and investors in new technologies are poised to gain
significant wealth. As a result, the rapid pace of technological change could
exacerbate existing wealth and digital divides.
Prof. Dr. Md. Ashikur Rahman Khan, Dept. of ICE, NSTU
Impacts of the Fourth Industrial Revolution
3. Government
Governments will have new ways of interacting with citizens to address these
challenges. For example, e-government services and smart cities are already
used in the UK to enhance public services.
On the other hand, emerging technologies can threaten fundamental freedoms.
Across the globe, dictators find new ways to monitor and control their
populations. And rapidly evolving technological innovation increases the risk of
war and the means to wage it.
Prof. Dr. Md. Ashikur Rahman Khan, Dept. of ICE, NSTU
7
14-Apr-25
Impacts of the Fourth Industrial Revolution
4. Environment
On the positive side, renewable energy, smart manufacturing and new
sustainable practices can mitigate environmental impacts. Together with new
technologies like carbon emissions management, they can help us tackle
climate change.
Yet the increase in energy consumption from AI and cloud computing,
electronic waste and the depletion of resources could degrade the environment
if not managed properly – one of several challenges the revolution poses.
Prof. Dr. Md. Ashikur Rahman Khan, Dept. of ICE, NSTU
Challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution
While 4IR is set to bring enormous benefits, its blurring of the digital, physical
and biological spheres entails several risks. Here are some key challenges.
First, the data explosion fuelled by industries like cloud computing, AI, and
IoT raises data privacy and security concerns. In a hyperconnected world,
how can we protect user privacy? How can we defend complex,
interconnected systems against cyberattacks?
Second, the rapid rise of AI, genetic engineering, biotech, autonomous
vehicles and robots pose thorny ethical questions. For example, how can we
remove bias from AI decision-making? How can we control biohacking and
prevent designer babies? How can we stop autonomous robots from getting
out of control?
Third, the socioeconomic impacts above could lead to income inequalities,
business bankruptcies, unemployment and even social unrest. How can
governments and individuals adapt?
Overall, how can we effectively regulate 4IR technologies? The regulation of
new technology often fails to keep up with the pace of innovation, and rules
and enforcement differ around the world.
Prof. Dr. Md. Ashikur Rahman Khan, Dept. of ICE, NSTU
8
14-Apr-25
Prof. Dr. Md. Ashikur Rahman Khan
