Smart manufacturing powered by recent technological advancements: A review

Smart manufacturing has attracted significant attention from both researchers and manufacturing experts owing to its capability of accomplish the goals of Industry 4.0. It significantly contributes to build highly effective smart factories, increase yield, cut down human error by utilizing autonomous machines or robots, optimize overall electrical consumption, fulfill users’ customized demands, etc. Hence, we reviewed the four industrial revolutions, including the development of new technologies with time, adoption of the fourth industrial revolution by five leading goods manufacturing leaders (Germany, U. S. A., Japan, China, and Taiwan), their distinct strategies for smart manufacturing, and the technologies associated with smart manufacturing systems (such as virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality, additive manufacturing, big data analytics, Industrial Internet of Things, and artificial intelligence). Next, we discussed the influence of artificial intelligence on six aspects of the production line with practical case studies: quality checks, maintenance, reliable design, reduced environmental impact, factory integration, and post-production support. Furthermore, we also discussed inspection methods (such as conventional as well as artificial intelligence-based automated optical inspection) and the challenges in implementing smart manufacturing systems before future prospects in the global market are projected.