Industry 4.0 Approaches in Food and Bio Industry: Recent Developments and Future Trends

Abstract

The application of the Industry 4.0 concept is essential to increase the productivity and efficiency of industry that includes food manufacturing, bioprocessing, retailing, marketing, and so forth. With Industry 4.0, food industrial processes can also be optimized and handled in a coordinated manner. Industry 4.0 has pioneered the communication of industrial objects with technological elements. However, Industry 4.0 includes high level of uncertainty and complexity. Therefore, more research is needed related to Industry 4.0 in today's fast changing environments. The primary aim of this study is to present the future avenues of research related to food industry and Industry 4.0. The paper provides good opportunities for further studies of digital enablers in Industry 4.0. In the paper, four key digital enablers including internet of things, cloud computing, additive manufacturing and 3D printing, Industrial Big Data are taken into account. This paper can help researchers to determine potential areas requiring the essential research in the field of application of Industry 4.0. To improve productivity and resource efficiency, Industry 4.0 tools (e.g. artificial intelligence) can also be integrated into precision agriculture that enhances the circularity of food systems.