Abstract
The main application area of the digital transformation has been so far on the industrial and manufacturing process. Nevertheless, the concept Industry 4.0 has enormous potential in other areas such as its combination with the scientific method and the empirical logic. The term technoscience, coined in the second half of the 20th century, links both fields, the technological and the scientific field, establishing a joint growth where scientific knowledge takes advantage (and requires) of a technological infrastructure in order to advance. This chapter proposes to analyze some of the most relevant concepts in these matters in order to provide a more philosophical approach to technology, its effect on the proper engineering and scientific knowledge, and what some of the social features are that are inferred from these emerging technologies.
TopIntroduction
The use of advanced technologies allows predictive analysis, emphasising the collection of large data, its analysis, visualisation and, ultimately, decision making with less uncertainty and mistakes. Two of the characteristic features of Industry 4.0 are, on the one hand, computerisation with the help of cyberphysical systems and, on the other hand, the development of smart factories based on the concept of the “Internet of things” (Ashton, 2009). This chapter analyses some of the most relevant concepts in these matters, observing a more philosophical approach to technology, its effect on the engineering and science knowledge and commenting on some of the social features that are inferred from these emerging technologies. In other words, this chapter emphasizes the effect of such new tools considered under the concept of Industry 4.0, trying to respond the research question about how these technologies make influence on the current scientific knowledge, the industry development and, in general terms, the society. As it is well known, cyber-physical systems are composed of computer-based components or digital monitoring and control devices, also called embedded systems (Lee, 2008). These systems communicate dynamically through a network, usually the Internet, and hence are called “Internet of Things” (as opposed to social media that could be described as “Internet of people”).
Key Terms in this Chapter
Industry: Group of manufacturing businesses in a particular field. It refers also to any general business activity or manufacture in general.
Science: System of knowledge about the physical world, explaining or describing what it is and how it works in general laws, gained by observing, experimenting, and testing theories. It refers also to any skill that shows ability to use facts or principles.
Methodology: A set or system of methods or principles used in a discipline, as in the sciences.
Engineering: Practical application of science and mathematics, as in the design and construction of machines, vehicles, structures, roads, and systems. It refers to the work or profession of an engineer.
Philosophy: Study of the truths and principles of existence, knowledge, and conduct. It refers also to the critical study of the basic principles of a branch of knowledge, as for example the philosophy of science.
Technology: Branch of knowledge that deals with the creation and use of technical means and their interrelation with life, society, and the environment, drawing upon such subjects as industrial arts, engineering, applied science, and pure science. It refers also to the sum of the ways in which social groups provide themselves with the material objects of their civilization.
Knowledge: Acquaintance with facts, truths, or principles in the mind. It refers also to the familiarity with an area of study, as by study or experience. In general terms, it is the sum of what is known.
Innovation: Something new or different introduced. It refers to the act of innovating which is basically the introduction of new things or methods.