💡 第四工业革命以物理、数字和生物技术的融合为特征，重塑了人类生活、工作和互动的方式，其影响范围广泛且深远。

🤖 核心技术包括人工智能、机器学习、物联网、机器人技术、虚拟现实、区块链、云计算、3D打印、量子计算、生物技术和基因编辑等，这些技术的融合推动了各行业的数字化转型。

🔧 产业4.0作为第四工业革命的一个主要子领域，强调智能制造，通过物联网设备、实时数据分析和自动化创建自我优化的系统，提高效率、减少浪费并实现大规模定制。

📊 就业市场面临自动化带来的岗位替代和新兴技术岗位的创造，需要个人提升技术能力和软技能以适应新的就业需求。

🔒 数据安全和隐私保护成为重要议题，随着连接设备的增多，监控、网络攻击和数据治理问题日益突出，需要建立有效的监管框架。

<p>The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is the ongoing transformation of how people live, work and relate to one another through the fusion of technologies that blur the lines between the physical, <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/digital"&gt;digital&lt;/a&gt; and biological spheres.</p><div class="ad-wrapper ad-embedded"> <div id="halfpage" class="ad ad-hp"> <script>GPT.display('halfpage')</script> </div> <div id="mu-1" class="ad ad-mu"> <script>GPT.display('mu-1')</script> </div> </div> <p>Building on the digital advancements of the Third Industrial Revolution, this new era is marked by rapid technological breakthroughs in fields such as <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchenterpriseai/definition/AI-Artificial-Intelligence"&gt;AI&lt;/a&gt;, <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/robotics"&gt;robotics&lt;/a&gt;, the internet of things (<a href="https://www.techtarget.com/iotagenda/definition/Internet-of-Things-IoT"&gt;IoT&lt;/a&gt;), <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/quantum-computing"&gt;quantum computing</a>, <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/biotechnology"&gt;biotechnology&lt;/a&gt; and more.</p> <figure class="main-article-image full-col" data-img-fullsize="https://www.techtarget.com/rms/onlineimages/types_of_robots-f.png"&gt; <img data-src="https://www.techtarget.com/rms/onlineimages/types_of_robots-f_mobile.png" class="lazy" data-srcset="https://www.techtarget.com/rms/onlineimages/types_of_robots-f_mobile.png 960w,https://www.techtarget.com/rms/onlineimages/types_of_robots-f.png 1280w" alt="Chart describing types of robots." height="226" width="560"> <figcaption> <i class="icon pictures" data-icon="z"></i>Breakthroughs in robotics as part of the 4IR has enabled the creation of many different kinds of robots suited to a variety of tasks. </figcaption> <div class="main-article-image-enlarge"> <i class="icon" data-icon="w"></i> </div></figure> <section class="section main-article-chapter" data-menu-title="A brief history of industrial revolutions"> <h2 class="section-title"><i class="icon" data-icon="1"></i>A brief history of industrial revolutions</h2> <p>To better understand the Fourth Industrial Revolution, it helps to view it in the context of the previous three revolutions:</p> <ul class="default-list"> <li>The First Industrial Revolution, in the late 18th to early 19th century, introduced mechanization through steam engines and waterpower, shifting economies from agrarian to industrial.</li> <li>The Second Industrial Revolution, in the late 19th to early 20th century, brought electricity, mass production and the rise of factories.</li> <li>The Third Industrial Revolution, in the mid-20th century, marked the digital revolution, ushering in <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchwindowsserver/definition/computer"&gt;computers&lt;/a&gt;, <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchdatacenter/definition/IT"&gt;IT&lt;/a&gt; and early <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchitoperations/definition/IT-automation"&gt;automation&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/li&gt; </ul></section> <section class="section main-article-chapter" data-menu-title="Defining characteristics of the Fourth Industrial Revolution"> <h2 class="section-title"><i class="icon" data-icon="1"></i>Defining characteristics of the Fourth Industrial Revolution</h2> <p>According to Klaus Schwab, founder of the World Economic Forum and author of <i>The Fourth Industrial Revolution</i>, 4IR is distinguished not just by emerging technologies, but by the speed, scope and systemic impact of these changes. Unlike previous industrial revolutions, the fourth is evolving at an exponential rather than linear pace and affects virtually every industry in every country.</p> <figure class="main-article-image full-col" data-img-fullsize="https://www.techtarget.com/rms/onlineImages/erp-industrial_revolutions.png"&gt; <img data-src="https://www.techtarget.com/rms/onlineImages/erp-industrial_revolutions_mobile.png" class="lazy" data-srcset="https://www.techtarget.com/rms/onlineImages/erp-industrial_revolutions_mobile.png 960w,https://www.techtarget.com/rms/onlineImages/erp-industrial_revolutions.png 1280w" alt="Timeline of industrial revolutions." height="250" width="520"> <figcaption> <i class="icon pictures" data-icon="z"></i>The Fourth Industrial Revolution represents the incorporation and innovation of many technologies, such as intelligently networked machines and manufacturing processes using IT. </figcaption> <div class="main-article-image-enlarge"> <i class="icon" data-icon="w"></i> </div> </figure> <h3>Core technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution</h3> <p>The Fourth Industrial Revolution includes the integration and advancement of numerous technologies:</p> <ul class="default-list"> <li>AI and <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchenterpriseai/definition/machine-learning-ML"&gt;machine learning</a>.</li> <li>IoT, including the industrial internet of things (<a href="https://www.techtarget.com/iotagenda/definition/Industrial-Internet-of-Things-IIoT"&gt;IIoT&lt;/a&gt;).&lt;/li&gt; <li>Robotics and autonomous machines.</li> <li><a href="https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/virtual-reality"&gt;Virtual reality</a> and <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/augmented-reality-AR"&gt;augmented reality</a>.</li> <li><a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchcio/definition/blockchain"&gt;Blockchain&lt;/a&gt; and <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchcio/definition/distributed-ledger"&gt;distributed ledger technology</a>.</li> <li><a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchcloudcomputing/definition/cloud-computing"&gt;Cloud computing</a> and <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchdatacenter/definition/edge-computing"&gt;edge computing</a>.</li> <li><a href="https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/3-D-printing-rapid-prototyping-stereolighography-or-architectural-modeling"&gt;3D printing</a> or additive manufacturing.</li> <li>Quantum computing.</li> <li>Biotechnology and gene editing, e.g., <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/pharmalifesciences/feature/10-Ways-CRISPR-Advancements-Are-Reshaping-Healthcare"&gt;CRISPR&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/li&gt; <li>Cyber-physical systems and <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searcherp/definition/smart-factory"&gt;smart factories</a>.</li> </ul> <figure class="main-article-image full-col" data-img-fullsize="https://www.techtarget.com/rms/onlineImages/edgecomputing.jpg"&gt; <img data-src="https://www.techtarget.com/rms/onlineImages/edgecomputing_mobile.jpg" class="lazy" data-srcset="https://www.techtarget.com/rms/onlineImages/edgecomputing_mobile.jpg 960w,https://www.techtarget.com/rms/onlineImages/edgecomputing.jpg 1280w" alt="Diagram of edge computing." height="560" width="560"> <figcaption> <i class="icon pictures" data-icon="z"></i>Faster connection speeds, data processing closer to the data source, and technologies such as IoT sensors and robotics enable factories to become smarter and operate with greater independence, if not autonomously, at the edge of the network. </figcaption> <div class="main-article-image-enlarge"> <i class="icon" data-icon="w"></i> </div> </figure> <h3>Industry 4.0 and manufacturing</h3> <p>A major subdomain of 4IR is <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searcherp/definition/Industry-40"&gt;Industry 4.0</a>, which refers to the use of smart technology in manufacturing environments. Smart factories use IoT devices, <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchcustomerexperience/definition/real-time-analytics"&gt;real-time data analytics</a> and automation to create self-optimizing systems that increase efficiency, reduce waste and enable mass customization.</p> <div class="youtube-iframe-container"> <iframe id="ytplayer-0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DeyJM8lmi1E?autoplay=0&amp;amp;modestbranding=1&amp;amp;rel=0&amp;amp;widget_referrer=null&amp;amp;enablejsapi=1&amp;amp;origin=https://www.techtarget.com" type="text/html" height="360" width="640" frameborder="0"></iframe> </div></section> <section class="section main-article-chapter" data-menu-title="Societal and economic implications"> <h2 class="section-title"><i class="icon" data-icon="1"></i>Societal and economic implications</h2> <p>The Fourth Industrial Revolution is not only transforming business models, but also reshaping job markets, education systems and government policies. Key areas of impact include the following:</p> <ul class="default-list"> <li><b>Job displacement and creation.</b> While automation might eliminate certain jobs, it also creates new roles requiring advanced technical and <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchcio/definition/soft-skills"&gt;soft skills</a>.</li> <li><b>Privacy and data security.</b> The proliferation of connected devices raises concerns about surveillance, cybersecurity threats and <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchdatamanagement/definition/data-governance"&gt;data governance</a>.</li> <li><b>Ethical challenges.</b> Questions around <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchenterpriseai/definition/machine-learning-bias-algorithm-bias-or-AI-bias"&gt;AI bias</a>, digital inclusion and biotechnology call for new <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchenterpriseai/feature/Top-resources-to-build-an-ethical-AI-framework"&gt;ethical frameworks</a>.</li> <li><b>Global inequality.</b> Countries and individuals lacking digital infrastructure might fall behind, increasing the risk of a widening <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/digital-divide"&gt;digital divide</a>.</li> </ul> <div class="youtube-iframe-container"> <iframe id="ytplayer-1" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4qSZEP5lJi4?autoplay=0&amp;amp;modestbranding=1&amp;amp;rel=0&amp;amp;widget_referrer=null&amp;amp;enablejsapi=1&amp;amp;origin=https://www.techtarget.com" type="text/html" height="360" width="640" frameborder="0"></iframe> </div> <h3>Preparing for the Fourth Industrial Revolution</h3> <p>To adapt to this new era, individuals, businesses and governments must take proactive steps, such as the following:</p> <ul class="default-list"> <li>Investing in education and lifelong learning, especially in <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/STEM-science-technology-engineering-and-mathematics"&gt;STEM&lt;/a&gt; and digital literacy.</li> <li>Developing ethical AI and data governance frameworks.</li> <li>Promoting public-private partnerships to build inclusive digital economies.</li> <li>Creating resilient regulatory systems that can keep pace with rapid innovation.</li> </ul> <figure class="main-article-image full-col" data-img-fullsize="https://www.techtarget.com/rms/onlineimages/iota-industry_iot_infrastructure.png"&gt; <img data-src="https://www.techtarget.com/rms/onlineimages/iota-industry_iot_infrastructure_mobile.png" class="lazy" data-srcset="https://www.techtarget.com/rms/onlineimages/iota-industry_iot_infrastructure_mobile.png 960w,https://www.techtarget.com/rms/onlineimages/iota-industry_iot_infrastructure.png 1280w" alt="Diagram of IIoT infrastructure." height="364" width="560"> <figcaption> <i class="icon pictures" data-icon="z"></i>IIoT infrastructure components include the IoT or edge gateway, sensors, actuators and edge nodes. </figcaption> <div class="main-article-image-enlarge"> <i class="icon" data-icon="w"></i> </div> </figure> <p>Embracing the Fourth Industrial Revolution requires more than just adopting new technologies -- it demands a mindset of continuous learning, ethical innovation and cross-sector collaboration. By preparing today, individuals and organizations can help shape a more inclusive, resilient and technologically empowered future.</p> <p><em>Learn ways to <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchenterpriseai/feature/6-ways-to-reduce-different-types-of-bias-in-machine-learning"&gt;reduce machine learning bias</a> in its different forms. Explore ways in which <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/iotagenda/tip/AI-and-IoT-How-do-the-internet-of-things-and-AI-work-together"&gt;AI and IoT technologies work together</a> and how AI supercharges existing IoT systems for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Check <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/iotagenda/feature/Top-5-industrial-IoT-use-cases"&gt;potential IIoT use cases</a> and its advantages and challenges.</em></p></section>