Industry 4.0, logistics 4.0 and materials - Chances and solutions

Industry 4.0 and Logistics 4.0 are highly modern terms. They are connected with the common trend of digitalization, virtualization and networking of data and information. Typical is the implementation of new information and communication technologies into production and logistics practice. This will change the working conditions, processes as well as business models. “Industry 4.0” is the synonym for the 4th industrial revolution in a general understanding. The term “Industry 4.0” was first used in a high-tech-strategy project of the German government in 2011 at the Hannover Fair. (Compare [1, 2]) The paper describes the terms Industry 4.0 and Logistics 4.0 as two of the most important trends in production and logistics. It characterizes the big chances of this development. The paper gives an overview about important solutions in this area. (Compare [3]) Some new solutions are discussed according to material sciences, as it is also very important to develop and use new materials, which help to create smart solutions. Smart materials are created in the areas of e.g. laminated, composite and functionally graded materials, thermal and piezoelectric actuation, active and passive damping, vibrations and waves in smart structures. (Compare [4]) Smart materials allow the design and implementation of actuator, sensor fields and networks. Further examples are self-reporting materials, which autonomously report about problems and defects. This allows an evaluation and control of defects of components during their use and application. (Compare [5]). © 2018 Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland.