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. 2023 Aug 11;12(16):3026. doi: 10.3390/foods12163026

Table 2.

Overview of applications, advantages and disadvantages of major Industry 4.0 and Web 3.0 technologies.

Technology Description Main Applications Advantages Disadvantages
Blockchain A decentralized digital ledger for secure transactions and data storage. Cryptocurrency, supply-chain management, smart contracts, finance Transparency, security, immutability. Scalability, energy consumption, storage requirements, regulatory concerns.
IoT An interconnected network of physical devices and sensors that communicate and exchange data. Smart homes, industrial automation, healthcare monitoring. Automation, real-time insights, efficiency. Security vulnerabilities, data privacy, interoperability.
RFID Uses radio waves to identify and track objects with tags containing electronic information. Inventory management, asset tracking, and access control. Efficiency, real-time tracking, and reduced manual effort. Cost, limited range, potential interference.
QR Code Two-dimensional barcode that can store various types of data. Marketing campaigns, ticketing, and payment systems. Versatility, easy scanning, and high storage capacity. Limited data capacity and scanning limitations in certain conditions.
Cloud Computing Delivery of on-demand computing resources over the internet. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS). Scalability, cost-effectiveness, accessibility. Data security, vendor lock-in, and potential downtime.
Artificial Intelligence Simulation of human intelligence in machines for autonomous learning and decision making. Natural language processing, computer vision, recommendation systems. Automation, improved efficiency, advanced analytics. Ethical concerns, bias, job displacement.
Big Data Large and complex data sets that require specialized processing techniques. Business analytics, predictive modelling, personalized recommendations. Insights generation, competitive advantage. Data privacy, storage infrastructure, data quality.
GPS Global navigation satellite system for location and timing information. Navigation, logistics, and geolocation services. Accuracy, real-time tracking, and widespread availability. Signal limitations indoors or in remote areas.
NFC Short-range wireless communication for contactless data exchange. Mobile payments, access control, and ticketing systems. Convenience, simplicity, and compatibility with smartphones. Limited range, security concerns, adoption barriers.