Table 5.
Case illustration of sustainable Akin companies leveraging industry 4.0 technologies.
| Company | I4.0 Technology | Application | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Intel www.intel.com | IoT sensors and other devices to collect data on the production and use of materials | To optimize the process and development of more sustainable products. Track the environmental impact of its supply chain and improve resource efficiency. |
| 2. | Adidas www.adidas.com | 3D printing and digital twinning technologies | To produce customized, complex parts with minimal material waste and to optimize its material production processes. To reduce resource consumption and waste generation and improve its material production's sustainability. |
| 3. | DanTysk www.dantysk.com | Advanced sensors, predictive maintenance algorithms, and digital twins | To optimize the performance of the turbines and reduce downtime (achieved a 99.5% availability rate) |
| 4. | Danfoss (Producers of energy-efficient HVAC) www.danfoss.com | Data analytics and machine learning | To optimize production and improve the energy efficiency of its products |
| 5. | SolarCity (Solar panel manufacturer) www.solacity.com | Robotics and automation and a data-driven approach for operations optimization | To improve efficiency, reduce waste, and optimize its supply chain and energy consumption. |
| 6. | Eskom (Electricity supplier) www.eskom.co.za | Sensors and data analytics for advanced monitoring and control systems for its coal-fired power plants | To optimize operation, increase the efficiency and reliability of the plants, and reduce waste and emissions. |
| 7. | Tesla (Electric vehicles and renewable energy products) www.tesla.com | Robotics and automation | To improve efficiency and reduce waste, as well as integrating renewable energy sources into the factory's power supply |
| 8. | Novozymes (biotech) www.novozymes.com | Data Analytics | To optimize the efficiency of its enzyme production and integrate renewable energy sources into its operations. |
| 9. | SunPower (Solar panel manufacturer) www.sunpower.com | IoT sensors and other devices to collect data | To monitor the performance of its panels in real-time and identify potential issues before they occur |
| 10. | Vestas (Wind turbine manufacturer) www.vestas.com | 3D printing and data analytics, including Digital twin and IoT sensors to collect data | To simulate and optimize the performance, monitor the performance of its turbines in real-time and schedule maintenance as needed |
| 11. | GE Renewable Energy www.ge.com | 3D printing | To produce customized and complex parts and structures, reducing waste and increasing efficiency |
| 12. | First Solar www.firstsolar.com | Data analytics and machine learning | To optimize its manufacturing processes and increase efficiency |
| 13. | Sasol (Energy and chemical) www.saso.com | IoT sensors and other devices to collect data | To optimize the operational performance of its coal-to-liquids and gas-to-liquids plants to reduce waste and emissions |
| 14. | Tata Steel plant www.tatasteel.com | Digital twin technology | To optimize the performance of its furnaces and reduce energy consumption |
| 15. | Veolia Water Technologies plant www.mywater.veolia.us | Data analytics platform | To optimize the performance of its water treatment processes and reduce energy consumption cost savings, and improve sustainability |
| 16. | Dangote Group www.dangote.com | IoT sensors and data analytics | To monitor the performance of the plants in real-time and optimize their operation, to increase the efficiency and reliability of the plants, as well as reduce waste and emissions |
| 17. | Toyota Motor Corporation www.global.toyota.com | Data analytics and artificial intelligence (smart factory - sensors on machinery and equipment) | To monitor performance and detect any issues or adapt to changing production needs |
| 28. | Novomer (Chemical manufacturing) www.novomer.com | Advanced process control and machine learning | To improve the efficiency of its chemical processes for producing sustainable polymers from renewable feedstocks |