Table 1.

Key enabling technologies for I4.0.

Technology	Definition
Additive manufacturing	Process of manufacturing objects from a digital prototype that deposits layer upon layer of specific materials, such as plastic, metal, ceramics, etc., mainly employing 3D printers (Bortolini et al., 2017; Ceruti et al., 2019; Santos et al., 2017; Sepasgozar et al., 2020).
Artificial intelligence (AI)	Computer discipline that aims to model or simulate so-called “intelligent human behaviors” such as perception, decision-making, understanding, learning, etc. This concept represents the digital brain of I4.0 and is its driving force (Lee et al., 2018).
Augmented reality	A set of technologies that allows the visualization of the natural environment “augmented” by the addition of computer-generated elements or objects. It includes essential components such as display or capture devices, interaction devices, and tracking systems (Bottani and Vignali, 2019; Li et al., 2018).
Autonomous robots	Machines that perform tasks without human intervention in different environments. Autonomous robots can make decisions that are not previously programmed, solve problems, and manage unpredictable situations (Bigliardi et al., 2020; Ingrand and Ghallab, 2017).
Big data	A system that gathers a large amount of structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data generated by different sources, such as equipment controllers, manufacturing systems, sensors, people, files, video, audio, etc. It identifies patterns and models that allow the generation of useful information for sustainable innovation and assists in decision making (Lee et al., 2015; Santos et al., 2017).
Blockchain	Dataset consisting of a chain of data packets (blocks) where one block comprises multiple transactions. It can contain multiple blocks that represent the complete record of the transaction history. Blocks can be validated over the network securely using cryptographic means (Nofer et al., 2017).
Cloud computing	Technology that allows the loading and storage of data and information, using the memory capacity, storage, and calculation of computers and servers hosted in datacenters interconnected via the Internet. Cloud computing enables access to applications on different platforms, such as IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, without them being installed on devices such as computers, cell phones, tablets, etc. (Liu and Xu, 2017; Wang et al., 2016a, Wang et al., 2016b).
Cyber-physical system (CPS)/cyber-physical production system (CPPS)	Industrial automation systems into which natural and human systems (physical space) have been integrated employing sensors, microprocessors, ports, antennas, and software so that they can work together, sharing and analyzing information with the support of big data and cloud computing (Lasi et al., 2014; Lee et al., 2015; Lu, 2017; Müller et al., 2018; Vaidya et al., 2018).
Cyber security	Procedures, practices, and the use of technologies that aim to ensure digital security against illicit acts and damage to computers, data, programs, and networks. It acts in the digital environment to prevent and impede the rerouting of information, unauthorized access to systems, modification of data, etc. (Culot et al., 2019; Rubio et al., 2018; Sawik, 2020).
Internet of things (IoT)/industrial Internet of things (IIoT)/Internet of services (IoS)	Network of interconnected and cooperative devices that follow a standard communication protocol for exchanging data with other devices and systems over the Internet. These devices range from everyday household objects to sophisticated industrial tools (Bortolini et al., 2017; Mosterman and Zander, 2016; Wang et al., 2016a, Wang et al., 2016b).
Simulation	Virtual reproduction of processes that include machines, people, and operational functions. Simulation allows one to test and study new methods and means of production before implementing them, making them more innovative and efficient (Rodič, 2017; Schluse et al., 2018; Vieira et al., 2018).