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IEEE is Fueling the FourthIndustrial Revolution

We stand on the precipice of a great transformation. TheFourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is coming, and IEEE is atthe heart of it. Described as a range of new technologiesthat are fusing the physical, digital and biological worlds,this revolution is certain to alter the way the human racelives, works, and relates to one another.

A number of technological fields will see major advancesover the next few years that will affect all disciplines,economies and industries. These fields include robotics,artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, quantum computing,biotechnology, the Internet of Things, 3D printing,autonomous vehicles, and more.

Experts predict a number of changes to come with 4IR.Over 7 million jobs will be affected over the next five yearsin the world’s largest economies, as technological progressin 3D printing and robotics starts to disrupt manufacturingand other industries.

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Preparing for 4IR Beginswith EducationEducation is key for adapting to the changes 4IRtechnologies will bring. The employment landscape willundergo a massive shift, making advanced skillsincreasingly important. IEEE is helping to educate futureleaders on their role in fostering innovation and shapingtechnological breakthroughs.

As the importance of understanding 4IR grows, IEEEpublications have become a valuable resource for studentsand teachers to learn about emerging technologies. Everyyear IEEE publishes new journals, conference papers andstandards with knowledge and insights that are helping toshape this revolution. A recent evaluation of the top rankedengineering and technology universities worldwide foundthat all top 100 schools subscribe to IEEE content anddepend on IEEE information to educate future innovators(Times Higher Education).

04.02.2019 IEEE is Fueling the Fourth Industrial Revolution | IEEE Xplore Subscription Options

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Leading Companies in 4IRTechnology Rely on IEEEAs the world’s largest technical professional organization,IEEE publishes more than 30 percent of the world’s currentliterature on electrical engineering, electronics andcomputer science through its online research platform, theIEEE Xplore digital library.

Today’s most innovative companies rely on high quality,peer-reviewed technical content from IEEE to advance their4IR initiatives. The top 20 4IR patent applicants at theEuropean Patent Office from 2011 to 2016 include 4IRpioneers such as Sony, LG, Samsung, Google, and Intel—amajority of these companies are IEEE subscribers (EuropeanPatent Office). Patents filed in the United States follow asimilar trend. In fact, a recent study shows that IEEE iscited more in U.S. patents related to several key 4IRtechnologies than any other publisher (1790 Analytics LLC).

The Internet of Things(IoT)The Internet of Things enables ordinary objects such as TVsand thermostats to use the Internet to become smarter.This allows them to collect data and connect to otherdevices to make everyday tasks easier and more efficient.By 2025, the World Economic Forum estimates 26-30 billiondevices in the home and workplace will be connected to theInternet, and equipped with sensors, processors andembedded software. Of all 4IR technologies, IoT is set tohave the most impact on industries in the future, as mostdevices will soon be able to collect or process data.

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IEEE’s influence in the IoT space cannot be overstated.When examining patents filed with the U.S. Patent Officebetween 1997 to 2017, IEEE research was referenced inmore than half of all patents related to IoT technologies(1790 Analytics LLC). Research from IEEE encompasses avariety of new IoT developments, including more energyefficient smart homes, an emergency response system forsmart cities, and wearable devices that aid in hospitalpatient care.

Recent IEEE Research in IoT

Energy Efficient Smart Homes

Smart City Emergency

Response

Wearable Health Monitoring

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RoboticsWith 4IR, the prevalence of robotics in society will be one ofthe most notable changes. Robots are already utilized inmanufacturing facilities around the world, but the field ofrobotics is not limited to manufacturing.

IEEE research explores how robotics can be applied in newand different ways. Recent developments include servicerobots to help people with vision problems, low-cost robotsto assist with grocery shopping, and autonomous robotsthat can inspect the structural health of nuclear plants andunderground mines.

While there are concerns about robots taking jobs andcausing a rise in unemployment, there are robots designedto work alongside humans as well. Also known as “cobots”,these robots can make work safer and more efficient bytaking on the jobs that can be dangerous or difficult forhumans to perform. The healthcare industry is alreadyusing robotics to help perform surgery, as well as to

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transport and manufacture medication. These applicationsof robots and cobots will develop further during 4IR.

Recent IEEE Research in Robotics

Humanoid Robot Framework

Service Robots Place

InfrastructureRobots

Place

Autonomous VehiclesSelf-driving cars have been in the news for the last fewyears with companies around the world looking to bring thetechnology to the public. These cars have the ability tosense things around them and drive with minimal humaninput. Companies are still working to perfect self-drivingcars, but 4IR breakthroughs will lead to massiveimprovements in the space. Autonomous vehicles couldmake transportation more efficient and safer for many typesof vehicles. With 4IR advancements, drones, buses andunderwater vehicles will also experience autonomousoperation.

These new autonomous vehicles will disrupt transportationaround the globe. Autonomous vehicles could significantly

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decrease the costs of transportation by reducing accidentsand improving traffic flows. According to a report fromSecuring America’s Future Energy, self-driving cars couldsave $500 billion each year in the U.S. by reducing the 94%of accidents caused by human error.

IEEE is paving the way for autonomous vehicle technologywith over 30,000 documents published in this field. Somenotable IEEE research on autonomous vehicles include thedevelopment of an autonomous public transportationsystem, a monitoring system for improved smart carcybersecurity, and a low-cost intelligent transportationsystem to reduce traffic congestion and improve driversafety.

Recent IEEE Research inAutonomous Vehicles

Securing Self-Driving Cars

AV for MassTransit

5G-Based ITS

Artificial IntelligenceArtificial intelligence (AI) is the ability for machines to learnand adapt to different problems and situations. Also calledmachine intelligence, AI is very versatile and can work in

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conjunction with the IoT, autonomous vehicles and roboticsin addition to other advanced technologies. According toStanford University, the share of jobs requiring AI skills hasgrown 4.5 times since 2013. During 4IR, that percentagewill rise as the world’s most innovative companies investmore in AI applications.

Automated customer service through virtual assistants andchatbots able to respond to different customer demands willbecome commonplace during 4IR. AI will also be a usefultool for many companies managing numbers and logisticsas AI-enabled devices can process numbers at a faster ratethan humans. Companies across different industries arealready employing AI for a variety of tasks—computers andmachines are overseeing financial portfolios, forecasting theweather, and even planting crops. As the technologydevelops further, AI’s ability to learn and predict will allow itto be a solution to even more business problems. Researchin IEEE Xplore includes novel AI applications in variousindustries—from manufacturing to transportation.

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Recent IEEE Research in ArtificialIntelligence

ANN FloodForecasting

AI in SpaceCommunication

AI DrivingBehaviorDetection

Opportunities in the 4IREraIn the near future, the capabilities of everyday technologywill allow people to operate self-driving cars, manage allaspects of their home from their phone, and get assistancefrom a robot for daily tasks. Manufacturing and otherindustries will become more efficient, providing economicgrowth while reducing resource consumption. Drones andadvanced transportation systems will also deliver goods andservices to new markets around the world.

While everyday tasks become easier, the ability for peopleto communicate and develop will also take a step forward.Advances in communication and digital networks will allowpeople to have more access to education and information.Automation will help people escape some of the tedioustasks of their professions, allowing them to have more timeto be creative and address more engaging aspects of theirjob.

The technologies of 4IR will have a profound impact onsociety, and IEEE is the resource for those who want tounderstand and succeed in this new era. Whether it is tofind the latest information on AI, autonomous vehicles,robotics or IoT, IEEE is at the center of all 4IR research. To