The Elephant in the Room - What does Industry 4.0 really mean in the forging industry?

In recent years, Europe has become synonymous with digital transformation in manufacturing. The integration of Industry 4.0 technologies - advanced sensors, real-time data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and interconnected cyber-physical systems - has revolutionized sectors such as forging and forming. These innovations have set new benchmarks in product quality, production efficiency, and operational agility. Across the U.S., however, many manufacturing facilities remain reliant on legacy systems and traditional practices, creating a digital gap that hinders competitiveness in an increasingly global market. This article explores how Industry 4.0 can reinvigorate U.S. manufacturing, particularly in forging and forming, and discusses how institutions like the Fraunhofer Society and local entities such as Campbell Press Repair in Lansing, Michigan, can drive this much-needed transformation.