The image we carry in our minds about what robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are is usually polarized. For many people, what we think of robots is likely influenced by popular culture; movies, books or comics. Many people imagine robots like Star Wars droids or Pixar’s Wall-E or at the other end of the spectrum something like the humanoid AI-enabled robot virtually indistinguishable from humans from the movie Ex-Machina.

The terms Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation are often used interchangeably. They’re both, afterall, associated with software or physical machines (that is, robots) that allow us to operate more efficiently within the workplace.

The idea of servitization is nothing new. Many manufacturers have always offered extended warranties, future inspections and extensive service contracts.

Smart factories and increased automation are providing manufacturers with a modern solution so that they can drive their innovations faster, whether to reduce waste, lower energy use and/or address worker shortages. The fourth industrial revolution, or Industry 4.0, is all about automated systems that can connect to each other and exchange data to accomplish such needs and goals. Here’s how and why early adapters are already seeing the benefits of this new world order in manufacturing.