A Review on the Application of Blockchain for the Next Generation of Cybersecure Industry 4.0 Smart Factories

TL;DR

The aim of this article is to provide a detailed guide for the future Industry 4.0 developers that allows for determining how the blockchain can enhance the next generation of cybersecure industrial applications.

Abstract

Industry 4.0 is a concept devised for improving the way modern factories operate through the use of some of the latest technologies, like the ones used for creating Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), robotics or Big Data applications. One of such technologies is blockchain, which is able to add trust, security and decentralization to different industrial fields. This article focuses on analyzing the benefits and challenges that arise when using blockchain and smart contracts to develop Industry 4.0 applications. In addition, this paper presents a thorough review on the most relevant blockchain-based applications for Industry 4.0 technologies. Thus, its aim is to provide a detailed guide for future Industry 4.0 developers that allows for determining how blockchain can enhance the next generation of cybersecure industrial applications.

Figures (5)

• Figure 1: Main Industry 4.0 technologies.
• Figure 2: Evolution of the communications architecture: from modern factory to an Industry 4.0 smart factory.
• Figure 3: Flow diagram to evaluate the need of a blockchain in an Industry 4.0 application.
• Figure 4: Main benefits (green lines) and challenges (red lines) for blockchain-based Industry 4.0 applications (part 1).
• Figure 5: Main benefits (green lines) and challenges (red lines) for blockchain-based Industry 4.0 applications (part 2).