The Internet of Things for Smart Manufacturing: A Review

2026-07-17

AI Summary

This study addresses the challenges of high system complexity, limited information visibility, and constrained production performance in smart manufacturing by systematically reviewing key Internet of Things (IoT) technologies that drive data innovation. It proposes a novel virtual machine networking framework that integrates the Internet of Manufacturing Things (IoMT) with cloud computing. Viewing the evolution from conventional computer networks to IoMT-enabled manufacturing networks, the framework synthesizes big data analytics, cybersecurity, and global policy considerations. The work clarifies the pivotal role of IoMT in smart manufacturing, identifies critical challenges and emerging opportunities, and establishes a theoretical foundation and strategic direction for interdisciplinary research and industrial implementation.

Abstract

The modern manufacturing industry is investing in new technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), big data analytics, cloud computing and cybersecurity to cope with system complexity, increase information visibility, improve production performance, and gain competitive advantages in the global market. These advances are rapidly enabling a new generation of smart manufacturing, i.e., a cyber-physical system tightly integrating manufacturing enterprises in the physical world with virtual enterprises in cyberspace. To a great extent, realizing the full potential of cyber-physical systems depends on the development of new methodologies on the Internet of Manufacturing Things (IoMT) for data-enabled engineering innovations. This paper presents a review of the IoT technologies and systems that are the drivers and foundations of data-driven innovations in smart manufacturing. We discuss the evolution of internet from computer networks to human networks to the latest era of smart and connected networks of manufacturing things (e.g., materials, sensors, equipment, people, products, and supply chain). In addition, we present a new framework that leverages IoMT and cloud computing to develop a virtual machine network. We further extend our review to IoMT cybersecurity issues that are of paramount importance to businesses and operations, as well as IoT and smart manufacturing policies that are laid out by governments around the world for the future of smart factory. Finally, we present the challenges and opportunities arising from IoMT. We hope this work will help catalyze more in-depth investigations and multi-disciplinary research efforts to advance IoMT technologies.

Problem

• Internet of Things
• Smart Manufacturing
• Cyber-Physical Systems
• IoMT
• Data-driven Innovation

Innovation

• Internet of Manufacturing Things (IoMT)
• cyber-physical systems
• virtual machine network
• data-driven innovation
• smart manufacturing