Application of industry 4.0 technologies to the design and manufacturing of handicraft products

Abstract

Considering as a starting point the principles that characterize the artisanal and industrial production systems, this article explore the mechanisms to promote interdisciplinary relationship between industrial designers, industrial manufacturers and artisans; the main objective is to enhance the knowledge for the development and consolidation of the craft activity. We propose a methodology which industrial facilitators 4.0 are incorporated into the craft technics using methods of engineering design, technological solutions of production and innovations respecting the identity values of craftsmanship. The best available techniques in the industry and emerging trends as Industry 4.0 or Factories of the future were analyzed; this analysis shows that some fundamentals, concepts and strategic plans can be applied to craft processes. These factors support a viable proximity between the three centers of industrial production, technological innovation and craftsmanship. The proposal, seeking to have an open, holistic approach, was developed through analysis and intervention phases, through enabling technologies 4.0. This methodology is structured in five phases, which sequenced the processes of analysis and intervention. This model allows the definition of a strategic plan for restructuring of the activity, providing the artisan upgrade skills to new media and industrial technologies, allowing the need to adapt theirs work to current market demands. The proposal has been validated through a qualitative research with collaborative tools conducted in the field of crafts of wicker in Madeira, Portugal.