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Period: to
First Industrial Revolution
Key Locations: Britain, Europe, United States
1764 - Invention of the Spinning Jenny
1784 - Invention of the Steam Engine -
Invention of the Spinning Jenny
James Hargreaves invents the Spinning Jenny, revolutionizing the textile industry by allowing a single worker to spin multiple spools of thread simultaneously.
Impact: Increased productivity in textile manufacturing, making it the first major mechanical innovation of the Industrial Revolution. -
Invention of the Steam Engine
James Watt improves upon the existing steam engine design, making it more efficient for use in factories and transportation.
Impact: This innovation leads to the expansion of industries such as coal mining, textiles, and railways, facilitating global trade and urbanization. -
Period: to
Second Industrial Revolution
Key Locations: United States, Germany, Britain
1879 - Invention of the Electric Light Bulb
1908 - Introduction of the Assembly Line by Henry Ford -
Invention of the Electric Light Bulb
Event: Thomas Edison develops the first commercially viable incandescent light bulb, changing the landscape of work and leisure by extending productive hours.
Impact: Electrification of factories, homes, and cities, enabling new industrial processes and improving the quality of life. -
Introduction of the Assembly Line by Henry Ford
Henry Ford revolutionizes automobile manufacturing by introducing the assembly line at the Ford Motor Company.
Impact: Mass production becomes more efficient, drastically reducing costs and making automobiles affordable to the general population. -
Period: to
Third Industrial Revolution
Key Locations: United States, Japan, Germany
1969 - First Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)
1989 - Invention of the World Wide Web -
First Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)
Event: The invention of the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) by Dick Morley revolutionizes manufacturing by automating industrial processes.
Impact: PLCs become essential in factory automation, enhancing efficiency and flexibility in manufacturing systems worldwide. -
Invention of the World Wide Web
Event: Tim Berners-Lee creates the World Wide Web, enabling global access to information and revolutionizing communication and business.
Impact: The rise of digitalization transforms industries such as media, retail, and finance, marking the beginning of the information age. -
Period: to
Fourth Industrial Revolution
Key Locations: Global
2010 - Emergence of Artificial Intelligence and Big Data
2020 - Rise of Industry 4.0 and Cyber-Physical Systems -
Emergence of Artificial Intelligence and Big Data
Event: AI technologies and big data analytics begin to gain significant traction, driving innovation across various industries, from healthcare to finance.
Impact: Automation, predictive analytics, and machine learning systems disrupt traditional business models and enhance decision-making. -
Rise of Industry 4.0 and Cyber-Physical Systems
Event: Integration of cyber-physical systems, IoT (Internet of Things), and smart factories becomes a hallmark of Industry 4.0.
Impact: Manufacturing and production processes become increasingly interconnected and intelligent, leading to greater customization and efficiency.