Prototyping Industry 4.0: The Case of an Automated Stapler for Acoustic Slat Panel Production

This paper explores the practical adoption challenges of Industry 4.0 principles in Small Enterprises (SEs), particularly through the development of an automated stapler prototype for acoustic slat panel production. The study presents a case where the prototype, costing less than 400 euros, is shown to potentially increase the production rate by 42%, showcasing the feasibility of cost-effective, tailored solutions in digitizing manufacturing processes within SEs. It demonstrates that such incremental improvements can substantially boost productivity and efficiency, enabling SEs to better compete in increasingly demanding markets while also mitigating the high cost and physical strains associated with manual labor. The presented approach of prioritizing significant improvements over complete automation aligns well with the practical and financial constraints of SEs. Moreover, the paper challenges the notion that the adoption of Industry 4.0 necessitates substantial investment, by highlighting the importance of flexible, low-cost prototyping in overcoming financial and technical constraints, suggesting a shift towards accessible digital transformation in the manufacturing sector.