From the era of handicrafts, the 18th century ushered in the age of mechanization with machines powered by steam engines producing goods. This was the First Industrial Revolution. Following this, the Second Industrial Revolution emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with electricity and assembly lines enabling mass production. Later, the Third Industrial Revolution in the late 20th century introduced semiconductors, computers, and the internet, allowing the creation, processing, and sharing of information.

Today, we live in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

So, what is the Fourth Industrial Revolution?

It is a new era where people, objects, and spaces are interconnected, automated, and intelligent, blurring the boundaries between digital, physical, and biological domains. Technologies converge through IoT (Internet of Things), big data, and AI (Artificial Intelligence), creating a “hyper-intelligent revolution.” Let’s explore its concepts, technologies, and services and see how they manifest in everyday life.

Tesla AI Day

On August 19, 2021, Tesla unveiled its autonomous driving system at AI Day. The system combines images from eight vehicle cameras into a single virtual space, reconstructing the surrounding environment for realistic perception. This technology is expected to evolve into a universal visual processing system for AI robots.

SpaceX

On September 18, 2021, SpaceX made history by sending a spacecraft with four civilian passengers into orbit and returning safely. This milestone is expected to usher in the era of space tourism.

AI Speakers

Beyond playing music, providing weather updates, and searching for information, AI speakers now support biometric authentication for easy payments, voice calls, multilingual conversations, apartment fee inquiries, and even serve as store assistants for mobile plans.

AI Voice

AI can analyze voice pitch, tone, speed, volume, and tremor, reflecting emotions and personality traits. This technology even suggests the possibility of early disease diagnosis.

Hyperloop

A high-speed rail system using vacuum tubes, capable of reaching speeds of 1,280 km/h (Mach 1.06). For example, Korea’s 441 km Gyeongbu Line could be covered in just 16 minutes. While the U.S. is developing Hyperloop, Japan is pursuing commercialization of magnetic levitation trains.

AI Navigation

Systems like T map X NUGU in taxis allow users to select destinations by voice, make calls, send location and ETA messages, and search for popular restaurants—all hands-free.

Smart Homes

Smart homes integrate technology systems, automation processes, and remote control devices into apartments and houses. They enhance quality of life, improve security, and increase energy efficiency through connected devices.

AI Chatbots

Chatbots are computer programs designed to perform tasks through voice or text-based conversations. They use language understanding, keyword detection for predefined responses, or scripted interactions to respond to user input.

As we move toward a hyper-connected (IoT/Big Data), hyper-sensory (AR/VR), and hyper-intelligent (AI) society, how can we use these technologies and data efficiently?

O2O and O4O Services

When Starbucks introduced Siren Order, customers could order drinks before arriving and pick them up immediately, saving time. This small but impactful change expanded consumer convenience. This model—ordering online and receiving offline—is called O2O (Online to Offline).

Now, companies are focusing on O4O (Online for Offline), which connects online and offline to offer new experiences and convenience. A prime example is Amazon Go, a cashier-less store where customers check in using a QR code and simply walk out with products, as payment is processed automatically via the app.

Although COVID-19 accelerated online market growth, further progress requires expanding into offline experiences to satisfy consumer needs, attract more customers, and boost sales.

Metaverse

The term combines “meta” (virtual, beyond) and “universe” (world, cosmos). The metaverse is a virtual world where users create avatars and engage in legally recognized activities such as work, finance, and learning in 3D environments. Platforms like ZEPETO, ifland, and Gather Town allow users to attend exhibitions, hold meetings, and even shop—just like in real life.

Will robots replacing human labor threaten jobs? Some say only roles beyond AI’s reach will survive. However, with technological advancements, people may adapt to more diverse lifestyles. So, what becomes most important?

The Key Question

How will we become more digitalized?

How will we achieve deeper digital transformation?

Previously, revolutions focused on manufacturing and production with businesses at the center. Now, across all industries, the focus must shift to consumer-centric innovation, developing technologies that encourage widespread user adoption.

Oh Yeonji, Solution Service Division – PS2 Team, STEG Inc.

References (Videos):

[ET] Tesla Musk’s $570 Trillion Satellite Internet Challenge – 6x Faster Internet? / KBS News

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMUObm3dR3U

AI Robot “Sophia” – Thousands to Be Produced Amid Contactless Culture

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEetZnr4yJA

Home AI Robot Pepper Launch

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_0Z0IB8hHo

Quadruped Robot Spot at Construction Sites

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PxRi8ICqlZ0

Tesla AI Day Review – Why Is Tesla Building Robots?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-cf5IPeqQo

Freshippo's Robot Restaurant 2.0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFCPKmLAZb4

Delivery App “Baedal Minjok” Starts Robot Rental Service

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56I7AYsRfD0

Experiencing Google Waymo’s Fully Autonomous Taxi in Arizona

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diZxEUrugXs