Application of Industry 4.0 in the automotive sector

Abstract

Purpose: This paper aims to analyze the current state of Industry 4.0 in the automotive sector to show the associated expectations, opportunities, risks, and challenges. Requirements and concrete approaches for future research needs are derived within the framework of a research agenda. Methodology: The methodology includes a systematic literature review, establishing a well-founded definition of the Industry 4.0 term for the automotive industry. Expectations, opportunities, risks, and challenges are answered in the context of a PESTEL analysis. In addition, elements of a research agenda based on the belief-action-outcome model are highlighted. Findings: Our paper includes 180 identified publications and an industry-specific definition in the context of a concept matrix. The concept matrix comprises three main clusters and fifteen interdisciplinary technologies and concepts. Using a PESTEL analysis, publications are categorized into six defined perspectives. As part of a research agenda for future investigation, 32 open research questions are proposed, grouped into three themes and four subcategories. Originality: In the current literature, to the best of our knowledge no approaches provide even deeper insights into the status quo of Industry 4.0 applications in the automotive sector. Thus, this paper is one of the first to provide a substantial approach to key Industry 4.0 technologies and concepts in this sector using a PESTEL analysis.