Hierarchy of smart awareness in assembly 4.0 systems

Self-awareness and awareness as a whole are important components of artificial intelligence (AI). In particular, awareness is a central pillar of Industry 4.0. This paper reviews the literature related to smart awareness of machines and parts, and draws the hierarchy of smart awareness evolution. The paper suggests an ordered hierarchy of awareness starting with the single sensor and ending with a machine-cell. The paper discuss the awareness issues related to entities in various awareness types, such as: self-awareness, through self-configuration, self-healing, and self-organizing. The paper discusses the issues related to the awareness of: sensors, parts, sub-assemblies, products, machines, and machine cells. These entities have some awareness differences and some awareness similarities discussed in this paper.