Research and education for industry 4.0: Present development

Over the past fourty years there has been an unprecedented development in digital information, communication and intelligent technologies and systems that has significantly influenced quality of life on our planet. European and worldwide innovation trends in complex computerization and digitization of manufacturing processes and process activities are now leading to the need for research, education, development and implementation of system solutions based on new intelligent modelling and control methods for optimizing, managing and diagnosing complex manufacturing industrial plants. In recent years Industry 4.0 has been driving force and heart of industry; based on it and analysis of the existing state of industry it is necessary to launch new research activities to prepare new multi-disciplinary professionals and university graduates. The paper presents state-of-the-art in research and education, and further development of control and decision methods, control structures, information a communication technology and their applications in diverse industrial processes with a focus on trends and challenges declared in Industry 4.0.