11.1 Digital technologies supporting circular economy (IoT, AI, blockchain)

Digital technologies are revolutionizing the circular economy. IoT, AI, and blockchain are powering new ways to track resources, optimize processes, and create closed-loop systems. These tools are essential for businesses looking to transition to more sustainable, circular models.

From smart sensors to digital twins, tech is enabling better product design, predictive maintenance, and end-of-life management. Data-driven insights and distributed ledgers are making supply chains more transparent and efficient, paving the way for a truly circular future.

Data-Driven Technologies

Internet of Things and Smart Sensors

Top images from around the web for Internet of Things and Smart Sensors

• 

  i-Maintenance: A Digital Twin for Smart Maintenance View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Lecture 1: Introduction to IoT [CS Open CourseWare] View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Frontiers | Implementation and Transfer of Predictive Analytics for Smart Maintenance: A Case Study View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  i-Maintenance: A Digital Twin for Smart Maintenance View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Lecture 1: Introduction to IoT [CS Open CourseWare] View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Internet of Things and Smart Sensors

• 

  i-Maintenance: A Digital Twin for Smart Maintenance View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Lecture 1: Introduction to IoT [CS Open CourseWare] View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Frontiers | Implementation and Transfer of Predictive Analytics for Smart Maintenance: A Case Study View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  i-Maintenance: A Digital Twin for Smart Maintenance View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Lecture 1: Introduction to IoT [CS Open CourseWare] View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Internet of Things (IoT) connects physical devices to the internet, enabling data collection and communication
• IoT devices include smart home appliances, wearables, and industrial equipment
• Smart sensors gather real-time data on environmental conditions, product usage, and performance
• Sensors measure parameters such as temperature, pressure, humidity, and motion
• IoT and smart sensors enable predictive maintenance, reducing downtime and extending product lifecycles

Big Data and Cloud Computing

• Big Data refers to large, complex datasets that traditional data processing methods cannot handle
• Big Data analytics extract valuable insights from vast amounts of structured and unstructured data
• Cloud Computing provides on-demand access to computing resources over the internet
• Cloud services include Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS)
• Cloud Computing enables scalable storage and processing of Big Data
• Big Data and Cloud Computing support circular economy by optimizing resource use and identifying inefficiencies

Intelligent Systems

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) simulates human intelligence in machines, enabling them to perform tasks that typically require human cognition
• Machine Learning, a subset of AI, allows systems to learn and improve from experience without explicit programming
• AI applications in circular economy include optimizing waste sorting, predicting product lifecycles, and designing recyclable products
• Machine Learning algorithms analyze patterns in data to make predictions and automate decision-making processes
• Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Computer Vision enhance AI capabilities in understanding text and images

Predictive Maintenance and Digital Twins

• Predictive Maintenance uses data analytics and AI to forecast when equipment is likely to fail
• Predictive Maintenance reduces unexpected breakdowns, extends asset lifespans, and minimizes resource waste
• Digital Twins create virtual representations of physical objects or systems
• Digital Twins simulate real-world conditions, enabling optimization and testing without physical prototypes
• Digital Twins support circular economy by improving product design, maintenance, and end-of-life management

Distributed Ledgers

Blockchain Technology

• Blockchain creates a decentralized, immutable record of transactions across a network of computers
• Blockchain ensures transparency, traceability, and security in supply chains and circular economy processes
• Smart contracts, self-executing agreements on blockchain, automate and enforce circular economy principles
• Blockchain supports circular economy by verifying product origin, tracking materials, and facilitating peer-to-peer sharing economies
• Cryptocurrencies, built on blockchain, enable new economic models and incentive structures for circular practices

Digital Platforms and Marketplaces

• Digital Platforms connect multiple stakeholders in a virtual ecosystem, facilitating interactions and transactions
• Sharing economy platforms (Airbnb, Uber) promote resource efficiency and utilization
• Circular economy marketplaces enable buying, selling, and trading of second-hand goods and recycled materials
• Digital Platforms support product-as-a-service models, shifting from ownership to access-based consumption
• Platform-based business models create value by leveraging network effects and data-driven insights