IoT at Amgen - Evaluating and Piloting Industry 4.0 Technology in Biomanufacturing

Abstract

The advent of the oft cited Fourth Industrial Revolution, or Industry 4.0, has capacitated the wide spread use of Internet of Things technologies- namely, networks of wireless sensors and actuators- in industrial manufacturing processes. While Industry 4.0 purports to usher in the next generation of smart factories, traditional manufacturing facilities may also stand to benefit by selectively adopting IoT technology to augment mature manufacturing processes. Amgen, a global leader in the production of life saving biopharmaceuticals, has previously supported IoT-based solutions to provide new capabilities within existing biomanufacturing practices. However, selecting and prioritizing potential IoT investments- especially given the mature wired instrumentation infrastructure of Amgen’s manufacturing facilities- remains a challenge. This thesis examines the adoption of IoT technology at Amgen within two distinct lenses. First, an evaluative framework to aid in Amgen’s decision making process surrounding IoT investments is presented. Next, a small-scale IoT device is designed and implemented. The device hosts an artificial intelligence model which, in real time, detects and alerts personnel to glass break events during Amgen biomanufacturing processes. Both initiatives shed light on Amgen’s technical capacity for integrating IoT technology and Amgen’s willingness to adopt IoT technology in addition to creating value within Amgen’s biomanufacturing operations.