The 4th Industrial Revolution
The way we live and work is changing at a pace never before seen in human history. While there have been three great industrial revolutions that have changed our way of life before, this Fourth Industrial Revolution – 4IR – is unprecedented in its speed, its all-embracing nature, and its global spread.
We can already see it on our factory floors, in our offices, in our homes, entertainment and sport, and perhaps most importantly, in our classrooms – from nursery schooling for toddlers to the exalted halls of learning in our universities. And we see it, and interact with it through our cell phones, our laptops, and even our cars and appliances.
That’s why, as an academic and research leader in Africa, UJ is taking the lead on our continent in facing the reality and existence of 4IR. And we do this not only in responding to its challenges, but in wholeheartedly embracing its tools, potential and capacity to enhance learning and teaching. We are committed to the preparing both of our students and teachers for this task, and in the enablement of our world-class researchers in and for the new world that is taking shape.
The future belongs to those who reimagine it. Whether it’s teaching emergency rescue through state-of-the-art simulation, or gathering data to enable remote diagnoses with artificial intelligence (AI), or understanding and addressing societal problems with pinpoint digital tools, UJ’s embrace of the technology of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is making an impact on people’s lives.
As a leader in academic thought and research in Africa, UJ has embraced the technology that is shaping our future, not just on our continent, but globally. And we’re doing this in myriad ways – applying it in both teaching and learning, using it to advance not just ideas, but skills, expertise and capacity. People everywhere will be able to see real benefits and a meaningful and positive change in their lives, both as developers and recipients of everything that 4IR has to offer.
Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technology. At UJ, we’re reimagining the future, and it’s changing everyone’s lives for the better.