Technological Acceptance of Industry 4.0 by Students from Rural Areas

Abstract

In this study, our objective was to identify the factors that explain the acceptance of Industry 4.0 technologies by technical students. Industry 4.0 is made up of a series of technologies, such as the Internet of Things; cyber-physical systems; big data, data analytics, or data mining; cloud computing or the cloud; augmented reality or mixed reality; additive manufacturing or 3D printing; cybersecurity; collaborative robots; artificial intelligence; 3D simulation; digital twin or digital twin; drones. We designed a theoretical model based on the technology acceptance model to explain the acceptance of these technologies. The study was carried out on a sample of 326 technical professional students. Students are considered ideal samples to test theoretical predictions regarding the relationships between variables in emerging technologies. The results show the positive effect of technological optimism on perceived usefulness and ease of use. However, there was not a direct effect on the attitude towards the use. A mediating effect was established. In addition, the facilitating conditions influence optimism and the ease of using the technology. These elements influence the attitude and intention to use, which is consistent with previous studies on technology acceptance. The results will guide the design of public policies to incorporate technologies into education.

The Role of Sustainable Attitudes to Achieve Energy Efficiency Targets through Industry 4.0 Adoption

“…This highlights the role of perceived value as a mediator between attitudes and adoption intentions, indicating that individuals' perceptions of the benefits and costs associated with adoption play a crucial role in forming intentions. The research results in contrast with previous studies by Cordero et al, [10], Castillo-Vergara et al, [56], Wang et al, [55], Toni et al [50], and Saeedi et al, [53], emphasize the variability in the weight of attitudes versus subjective norms in predicting intentions across different behaviors and individuals. Overall, the study underscores the importance of considering factors beyond attitudes in shaping adoption intentions and suggests tailored strategies to enhance the adoption of sustainable energy solutions.…”

“…Cordero et al,[10] suggest that attitude influences the intention to adopt Industry 4.0 technology positively. Castillo-Vergara et al,[56] found that technological optimism positively affects the perception of technology's usefulness and ease of use. Toni et al,[50] and Saeedi et al,[57] also highlight the significant impact of attitude on the adoption of Industry 4.0 technology.…”

Contractor Companies’ Small Projects Facing Mining 4.0 in Chile: How Risky Is the Implementation of Industry 4.0 for Them?

“…Young population is familiar with industry 4.0 technologies (Cotet el al, 2020) and they will fully work using them in the future mining. Neverthelss, despite technological optimism positively influences perceived usefulness and ease of use of Industry 4.0 technologies by young trainee (Castillo-Vergara et al, 2022), it will be important to utilize older miners' knowledge for technology development and knowledge transfer to newer miners (Lund et al, 2024). 13 Currently subcontracted workers in Chile's mining industry has become an important social movement (Leiva and Campos, 2013;Hughes, 2016;Pérez, 2022).…”

IoT Control and Visualization System with Digital Twins and Augmented Reality in a Digital Transformation Space

“…These efforts aim to develop technological solutions and strategies to tackle the challenges unique to each particular context [9]. Research indicates that there is a need to adopt advanced technologies [10] [11], but the lack of adaptation generates a technological lag and the need for a digital transformation. Although specific problems may vary, the need to bridge the gap between the physical and digital worlds through the implementation of cyber-physical systems, DT, and Industry 4.0 technologies is a common theme [3] [12].…”