📅 Unit 2 — Paper 2

Unit 2 — Engineering and Manufacturing Past, Present and Future

Unit 2 explores how engineering and manufacturing have developed over time — from early industrial revolutions to the technologies shaping factories today. You'll look at key innovations, the rise of automation and digital manufacturing, and where the industry is heading. Understanding this history helps you appreciate why things are done the way they are, and what skills will matter most in your engineering career.

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Some topics covered in this unit
The Industrial Revolution and beyond — key developments in engineering history and their impact on manufacturing
Modern manufacturing technologies — CNC machining, robotics, additive manufacturing and lean production
Industry 4.0 and digital manufacturing — the Internet of Things (IoT), big data, artificial intelligence and smart factories
Globalisation and supply chains — how products are designed, manufactured and distributed across the world
Careers and the future workforce — emerging job roles, skills in demand and how technology is changing the industry
Environmental impact — how the industry is responding to climate change, emissions targets and sustainable manufacturing
Sample question
Industry 4.0
Which term describes the use of internet-connected devices and data sharing to improve manufacturing efficiency?
A
Lean manufacturing
B
The Internet of Things (IoT)
C
Six Sigma
D
Just-in-time production
✓ Correct answer: B — The Internet of Things (IoT). The Internet of Things (IoT) connects physical machines, sensors and devices to the internet, allowing real-time data collection and analysis. In manufacturing this enables predictive maintenance, remote monitoring and smarter production — a key feature of Industry 4.0.

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