WASHINGTON—U.S. factory production rebounded in June by the most in four months as the industry regained its footing after a fire-related disruption at an auto parts supplier, Federal Reserve data showed Tuesday.

Increasing demand for smart devices and embedded intelligence is driving manufacturers in a variety of industries to invest in new production tools and technologies. Additive manufacturing, advanced sensors, augmented reality, cloud-based computing, collaborative robots and digital twins are just a few of the many trends transforming factory floors today.

Last summer, my nephew, the college student, landed a job driving a school bus. The company loves him, and it happily took him back during his winter and spring breaks. Though he had a spotless driving record, he had never driven a bus before. His primary qualification? He passed the company’s drug test. Dozens of more qualified drivers could not.

The era of digital manufacturing, Industry 4.0 and smart factories is here. It promises to improve productivity, drive operating efficiencies and transform the way many types of products are mass-produced. Benefits include optimized efficiency and reduced assembly line errors.

During a recent road trip, I encountered two bridges under repair. Both bridges had only one lane open, necessitating a way to alternate the flow of traffic. At the first bridge, that task was handled by two flagmen, one on each end. At the second, traffic was controlled by a pair of portable, automatic gates.

MUNCIE, IN--Manufacturing jobs might be disappearing because of automation, but manufacturing productivity is actually up in this state and the nation, according to a new study from Ball State University.