Purpose It is essential for professionals to stay informed about the revolution we are witnessing and understand the related technical concepts in today’s rapidly evolving society. In addition to exploring how Industry 4.0 technologies—such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), big data, and blockchain—are transforming the healthcare sector, this literature review aims to address a crucial question: How can new technologies improve operational and environmental sustainability in healthcare while maintaining accessibility, safety, and equity? Methods A comprehensive literature study was conducted to analyze current research and discussions around the integration of Industry 4.0 technology in healthcare. This paper covers the various aspects of automation, data processing, system interconnection, ethical, financial, and infrastructure issues. Among the main topics discussed is data integration, which helps to enhance resource management, predictive analytics, and decision-making. Results Through international case studies (Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, Manifal Hospital, University College London Hospitals, Charité Hospital, Mount Sinai Hospital, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra) this review shows how these technologies improve patient outcomes, healthcare efficiency, and the environment. Significant problems should be warned about, including ethical issues about patient data security and privacy, unequal access to technological developments, the necessity of guaranteeing health information system interoperability, and economic viability concerns, particularly in countries or regions with limited resources. Conclusions Healthcare 4.0 has enormous potential for global justice and sustainability, but its ethical integrity, data security, and broad accessibility must be monitored. Although the healthcare sector will benefit much from the 4th industrial revolution, this analysis cautions about the related social and economic issues and inequalities. Encouraging ethical innovation will rely much on public policies to support this technological transition being implemented in a sustainable manner in the healthcare sector. Graphical abstract This review introduces Industry 4.0 concepts to healthcare professionals and emphasizes the increasing importance of preparing for the future of sustainable healthcare.

Innovating for tomorrow: industry 4.0’s role in sustainable healthcare

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发表日期：

2026年1月8日

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Ana Rita O. Ferreira,
Tiago A. Fernandes

摘要

Purpose

It is essential for professionals to stay informed about the revolution we are witnessing and understand the related technical concepts in today’s rapidly evolving society. In addition to exploring how Industry 4.0 technologies—such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), big data, and blockchain—are transforming the healthcare sector, this literature review aims to address a crucial question: How can new technologies improve operational and environmental sustainability in healthcare while maintaining accessibility, safety, and equity?

Methods

A comprehensive literature study was conducted to analyze current research and discussions around the integration of Industry 4.0 technology in healthcare. This paper covers the various aspects of automation, data processing, system interconnection, ethical, financial, and infrastructure issues. Among the main topics discussed is data integration, which helps to enhance resource management, predictive analytics, and decision-making.

Results

Through international case studies (Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, Manifal Hospital, University College London Hospitals, Charité Hospital, Mount Sinai Hospital, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra) this review shows how these technologies improve patient outcomes, healthcare efficiency, and the environment. Significant problems should be warned about, including ethical issues about patient data security and privacy, unequal access to technological developments, the necessity of guaranteeing health information system interoperability, and economic viability concerns, particularly in countries or regions with limited resources.

Conclusions

Healthcare 4.0 has enormous potential for global justice and sustainability, but its ethical integrity, data security, and broad accessibility must be monitored. Although the healthcare sector will benefit much from the 4th industrial revolution, this analysis cautions about the related social and economic issues and inequalities. Encouraging ethical innovation will rely much on public policies to support this technological transition being implemented in a sustainable manner in the healthcare sector.

Graphical abstract

This review introduces Industry 4.0 concepts to healthcare professionals and emphasizes the increasing importance of preparing for the future of sustainable healthcare.