| Power Generation | Textiles | Metallurgy | Transportation |
| Thermal energy used for mechanical energy | Mechanization of spinning and weaving | Mass production of steel (shipbuilding, rails, construction and agricultural machines) | Modern transport and telecommunication systems |
| First water pump (1712) in mines. Watt (1769); significant improvements. Steam locomotive (1824). Electric generator (1831). Steam turbine (1884). | “Flying shuttle” (1733) doubled weaving productivity. “Spinning jenny” (1765). “Water frame” (1768); hydraulic power. “Spinning Mule” (1779); steam power. Sewing machine (1846). | Coke instead of coal for iron production (1709). Bessemer process (1855). | Railroads (1825). Telegraph (1834). Steamship (1838). Telephone (1876). |
The industrial revolution involved the diffusion of several technological innovations in four main sectors:
- Power generation. Enabled to perform larger quantities of work through the usage of thermal energy.
- Textiles. Development of the first mass-market for consumer goods.
- Metallurgy. Low-cost metals used to manufacture equipment and infrastructure.
- Transportation. Mass conveyances and telecommunication systems.