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Applied Sciences
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Future-Proof Solutions for Intelligent and Sustainable Machinery and Equipment
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Future-Proof Solutions for Intelligent and Sustainable Machinery and Equipment

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Robotics and Automation".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 January 2026 | Viewed by 5576

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Łukasz Gierz

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Poznan University of Technology, 60-965 Poznan, Poland
Interests: innovative machines and devices for the agri-food and forestry sector; DEM and FEM simulation studies; artificial intelligence; neural networks; machine learning; computer image analysis; SLA/DLP; mechanical and thermal properties; application of coatings in devices and machines; photopolymerization; photocurable coatings
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Innovative machines and devices for the agri-food and forestry sectors have been dynamically developing for several years, creating space for the development of all fields of science. For many scientists, this means a great opportunity for dynamic development, which translates into lower production costs of products and a significant increase in efficiency, and thus better quality of products. The use of modern and even innovative design solutions and algorithms in control systems, machine learning, and artificial intelligence methods, as well as simulation methods, allows the optimization of individual processes and sets of innovative machines. The constantly growing expectations of the market and potential customers force the development of new and innovative machines and devices and their automation through the use of innovative algorithms in automation and control systems. Intelligent machines, devices, and systems are becoming an inseparable element of industry 4.0, agriculture 4.0, and sustainable food system 4.0, and even a guide to defining 5.0 techniques. The synergy of know-how, patents, and science can increase the potential and competitiveness of innovation for broader and fairer global growth.

Dr. Łukasz Gierz
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • innovative solutions
  • 5.0 techniques
  • 4.0 sustainable food system
  • 4.0 industry
  • 4.0 agriculture
  • digital technology
  • simulation methods
  • artificial vision
  • artificial intelligence (AI)
  • machine learning methods

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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33 pages, 3629 KiB  
Article
An Artificial Plant Community Algorithm for Collision-Free Multi-Robot Aggregation
by Zhengying Cai, Qingqing Yu, Zhuimeng Lu, Zeya Liu and Guoqiang Gong
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(8), 4240; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15084240 - 11 Apr 2025
Viewed by 221
Abstract
Multi-robot aggregation is an important application for emergent robotic tasks, in which multiple robots are aggregated to work collaboratively. In this context, the collision-free problem poses a significant challenge, which is complicated to resolve, as aggregated robots are prone to collision. This study [...] Read more.
Multi-robot aggregation is an important application for emergent robotic tasks, in which multiple robots are aggregated to work collaboratively. In this context, the collision-free problem poses a significant challenge, which is complicated to resolve, as aggregated robots are prone to collision. This study attempts to use robotic edge intelligence technology to solve this problem. First, a multiple objective function is built for the collision-free multi-robot aggregation problem, considering the characteristics of robotic aggregation and collision-free constraints. Second, a heuristic artificial plant community algorithm is proposed to obtain an optimal solution to the developed problem model, which is lightweight and can be deployed on edge robots to search for the optimal route in real-time. The proposed algorithm utilizes the swarm learning capability of edge robots to produce a set of collision-free aggregation assignments for all robots. Finally, a benchmark test set is developed, based on which a series of benchmark tests are conducted. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method is effective and its computational performance is suitable for robot edge computing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Future-Proof Solutions for Intelligent and Sustainable Machinery and Equipment)
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28 pages, 10571 KiB  
Article
Towards Seamless Human–Robot Interaction: Integrating Computer Vision for Tool Handover and Gesture-Based Control
by Branislav Malobický, Marián Hruboš, Júlia Kafková, Jakub Krško, Mário Michálik, Rastislav Pirník and Pavol Kuchár
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 3575; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15073575 - 25 Mar 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 544
Abstract
This paper presents the development of a robotic workstation that integrates a collaborative robot as an assistant, leveraging advanced computer vision techniques to enhance human–robot interaction. The system employs state-of-the-art computer vision models, YOLOv7 and YOLOv8, for precise tool detection and gesture recognition, [...] Read more.
This paper presents the development of a robotic workstation that integrates a collaborative robot as an assistant, leveraging advanced computer vision techniques to enhance human–robot interaction. The system employs state-of-the-art computer vision models, YOLOv7 and YOLOv8, for precise tool detection and gesture recognition, enabling the robot to seamlessly interpret operator commands and hand over tools based on gestural cues. The primary objective is to facilitate intuitive, non-verbal control of the robot, improving collaboration between human operators and robots in dynamic work environments. The results show that this approach enhances the efficiency and reliability of human–robot cooperation, particularly in manufacturing settings, by streamlining tasks and boosting productivity. By integrating real-time computer vision into the robot’s decision-making process, the system demonstrates heightened adaptability and responsiveness, creating the way for more natural and effective human–robot collaboration in industrial contexts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Future-Proof Solutions for Intelligent and Sustainable Machinery and Equipment)
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12 pages, 2991 KiB  
Article
A Multifunctional Bottomhole Power Drilling Tool Rotary Speed Sensor Based on Triboelectric Nanogenerator
by Jia Yan, Jian Liang, Longlong Cao and Hengchun Zhang
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(6), 3196; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15063196 - 14 Mar 2025
Viewed by 393
Abstract
The rotary speed of bottomhole power drilling tools during drilling operations provides feedback on bottomhole assembly malfunctions and borehole trajectory anomalies. However, existing rotary speed sensors suffer from limitations in their power supply methods, leading to reduced drilling efficiency and increased costs. This [...] Read more.
The rotary speed of bottomhole power drilling tools during drilling operations provides feedback on bottomhole assembly malfunctions and borehole trajectory anomalies. However, existing rotary speed sensors suffer from limitations in their power supply methods, leading to reduced drilling efficiency and increased costs. This study presents a novel multifunctional rotary speed sensor with self-powered capabilities based on a triboelectric nanogenerator. Utilizing the triboelectric effect and electrostatic induction generated by the rotation of the bottomhole assembly, the sensor outputs triboelectric pulses correlated with rotational speed, enabling the measurement of both rotational speed and angle. Experimental results demonstrate a measurement range of 0 to 1000 rpm for rotational speed, an angular resolution of 30 degrees, a measurement error of less than 3.2%, and a maximum power output of 6.4 µW. The sensor operates reliably within a temperature range of 0 to 160 degrees Celsius and a relative humidity range of 0 to 90%, exhibiting excellent performance. Compared to conventional downhole sensors, the developed sensor’s self-powered functionality makes it more suitable for actual downhole operating conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Future-Proof Solutions for Intelligent and Sustainable Machinery and Equipment)
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17 pages, 5116 KiB  
Article
Transverse Movement Kinetics of a Unit for Inter-Row Crops—Case Study: Cultivator Unit
by Pavol Findura, Volodymyr Nadykto, Volodymyr Kyurchev and Łukasz Gierz
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(2), 580; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14020580 - 9 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1326
Abstract
Due to the negative impact of chemical inter-row weed control on the environment, mechanical weed control is increasingly used in practice. Machine-tractor units (MTU) are used with the row cultivator’s rear and frontal central position for its implementation. We have designed a unit [...] Read more.
Due to the negative impact of chemical inter-row weed control on the environment, mechanical weed control is increasingly used in practice. Machine-tractor units (MTU) are used with the row cultivator’s rear and frontal central position for its implementation. We have designed a unit in which side cultivators are used along with the central one. This paper considers the transverse movement kinematics of such an MTU’s outside right and left cultivators’ working devices in the horizontal plane. The present emulation of side machines is made by changing the longitudinal coordinate of their location relative to the tractor’s front and rear axles. Calculations have established that the frontal cultivator responds more intensively to the control action by changing the turning angle of the tractor’s steering wheels. However, if the value of this parameter is less than 2.75°, a rear-mounted cultivator is preferred, because in this case, the values of lateral deviations for the external, left, and right working device are smaller. When the turning angle of tractor wheels is from 1° to 3° (typical for MTU row work), a threefold increase in the working width of the cultivator causes a slight antiphase deviation in its external working devices (an increase or decrease in the amplitude of these deviations does not exceed 4%). The model that we have developed allows us to select the values of the MTU design parameters for which the lateral displacement will be very small (close to zero). As the turning angle of the tractor wheels increases to 3°, the external left and right working devices of the cultivators react inversely. This means that in the case of the rear machine, the values of lateral displacements increase, while in the case of the front machine, they decrease. At a turning angle of the tires of the tractor wheels close to 2.5°, the lateral displacements for the rear and front machines are the same. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Future-Proof Solutions for Intelligent and Sustainable Machinery and Equipment)
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19 pages, 13303 KiB  
Technical Note
Parametric Optimization of a New Gear Pump Casing Based on Weight Using a Finite Element Method
by Olga Zharkevich, Tatyana Nikonova, Łukasz Gierz, Andrey Berg, Alexandra Berg, Darkhan Zhunuspekov, Łukasz Warguła, Wikotor Łykowski and Ksawery Fryczyński
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(22), 12154; https://doi.org/10.3390/app132212154 - 8 Nov 2023
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2343
Abstract
Reducing the weight of the structures and choosing the materials used in mechanical engineering is an important and pressing economic and environmental problem. The design of a gear pump is developed from the point of view of the geometry of the gears, as [...] Read more.
Reducing the weight of the structures and choosing the materials used in mechanical engineering is an important and pressing economic and environmental problem. The design of a gear pump is developed from the point of view of the geometry of the gears, as well as the casing. This paper tested a gear pump casing using the environment of the ABAQUS 2020 system in the field of statistical strength analysis using the finite element method. The tests were carried out on the pump body and the front and rear covers, which were made of three types of materials (cast iron, aluminum, and polycarbonate), at a pressure of 28 MPa. After loading, the maximum stresses in the aluminum casing (177 MPa), the cast iron casing (157 MPa), and the polycarbonate (200 MPa) were determined. The largest stress concentrators are the grooves at the bottom of the pump casing. Rounding the internal chamber of the casing with a radius of 4 mm made it possible to reduce stress in this zone by 10 MPa. The parametric optimization of the front and back covers of the gear pump made it possible to reduce the total weight of the aluminum structure by 14%, the cast iron by 12%, and the polycarbonate by 16%. The 3D models show areas of minimal stress where the size and weight of the structure could be reduced in the future using a comprehensive approach involving parametric and topological analysis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Future-Proof Solutions for Intelligent and Sustainable Machinery and Equipment)
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