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Trends and Prospects in Advanced Automated Manufacturing Systems

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Applied Industrial Technologies".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 October 2025 | Viewed by 602

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Centre for Human Inspired Artificial Intelligence, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1SB, UK
Interests: AI applications in sustainability and engineering; graph neural networks; knowledge graph; multimodal models and fusion; robotics; reinforcement learning

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Guest Editor
State Key Laboratory of Mechanical Transmission for Advanced Equipment, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
Interests: intelligent manufacturing; industrial big data; network collaborative manufacturing/cloud manufacturing; intelligent manufacturing equipment development

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In today’s rapidly evolving industrial landscape, advanced automated manufacturing systems reshape production processes and drive efficiency across sectors. These systems integrate cutting-edge technologies such as robotics, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things to optimize operations, reduce errors, and enhance flexibility. This Special Issue on Trends and Prospects in Advanced Automated Manufacturing Systems provides a platform for interdisciplinary research that examines both the technological innovations and the practical challenges associated with their implementation. The issue highlights research on smart factories, cyber–physical systems, and adaptive control systems, which are crucial for achieving a competitive advantage in a global market. In addition, contributions explore the impact of automation on workforce dynamics, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. Through empirical studies, theoretical analyses, and case studies, this issue offers insights into current trends while identifying future directions for research and practice. The presented work emphasizes a balanced perspective that addresses the transformative potential of automation and the need for robust strategies to manage its implications. By fostering dialogue between academia and industry, this Special Issue aims to contribute to developing resilient and innovative manufacturing systems. The issue thus invites active collaboration that will drive groundbreaking advancements in automated manufacturing.

Dr. Fan Mo
Dr. Bo Yang
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • advanced automation
  • smart manufacturing
  • cyber–physical systems
  • Industry 4.0
  • robotics
  • AI integration
  • sustainable production

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

35 pages, 3561 KiB  
Article
The Role of Digital Transformation in Manufacturing: Discrete Event Simulation to Reshape Industrial Landscapes
by Fabio De Felice, Cristina De Luca, Antonella Petrillo, Antonio Forcina, Miguel Angel Ortiz Barrios and Ilaria Baffo
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 6140; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15116140 - 29 May 2025
Viewed by 453
Abstract
In the era of Industry 4.0, the integration of intelligent systems with human elements presents both opportunities and challenges. This study explores this interplay through the application of an industrial engineering technique to a real process issue, demonstrating originality in problem selection and [...] Read more.
In the era of Industry 4.0, the integration of intelligent systems with human elements presents both opportunities and challenges. This study explores this interplay through the application of an industrial engineering technique to a real process issue, demonstrating originality in problem selection and solution tools, as well as the relevance of the results. An operational framework is proposed to drive digital transformation in manufacturing by balancing automated systems efficiency with the complexity of human activities, which include decision-making flexibility, adaptability, tacit knowledge and collaborative interaction. It examines Industry 4.0 domains to find solutions that use smart technology while enhancing human experience. A key element is the use of discrete-event simulation to create a digital replica of the existing process. This enabled a detailed analysis and the development of innovative, validated approaches through what-if scenarios. The implemented solutions led to a significant annual increase in productivity, the result of an overall improvement in process efficiency, which was also achieved through the identification and resolution of key process bottlenecks, confirming the method’s effectiveness. The research offers a scalable model for various sectors, emphasizing the need to integrate human aspects into intelligent systems. It highlights how technological progress should enrich, not overshadow, human contribution, contributing to a deeper understanding of digital transformation in intelligent manufacturing and service systems, where technology and humanity evolve together. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends and Prospects in Advanced Automated Manufacturing Systems)
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