Applications of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) Platforms: 2nd Edition

Dear Colleagues,

The next phases of industrial evolution will extend beyond the mere monitoring and management of industrial processes and equipment, and key advancements such as edge computing, cloud-assisted automatic control, and data analytics promise to play crucial roles in industrial processes and decision-making. The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) encompasses recent developments in deep learning algorithms, data mining, intelligent control, and the management of applicable operational processes. This capability to convert data into actionable insights has significantly enhanced value in the manufacturing and industrial sectors.

Processing IIoT big data and performing computations necessitates substantial cloud computing and storage resources, and, as a result, the deployment of edge computing devices and controllers requires the establishment of new protocols and frameworks. In pursuit of improved efficiency and productivity in industrial processes, future generations of IIoT services must introduce novel methodologies and cloud protocols that facilitate intelligent decision-making, enhance human–robot interactions, support proactive robotic systems, and provide real-time functionality with predictive capabilities. Additionally, augmented, virtual, and mixed reality interfaces will have to be incorporated while emphasis continues to be placed on maintainging and fostering human-centric and sustainable industrial environments.

With this context in mind, this Special Issue will promote state-of-the-art research, covering all aspects of IIoT applications, including the following topics: industrial protocols, cyber-physical processes and systems, M2M interactions, decision and process levels, implementation, and the testing of intelligent industrial applications; smart algorithms or management processes, human–machine or robotic interactions (HRIs), and augmented virtual and mixed reality or interactive control interfaces; and, finally, Industry 4.0-applicable cases and Industry 5.0-resilient and human-centric appliances. High-quality contributions addressing any related theoretical and practical aspects are welcome, and topics of interest for this Special Issue will include, but not be limited to, the following:

• The modeling, analysis, simulation, and verification of intelligent management algorithms, low-power IIoT protocols, and applications;
• Cyber-physical systems, IIoT security, intelligent algorithms, and autonomous decision support systems;
• Human–robot interactions;
• Deep-learning IIoT processes and applicable solutions;
• IIoT edge computing;
• Hardware and software co-design of intelligent IIoT management systems, and IIoT prototype infrastructure protocols and algorithms;
• Industrial solutions that affect society;
• IIoT systems that focus on the detection, evaluation, and prevention of Industrial threats and risks;
• Data security, privacy, and trustworthiness of communication mechanism protocols in IIoT systems;
• Deep learning-based IIoT solutions, digital twins, and applicable cases of augmented, virtual, and mixed reality in industry;
• Cloud, fog, and edge computing and new communication protocols for intelligent management and control of industrial operations;
• Distributed sensory architectures and algorithms monitoring and supporting IIoT services;
• Novel industrial communication protocols, industrial haptic systems, teleoperations, and telerobotic appliances.

Dr. Sotirios Kontogiannis
Guest Editor

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