Robotics in Manufacturing Processes

Dear Colleagues,

Industrial robots play an important role in various manufacturing processes, often replacing machine tools. Indicative applications related to the scope of this SI concern the following:

• Welding (e.g., arc, friction stir, spot, etc.).
• Painting and coating.
• Machining.
• Additive manufacturing (e.g., WAAM for large parts).
• Textile composite layup.
• Assembly (both mechanical and mechatronic parts).
• Inspection (manufacturing defect identification, dimension measurement).

Current issues are expected to be addressed in this SI in relation to the application of robots in manufacturing processes, the following being indicative:

• Advancements in sensors, vision systems, actuators, grippers, and robot structures.
• Advanced control algorithms, e.g., real-time adaptive strategies for enhancing manufacturing process precision and efficiency.
• Machine learning and artificial intelligence in robot control.
• Novel fast and/or intuitive programming of robots for manufacturing operations.
• Human–robot interaction and collaboration in performing manufacturing tasks.
• Integration of industrial robots into cyber–physical systems and Industry 4.0 via the Internet of things, digital twins, and smart technologies with specific reference to manufacturing processes fostered in specific industrial sectors.
• Microrobots in micro-manufacturing.
• Impact of robotics on sustainable and eco-friendly manufacturing practices.

Please note that material-handling applications, such as picking, placing, packaging, palletizing, and machine tending, are outside the scope of the SI if they are not shown to be closely related to a manufacturing process.

Prof. Dr. George-Christopher Vosniakos
Dr. Panorios Benardos
Guest Editors

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• industrial robotics
• manufacturing process
• vision
• sensors
• digital twins
• human–robot collaboration
• intuitive programming
• machine learning