Advancing Human-Robot Collaboration in Industry 4.0

A special issue of Machines (ISSN 2075-1702). This special issue belongs to the section "Robotics, Mechatronics and Intelligent Machines".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2024) | Viewed by 4972

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Industrial Engineering and Information Systems, Faculty of Management and Economics, Tomas Bata University in Zlín, Mostní, 5139, 76001 Zlín, Czech Republic
Interests: predictive production planning; industrial engineering; process mapping and digitisation

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Production process planning and management requires stable actions based on relevant collaborations between human and cobot. The performance and efficiency of complex manufacturing depends on real-time data analytics, flexible algorithms, synchronization, and the coexistence of human and robot. Currently, research is based on intelligent systems, real-time analytics, and relevant manufacturing knowledge. An important part of this research is the predictive modelling and simulation of collaborative workplaces. Crucial knowledge combines interconnected systems and real-time data with multicriterial decision making and optimization. Core metrics such as OEE and throughput are analysed against downtimes and workplace efficiency with relevant attention given to human safety and human–cobot maintenance conditions. The contributions required in this area are connected with dynamic scheduling for production systems, multi-agent systems, and machine learning technologies. The integration of a competitive production environment brings new ideas for collaborative workplace optimisation, and it integrates discrete simulation and adequate data analytics. An integrated blockchain network is required for responsible manufacturing and relevant layout design. Moreover, research-oriented on-time variability, batching modelling, and control strategies are required according to the production profitability of collaborative human–cobot workplaces and production systems.

We are inviting you to contribute papers to this Special Issue on “Advancing Human-Robot Collaboration in Industry 4.0”. This Special Issue represents a contribution to the theoretical and practical approaches for researchers and professionals in the area of advanced concepts of optimal coexistence. The submitted research papers are oriented to the following:

  • Data analytics concepts of human–cobot workplace planning;
  • Process management of flexibility and multitasking in real time;
  • Modelling and simulation of optimal production flow;
  • Concepts of collaborative workplace psychology and human–cobot ethics.

Prof. Dr. Felicita Chromjaková
Guest Editor

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. Machines is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly 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

  • data
  • analytics
  • flexibility
  • stability
  • efficiency
  • collaboration

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

18 pages, 8130 KiB  
Article
Design and Prototyping of a Collaborative Station for Machine Parts Assembly
by Federico Emiliani, Albin Bajrami, Daniele Costa, Giacomo Palmieri, Daniele Polucci, Chiara Leoni and Massimo Callegari
Machines 2024, 12(8), 572; https://doi.org/10.3390/machines12080572 - 19 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1451
Abstract
Collaboration between humans and machines is the core of the Industry 5.0 paradigm, and collaborative robotics is one the most impactful enabling technologies for small and medium Enterprises (SMEs). In fact, small batch production and high levels of product customization make parts assembly [...] Read more.
Collaboration between humans and machines is the core of the Industry 5.0 paradigm, and collaborative robotics is one the most impactful enabling technologies for small and medium Enterprises (SMEs). In fact, small batch production and high levels of product customization make parts assembly one of the most challenging operations to be automated, and it often still depends on the versatility of human labor. Collaborative robots, for their part, can be easily integrated in this productive paradigm, as they have been specifically developed for coexistence with human beings. This work investigates the performance of collaborative robots in machine parts assembly. Design and research activities were carried out as a case study of industrial relevance at the i-Labs industry laboratory, a pole of innovation that is briefly introduced at the beginning of the paper. A fully-functional prototype of the cobotized station was realized at the end of the project, and several experimental tests were performed to validate the robustness of the assembly process as well as the collaborative nature of the application. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Human-Robot Collaboration in Industry 4.0)
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26 pages, 3587 KiB  
Article
Improving Material Flows in an Industrial Enterprise: A Comprehensive Case Study Analysis
by Luboslav Dulina, Jan Zuzik, Beata Furmannova and Sławomir Kukla
Machines 2024, 12(5), 308; https://doi.org/10.3390/machines12050308 - 1 May 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2690
Abstract
The primary objective of this research endeavor was to devise an improved workplace design tailored to the demands of a digital factory environment. With the overarching aim of enhancing efficiency and productivity, a comprehensive proposal was formulated to improve layout configurations within the [...] Read more.
The primary objective of this research endeavor was to devise an improved workplace design tailored to the demands of a digital factory environment. With the overarching aim of enhancing efficiency and productivity, a comprehensive proposal was formulated to improve layout configurations within the designated enterprise. The key focus lies in minimizing material transit across individual workstations, thereby mitigating potential bottlenecks and streamlining operations. Employing a structured workplace research framework, this study delved into material flow analysis techniques, augmented by the utilization of visTABLE software. While visTABLE served solely to visualize the work environment effectively, it played a crucial role in validating proposed solutions. Notably, the investigation yielded a discernible reduction in beam production time, marking a significant improvement of 10 min. These findings underscored the efficacy of the proposed solutions in addressing specific operational challenges faced by the company. Furthermore, this study facilitated a deeper understanding and visualization of the processes intrinsic to the digital factory environment. Elucidating workflow procedures at the workplace enabled stakeholders to identify areas for further improvement and refinement. In doing so, the research contributed to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of operations within the digital factory, paving the way for continued improvement and innovation in the field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Human-Robot Collaboration in Industry 4.0)
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