Emerging Paradigms in AI, Autonomous Systems, and Intelligent Technologies—2nd Edition
A special issue of Technologies (ISSN 2227-7080). This special issue belongs to the section "Information and Communication Technologies".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 1 April 2027 | Viewed by 1282
Editors
Interests: machines; bioengineering; automation; robotics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: nano and functional materials; autonomous vehicles; artificial intelligence; autonomous control; autonomous and intelligent systems; material science; robots; mechanical design and manufacturing; mechatronics; nano; autonomous mobility as a service; robots and AI; rapid prototyping
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Following the success and strong interest generated by the first edition of the Special Issue on automation and autonomous systems, we are pleased to invite professors, academic researchers, engineers, and scholars to contribute to the second edition entitled:
“Emerging Paradigms in AI, Autonomous Systems, and Intelligent Technologies—2nd Edition”.
In recent years, automation has evolved from a useful industrial tool into a fundamental technological pillar of modern society. However, as systems become increasingly complex, intelligent automation alone is no longer sufficient. Modern engineering systems require advanced levels of autonomy, enabling machines and cyber–physical systems to operate safely, efficiently, and adaptively while making decisions in real time.
Building on the foundation established in the first edition, this Special Issue aims to further explore the convergence of artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, advanced materials, intelligent engineering design, and emerging domains such as aerospace technologies, energy systems, and experimental engineering.
Today, autonomous systems powered by AI, advanced sensing, and intelligent control architectures are transforming industries ranging from manufacturing and transportation to healthcare and environmental monitoring. At the same time, the integration of smart materials, advanced manufacturing technologies, and digital engineering frameworks is opening new directions for next-generation intelligent machines.
A key objective of this second edition is to strengthen the connection between theoretical advances and practical implementations. Recent research highlights the growing importance of experimental validation, rapid prototyping, and laboratory-scale intelligent systems, as well as the role of AI-assisted design and autonomous experimentation in engineering and materials science.
We particularly encourage contributions from the academic and university environment, where innovation often emerges through experimental platforms, prototype development, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Young researchers and emerging scientific communities continue to play a crucial role in shaping the future of robotics, artificial intelligence, and intelligent engineering systems.
This Special Issue aims to bring together interdisciplinary contributions addressing software, hardware, materials, experimental validation, and real-world applications, fostering innovation in intelligent autonomous technologies for industrial, medical, societal, and energy-related applications.
We welcome the submission of original research articles, review papers, and case studies addressing (but not limited to) the following topics:
Topic 1: Smart Mechatronics, IoT, and Industrial Intelligence
- IoT architectures and intelligent sensor networks in mechatronic systems;
- Low-cost and scalable sensing and monitoring solutions;
- Digital twins and additive manufacturing in industrial and educational environments;
- AI for predictive maintenance and industrial optimization;
- Smart manufacturing and mobile robots for Industry 4.0/Industry 5.0;
- Cybersecurity and resilience in intelligent infrastructures;
- AI-supported engineering design and CAD/CAM integration;
- Mechatronic systems integrating advanced and functional materials;
- Sustainable intelligent systems and energy-efficient automation.
Topic 2: Advanced Autonomous Systems and Applied Artificial Intelligence
- AI for autonomous decision-making and real-time control;
- Computer vision, explainable AI (XAI), and human–machine interaction;
- Autonomous systems for transportation, logistics, and smart mobility;
- Swarm intelligence and distributed multi-agent systems;
- Edge AI and embedded intelligence for autonomous platforms;
- Autonomous robotics in healthcare and medical applications;
- Human-centered AI and collaborative robotics;
- Autonomous drones, aerial systems, and intelligent navigation;
- AI-enabled perception, planning, and control.
Topic 3: Intelligent Materials, Bio-Mechatronics, Aerospace Systems and Emerging Technologies
- Advanced composite, polymeric, and nano-engineered materials;
- Smart materials and adaptive structures in autonomous systems;
- AI-assisted materials design and computational materials engineering;
- Bio-inspired and bio-mechatronic systems;
- Medical devices, assistive technologies, and rehabilitation robotics;
- Emerging cyber–physical systems and intelligent infrastructures;
- Autonomous experimentation and AI-driven materials discovery;
- Aerospace and aeronautical systems (satellites, space robotics, onboard systems);
- Autonomous systems in space environments and extreme conditions.
Topic 4: Applied Intelligent Systems, Prototyping, and Experimental Engineering
- Experimental validation of AI and autonomous systems;
- Laboratory-scale platforms and demonstrators;
- Functional prototypes and proof-of-concept engineering systems;
- Integration of AI into existing mechanical, mechatronic, or industrial systems;
- Rapid prototyping and iterative design methodologies;
- Case studies and pilot implementations in real-world environments;
- Educational and research platforms for intelligent systems;
- Technology transfer and academia–industry collaboration;
- Engineering solutions addressing practical constraints and deployment challenges;
- Energy systems and sustainable technologies supporting intelligent and autonomous platforms (including embedded, renewable, and hybrid energy solutions).
We also strongly encourage submissions presenting experimental results, prototype development, and real-world implementations, even when focused on specific subsystems or application-driven solutions.
This Special Issue seeks interdisciplinary contributions bridging mechanical engineering, mechatronics, robotics, artificial intelligence, materials science, and cyber–physical systems, with a strong emphasis on innovation, applicability, and experimental validation.
Dr. Liviu Marian Ungureanu
Dr. Iulian Sorin Munteanu
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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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-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Technologies 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 1800 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
- mechatronics
- robotics
- artificial intelligence
- computer vision
- internet of things (IoT)
- cyber-physical systems
- human–machine interaction
- MEMS/NEMS
- sensors and actuators
- digital twins
- swarm intelligence
- edge computing
- virtual/augmented reality
- renewable energy
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