MDPI’s Journal Cluster of Mechanical Manufacturing and Automation Control

Mechanical manufacturing and automation control is a multidisciplinary field that combines mechanical engineering with automation technologies, like robotics, computer-controlled machinery, and industrial control systems to design, produce, and optimize manufacturing processes to support modern smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0 advancements.

MDPI’s cluster of mechanical manufacturing and automation control aims to publish cutting-edge research in the field of aerospace, automation, drones, machinery, manufacturing, robotics, and advanced technologies, including integrated AI, IoT, and advanced control systems. These journals will collaborate to offer the scientific community the latest research advances and discoveries within the field of automation, Industry 4.0, smart manufacturing, robotics, and aerospace technologies.

The seven participating journals include the following:

• Aerospace (ISSN: 2226-4310) is devoted to publishing research in all fields of aerospace science, engineering, and technology. It presents theoretical, fundamental, and applied results with potential applications related to the research, design, manufacture, operation, control, and maintenance of aircraft and spacecraft. The journal is led by its Editor-in-Chief, Prof. Dr. Konstantinos Kontis (University Avenue, UK);
• Automation (ISSN: 2673-4052) provides a venue for both specialized and multidisciplinary research in automation, control, and their applications. The journal emphasizes topics such as control theory and methods, automation in energy systems, industrial automation and process control, intelligent control and machine learning, robotics, and autonomous systems, as well as smart transportation and autonomous vehicles. Automation is led by its Editor-in-Chief, Prof. Dr. Eyad H. Abed (University of Maryland, USA);
• Drones (ISSN: 2504-446X) focuses on the design and applications of drones, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UASs), and Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPASs), etc. Likewise, contributions based on unmanned marine/water/underwater drones, unmanned ground vehicles, fully autonomous driving, and space drones are also welcome. The journal is led by its Editor-in-Chief, Prof. Dr. Diego González-Aguilera (University of Salamanca, Spain);
• Journal of Manufacturing and Materials Processing (JMMP, ISSN: 2504-4494) aims to publish state of the art knowledge in the fields of processes, equipment, systems, and materials in relation to materials processing and manufacturing. It offers an online platform facilitating effective exchange of innovative scientific and engineering ideas and the dissemination of recent, original, and significant research and developmental findings. JMMP is led by Editor-in-Chief Prof. Dr. Steven Y. Liang (Georgia Institute of Technology, USA);
• Machines (ISSN: 2075-1702) is an integrative effort to explore the specialized and multidisciplinary research on machinery and engineering, including machines design and theory, machines testing and maintenance, condition monitoring and diagnostics, electrical machines and drives, robotics and intelligent machines, automation and control, vehicle engineering, electromechanical energy conversion systems, advanced manufacturing technologies, and tribology. Machines is led by Editor-in-Chief, Prof. Dr. Antonio J. Marques Cardoso (CISE - Electromechatronic Systems Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Portugal);
• Robotics (ISSN: 2218-6581) aims to provide an international forum with which to report the latest developments on robotic systems in theory, design, and applications with special attention to autonomous behaviors, multi-sensor fusion, learning algorithms, system modeling, control software, smart actuators, service applications, and human–machine interactions. Special emphasis is given to technological innovations and real-world applications. Robotics is led by its Editor-in-Chief, Prof. Dr. Marco Ceccarelli (LARM: Laboratory of Robotics and Mechatronics, University of Cassino and South Latium, Cassino, Italy);
• Technologies (ISSN: 2227-7080) provides an advanced forum for the latest in technological studies to both researchers and professionals. The journal emphasizes innovative technologies in areas such as mechanical manufacturing, automation control, robotics, smart manufacturing, industrial automation, as well as information technologies, materials science, etc. Technologies is led by Editor-in-Chief Prof. Dr. Manoj Gupta (Department of Mechanical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore).

Journal	Launch Year	Impact Factor (2024)	CiteScore (2024)	First Decision (Median Days)	APC (CHF)
	2014	2.1	4.0	21.3	2400
	2020	2.0	4.1	24.1	1200
	2017	4.8	7.4	19.2	2600
	2017	3.3	5.2	16.5	1800
	2013	2.5	4.7	15.5	2400
	2012	3.3	7.7	21	1800
	2013	3.6	8.5	21.1	1600

MDPI Mission and Values
As a pioneer of academic open access publishing, MDPI has been serving the scientific community since 1996. Our aim is to foster scientific exchange in all forms across all disciplines. MDPI's guidelines for disseminating open science are based on the following values and guiding principles:

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By adhering to these values and principles, MDPI remains committed to advancing scientific knowledge and promoting open science practices.

Selected Topics and Special Issues:

• “Innovation and Inventions in Aerospace and UAV Applications”;
• “International Conference on Autonomous Unmanned Systems (5th ICAUS 2025)”;
• “Artificial Intelligence in Smart Industrial Diagnostics and Manufacturing—Third Edition”;
• “Predictive Analytics and Fault Diagnosis of Machines with Machine Learning Techniques”;
• “New Trends in Robotics: Automation and Autonomous Systems”;
• “Advances in Mobile Robotics Navigation, 2nd Volume”;
• “Advanced Technologies and Applications for Unmanned Systems”.

Selected Articles:
Aerospace
“Re-Entry Comparison of a Spacecraft in Low Earth Orbit: Propulsion-Assisted vs. Non-Propulsive Configurations”

Automation
“Implementation of Digital Twin and Real Production System to Address Actual and Future Challenges in Assembly Technology”

Drones
“Novel Twist Morphing Aileron and Winglet Design for UAS Control and Performance”

JMMP
“Advancements in Additive Manufacturing for Copper-Based Alloys and Composites: A Comprehensive Review”

Machines
“Emotional Intelligence for the Decision-Making Process of Trajectories in Collaborative Robotics”

Robotics
“Human-Centric Robotic Solution for Motor and Gearbox Assembly: An Industry 5.0 Pilot Study”

Technologies
“Multi-Arm Trajectory Planning for Optimal Collision-Free Pick-and-Place Operations”