Smart Manufacturing and Beyond: Bridging Innovation in Industry 4.0 and 5.0

Dear Colleagues,

Industry 4.0 has ushered in a transformative era in manufacturing, integrating cutting-edge technologies to enhance efficiency, productivity and competitiveness. As we stand on the cusp of Industry 5.0, emphasizing collaborative synergy between humans and machines, there is a unique opportunity to explore and advance the realms of both Industry 4.0 and 5.0 in smart manufacturing.

Industry 4.0 signifies a revolutionary shift in the manufacturing landscape, integrating state-of-the-art technologies to amplify efficiency, productivity and competitiveness. The significance of Industry 4.0 lies in its capacity to overhaul conventional manufacturing processes by incorporating advanced digital technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, extended reality, additive manufacturing, digital twinning and robotics. These innovations establish seamless connectivity and communication among machines, systems and humans, cultivating a more agile and responsive production environment. Moreover, with the emergence of Industry 5.0, there is an additional layer of transformation. Industry 5.0 builds upon the foundation laid by its predecessor, emphasizing collaboration between humans and machines. It envisions a future where technology not only enhances efficiency, but also fosters a harmonious coexistence between human ingenuity and technological advancements. Together, Industry 4.0 and 5.0 enable the scalable customization of products, addressing the dynamic demands of a rapidly evolving market. Embracing these industrial revolutions not only elevates operational efficiency, but also strategically positions industries to flourish in an increasingly interconnected and digitized global economy.

This Special Issue aims to publish works that delve into recent advancements in science and technology within the dynamic landscape of smart manufacturing. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Additive and hybrid manufacturing;
• Intelligent automation;
• Manufacturing ergonomics;
• Smart factories;
• Digital engineering;
• Sustainable manufacturing;
• Collaborative robots in manufacturing;
• Knowledge management;
• Cyber–physical systems;
• Manufacturing engineering;
• Equipment design;
• Advanced inspection and measurement;
• Digital twinning;
• Immersive manufacturing;
• Autonomous production;
• Big Data analytics in Industry 4.0/5.0;
• Blockchain for manufacturing;
• Cloud computing in Industry 4.0/5.0;
• Cyber security in Industry 4.0/5.0;
• Human–machine interaction;
• Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT);
• Maintenance in in Industry 4.0/5.0;
• Quality management in Industry 4.0/5.0;
• Collaborative robotics in Industry 4.0/5.0;
• Simulation in Industry 4.0/5.0;
• Smart operators in Industry 4.0/5.0.

Prof. Dr. Ratna Babu Chinnam
Dr. Sara Masoud
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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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.

• Industry 5.0
• Industry 4.0
• smart manufacturing
• advanced manufacturing
• cognitive manufacturing systems