Smart and Circular Reconfigurable Manufacturing

Dear Colleagues,

The Special Issue, “Smart and Circular Reconfigurable Manufacturing”, intends to critically explore the profound impact of digital, smart technology on the manufacturing landscape. Beyond the conventional lens of increased productivity, the digital era has triggered a fundamental shift in the conceptualization of manufacturing systems. These systems are now strategically conceived for sharing and reuse, embracing a circular lifecycle approach that extends far beyond traditional linear models. 

This transformation ushers in a significant departure from the conventional engineer-to-order model, giving rise to a reconfigure-to-order business paradigm. The driving force behind this shift is the pursuit of heightened agility and scalability, fostering a dynamic manufacturing environment that is responsive to evolving demands. The overarching objective is to achieve a state of "plug and produce," where manufacturing systems seamlessly adapt to changing requirements. 

The Special Issue delves into the intricate dynamics between digital technologies, circularity, and reconfigurability, shedding light on their synergistic role in reshaping manufacturing ecosystems. By examining real-world applications and emerging trends, the contributions within this issue offer valuable insights into the evolving landscape of smart manufacturing and its pivotal role in realizing a sustainable and circular future. 

I look forward to receiving your contributions. 

Dr. Antonio Maffei
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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• digital technology
• circular lifecycle
• reconfigure-to-order
• agility
• scalability, engineer-to-order
• plug and produce