Technological Breakthroughs in Automation and Robotics

Dear Colleagues,

Automation and robotics have seen unprecedented advancements in recent years, driven by technological breakthroughs and innovative applications. These advancements are transforming industries, enhancing efficiency, precision, and productivity across various sectors. Automation systems and robotic technologies are now integral components in manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, agriculture, and beyond. As we progress, the convergence of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced sensor technologies is paving the way for even more sophisticated and autonomous systems. This Special Issue captures the latest advances and prospects in automation and robotics, providing a comprehensive overview of cutting-edge research, technological innovations, and emerging applications.

Automation and robotics are reshaping traditional processes, leading to the development of smart factories, autonomous vehicles, advanced medical robots, and intelligent agricultural systems. The integration of these technologies into everyday operations not only enhances operational efficiency but also opens new avenues for innovation and business opportunities. The transition to Industry 4.0 and the emerging concept of Industry 5.0 emphasize the collaboration between humans and machines, leveraging technologies such as the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), blockchain, and cyber-physical systems. Additionally, the notion of technological singularity, where artificial intelligence surpasses human intelligence, presents opportunities and challenges for the future of automation and robotics.

We invite submissions of original research articles, review papers, and case studies that cover a wide range of topics related to automation and robotics. Potential topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

Innovations in Automation:

• Advanced control systems for automation;
• Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) in automated systems;
• Cyber-physical systems and their applications;
• Blockchain technology in automation and supply chain management;
• Automation in manufacturing and smart factories;
• Robotics process automation (RPA) and its impact.

Robotics Technology Advances:

• Autonomous robotic systems and navigation;
• Collaborative robots (cobots) and human–robot interaction;
• Machine learning and AI in robotics;
• Robot vision and perception;
• Sensor integration and fusion for robotics.

Emerging Applications:

• Medical and surgical robotics;
• Agricultural robotics and automation;
• Autonomous vehicles and drones;
• Robotics in logistics and warehousing;
• Service robots in various industries.

Industry 4.0 and 5.0:

• Integration of IIoT and cyber-physical systems in smart factories;
• Human–machine collaboration in Industry 5.0;
• Data analytics and machine learning for predictive maintenance;
• Blockchain for secure and transparent industrial processes.

Future Prospects and Challenges:

• Ethical and societal implications of automation and robotics;
• Standardization and interoperability in robotic systems;
• Safety and reliability of autonomous systems;
• Energy efficiency and sustainability in robotics;
• Future trends in automation and robotics;
• Technological singularity and its impact on automation and robotics.

This Special Issue aims to provide a platform for researchers, practitioners, and industry experts to share their latest findings and insights, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange. We look forward to receiving your contributions, which will help advance the understanding and application of automation and robotics.

Prof. Dr. Tugui Alexandru
Prof. Dr. Dana Danciulescu
Dr. Carlos Viegas
Guest Editors

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. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly 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.

• automation
• robotics
• artificial intelligence
• machine learning
• Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)
• cyber-physical systems
• blockchain
• collaborative robots (cobots)
• smart factories
• technological singularity