Since the introduction of disruptive generative artificial intelligence (GAI) tools and technologies such as ChatGPT in November 2022, the dynamics is having far reaching impacts and changes in nearly every sector of human endeavors and the manufacturing industries are not left behind. GAI technologies such as ChatGPT are based on large language models, an aspect of machine learning (ML). The integration and application of these tools has led to the broad spectrum of novel devices that are rich in data known as Smart Manufacturing (SM). By integrating individual work components into each device, smart manufacturing creates an adaptable, data-rich manufacturing process. Despite the opportunities in this manufacturing processes, issues of privacy, ethics, security, transparency, explainability and safety of these devices have become sources of scientific enquiries and research. SM is an integral part of the fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0) and by integrating information technologies into operational technologies, has created a thin line between physical and digital technologies. There is no doubt that use and integration of smart devices in our everyday appliances and machines have led to easier ways of doing things, it has also led to the emergence of different forms of AI-powered attack systems. But because SM components have wider application in smart city or connected city, smart hospital, smart transport, digital health, and education, understanding the cybersecurity concerns, trends, and mitigation countermeasures has become of research interest. Hence, this research topic aims to explore opportunities and cybersecurity challenges of integrating GAIs in smart manufacturing and finding ways to navigate them. The goal of this Research topic is to elicit knowledge that investigates the opportunities brought about by the integration of GAIs software systems into smart devices, the ethical nature of these AI and ML models, understanding how and why these machines arrive at their different decisions, de-risking and making this technology safe before integration and rollout and so on. There is no doubt that the outcome of this special issue will aid in better and safe cities, hospitals, transport, health, and so on. Topics may include but are not limited to:

• De-risking the integration of GAI in smart system manufacturing and roll-out 

  
  

• Securing resource constrained devices against adversarial networks and software systems

  
  

• Integrating GAI in smart system manufacturing: Opportunities and Challenges

  
  

• Privacy, ethics, and cybersecurity concerns of GAI in smart system manufacturing

  
  

• Software-defined securities in smart manufacturing

  
  

• Proactive security measures in smart manufacturing

  
  

• Ethical, transparent, and explainable GAIs in smart manufacturing