The fourth industrial revolution is commonly characterized by the broad concepts of digitalization and integration, aimed at enhancing the efficiency of production processes. While this perspective is crucial from an engineering standpoint, the overarching idea behind Industry 4.0, when viewed in the context of the social and economic landscape, is to fulfil individual customer expectations. This is achieved through the implementation of a mass customization strategy. 

In light of the aforementioned context, the primary objectives of this Special Issue are to gather and promote advanced research in the realm of smart manufacturing systems. Emphasis should be placed on studies that delve into the integration, development, and enhancement of all stages of production processes, spanning from product design to customer delivery. Submissions that provide insights into research related to manufacturing process automation, digital twin development, and the incorporation of VR/AR techniques, IoT/Embedded Systems in industrial services are particularly sought after. Contributions featuring practical experiences, such as case studies and innovative solutions within industrial operations, will significantly contribute value. Additionally, works grounded in theory, encompassing methodological and procedural considerations regarding smart manufacturing systems and their intricate processes, are of interest to this Special Issue.

This Special Issue aims to explore smart systems applied in manufacturing, examining their implications on individuals, work environments, and associated external impacts. The focus areas include:

• Architectural and infrastructural aspects of smart factories, along with the designof manufacturing systems.

• Implementation and industrialization of new technologies within smart manufacturing processes.

• Evaluation of smart manufacturing system performance, incorporating methods of modeling and simulation.

• Information and Communication Technology (ICT) applications for smart factories, emphasizing interoperability and data integration methods.

• Examination of human-systems interaction within the context of smart manufacturing.

• Consideration of human factors and ergonomics in the design and operation of smart factories.

• Exploration of any other topics aligning with the broader scope of this Special Issue.