This book contains 38 papers authored by both scientists and practitioners focused on an interdisciplinary approach to the development of cyber-physical systems. Recently our civilization has been facing one of the most severe challenges in modern history. The COVID-19 pandemic devastated the global economy and significantly disrupted numerous areas of economic activity. Only radical increase of efficiency and versatility of industrial production, with further limitation of human involvement, paralleled by the decrease of environmental burden, will enable us to cope with such challenges. We hope that the presented book provides input to the solution of at least some problems brought about by this challenge. This approach relies on the development of measuring techniques, robotic and mechatronic systems, industrial automation, numerical modeling and simulation as well as application of artificial intelligence techniques required by the transformation leading to Industry 4.0.

This book presents the unique result of discussion among interdisciplinary specialists facing recent industrial and economic challenges. It contains papers authored by both scientists and practitioners focused on an interdisciplinary approach to developing measuring techniques, robotic and mechatronic systems, industrial automation, numerical modelling and simulation, and application of artificial intelligence techniques required by the transformation leading to Industry 4.0. We strongly believe that the solutions and guidelines presented in this book will be useful to both researchers and engineers facing problems associated with developing cyber-physical systems for global development.

This book contains 38 papers authored by both scientists and practitioners focused on an interdisciplinary approach to the development of cyber-physical systems. Recently our civilization has been facing one of the most severe challenges in modern history. The COVID-19 pandemic devastated the global economy and significantly disrupted numerous areas of economic activity. Only radical increase of efficiency and versatility of industrial production, with further limitation of human involvement, paralleled by the decrease of environmental burden, will enable us to cope with such challenges. We hope that the presented book provides input to the solution of at least some problems brought about by this challenge. This approach relies on the development of measuring techniques, robotic and mechatronic systems, industrial automation, numerical modeling and simulation as well as application of artificial intelligence techniques required by the transformation leading to Industry 4.0.

This book includes original, peer-reviewed research papers from the ICAUS 2022, which offers a unique and interesting platform for scientists, engineers and practitioners throughout the world to present and share their most recent research and innovative ideas. The aim of the ICAUS 2022 is to stimulate researchers active in the areas pertinent to intelligent unmanned systems. The topics covered include but are not limited to Unmanned Aerial/Ground/Surface/Underwater Systems, Robotic, Autonomous Control/Navigation and Positioning/ Architecture, Energy and Task Planning and Effectiveness Evaluation Technologies, Artificial Intelligence Algorithm/Bionic Technology and Its Application in Unmanned Systems. The papers showcased here share the latest findings on Unmanned Systems, Robotics, Automation, Intelligent Systems, Control Systems, Integrated Networks, Modeling and Simulation. It makes the book a valuable asset for researchers, engineers, and university students alike.

In today's rapidly changing digital world, the need for education to keep pace with technology has never been more important. However, the traditional education system is struggling to adapt to these changes, and many students are not acquiring the digital skills and competencies needed to thrive in the current job market. At the same time, there is a growing need for sustainability and green education to address the pressing issues of climate change and create more resilient and inclusive societies. Developing Skills and Competencies for Digital and Green Transitions provides a persuasive solution to these pressing problems. By exploring the intersection of green education and digital technologies, this book offers a comprehensive approach to transforming education in the digital era. Through its innovative topics and methodologies, this book provides a platform for international collaboration, fostering the development of new digital technologies for education and accelerating innovation in educational technologies. It offers insights into how green education and advanced information technologies can be applied in the education sector to create more resilient, climate-neutral, and green economies and societies. With its focus on inclusiveness and sustainability, this book is a valuable resource for students, academics, policymakers, and other stakeholders looking to build a more sustainable future.

“IAS has been held every two years since 1986 providing venue for the latest accomplishments and innovations in advanced intelligent autonomous systems. New technologies and application domains continuously pose new challenges to be overcome in order to apply intelligent autonomous systems in a reliable and user-independent way in areas ranging from industrial applications to professional service and household domains. The present book contains the papers presented at the 17th International Conference on Intelligent Autonomous Systems (IAS-17), which was held from June 13–16, 2022, in Zagreb, Croatia. In our view, 62 papers, authored by 196 authors from 19 countries, are a testimony to the appeal of the conference considering travel restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Our special thanks go to the authors and the reviewers for their effort—the results of their joint work are visible in this book. We look forward to seeing you at IAS-18 in 2023 in Suwon, South Korea!”

Due to disruptions occurring within production processes as a result of different circumstances, it is necessary to provide a new and safe production system that can be resilient to cope with any crisis, such as a pandemic. New sustainable automated production systems need to be proposed and adopted by industrial managers and this book fulfills that need. Sustainable Automated Production Systems: Industry 4.0 Models and Techniques includes the modern technologies of Industry 4.0 and discusses automated systems, robotic production, sustainable automation, production process automation, and the use of IoT in production. It goes over the circular economy and automated production processes and presents theories and practices associated with mathematical models of process automation in sustainable production. The book also investigates how sustainability in automated production systems using the IoT can present unique circumstances when pandemics or other disruptions are involved. The book includes chapters presenting sustainable production models and automated production using Industry 4.0 technologies and is targeted to help both practitioners and academics.

Aluminium is an engineering material of strategic importance in the current stage of Industry 4.0. This book discusses advanced composites based on aluminium alloys. It also describes pressure infiltration of gas with liquid aluminium, the mechanical synthesis of aluminium alloy powder and halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) or multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) consolidated by plastic deformation, selected optimization and prediction models, casting aluminium alloys containing zirconium, aluminium alloys subjected to high-speed extrusion of shapes, corrosion resistance of alloys containing lithium, machining conditions of alloys with copper and zinc additions, and more.

The implementation of robotics and automation in the food sector offers great potential for improved safety, quality and profitability by optimising process monitoring and control. Robotics and automation in the food industry provides a comprehensive overview of current and emerging technologies and their applications in different industry sectors.Part one introduces key technologies and significant areas of development, including automatic process control and robotics in the food industry, sensors for automated quality and safety control, and the development of machine vision systems. Optical sensors and online spectroscopy, gripper technologies, wireless sensor networks (WSN) and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems are discussed, with consideration of intelligent quality control systems based on fuzzy logic. Part two goes on to investigate robotics and automation in particular unit operations and industry sectors. The automation of bulk sorting and control of food chilling and freezing is considered, followed by chapters on the use of robotics and automation in the processing and packaging of meat, seafood, fresh produce and confectionery. Automatic control of batch thermal processing of canned foods is explored, before a final discussion on automation for a sustainable food industry.With its distinguished editor and international team of expert contributors, Robotics and automation in the food industry is an indispensable guide for engineering professionals in the food industry, and a key introduction for professionals and academics interested in food production, robotics and automation. - Provides a comprehensive overview of current and emerging robotics and automation technologies and their applications in different industry sectors - Chapters in part one cover key technologies and significant areas of development, including automatic process control and robotics in the food industry and sensors for automated quality and safety control - Part two investigates robotics and automation in particular unit operations and industry sectors, including the automation of bulk sorting and the use of robotics and automation in the processing and packaging of meat, seafood, fresh produce and confectionery