Machine Tool 4.0 in the Era of Digital Manufacturing

Under the Industry 4.0 framework, a plethora of digital technologies and techniques has been introduced in the Manufacturing domain. Machine tools must become more intelligent, in order to create a network of fully connected machines. By extension, this will lead to the creation of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). Although these technologies provide for increased functionality of the manufacturing equipment, there are certain issues/implications, refraining engineers from integrating such technologies in the production. Therefore, in this paper, the results of a systematic literature review are presented and discussed, including the horizontal and vertical integration of such digital technologies. The contribution of this paper extends to the recognition of the opportunities emerging as well as the identified implications from a practical implementation point of view.

Artificial Intelligence to support retail sales optimization

Presented study focuses on utilization of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in order to support data integration, sales forecasting and process optimization in retail. In particular, use of Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) and Genetic Algorithms (GA) in order to support decision makers from sales departments has evaluated.

Extended Reality technologies for industrial innovation

This paper presents an overview on immersive technologies in relation to their potential for industrial innovation. In particular, Extended Reality (XR) is proposed by describing the most common solutions and innovative methods to overcome inherent problems of these technologies. Virtual & Augmented Reality (VR & AR ) are presented respect their potential for uses such as innovative human-machine interfaces, remote maintenance, remote commissioning, 3D rendering, virtual factory, virtual assembly and training. The paper analyze the strong contribution that Immersive Technologies are bringing in multiple sectors including Industries and the future trends aiming to further increase usability of these technologies such as it is happening in overcoming spatial constraints.