Amid rapid technological innovation and societal transformation, practical and cross-disciplinary approaches to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and STEAM (STEM + Arts) education have become more crucial than ever. The first issue shared numerous practical examples and valuable insights. This second special issue builds on these outcomes, focusing on deepening the quality of practice, verifying educational effectiveness, constructing sustainable educational models, and integrating next-generation technologies. We invite studies adopting theoretical and practical perspectives, ranging from systematizing accumulated practical knowledge in educational settings to innovative proposals capable of transforming future education.

• Advancement and Evaluation of Experiential Learning and Practical Education
In addition to reports on experiential learning practices utilizing robotics, studies on mechatronics, digital fabrication, quantitative and qualitative evaluation of learning outcomes, curriculum design, and continuous improvement models are invited.

• Advanced Educational Methods for Cultivating Creativity, Inquiry, and Problem-Solving Skills
New developments in educational practices utilizing 3D printing, robotics, coding, data science, etc. Interdisciplinary project design and integration with entrepreneurship education are desirable.

• Redefining STEAM through the Convergence of Arts, Science, and Technology
Educational models integrating artistic thinking with engineering design, introducing design thinking, and creating new learning opportunities by integrating sensibility and logic.

• Practice and Institutional Design of Inclusive STEM/STEAM Education
Case studies of educational practices involving learners with diverse backgrounds, including gender, multiculturalism, disabilities, and varied learning histories. Analyses of the effects of introducing accessibility designs and learning support technologies.

• Building Future-Oriented Educational Models
Attempts have been made to incorporate new technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, soft robotics, and cyber-physical systems into education. Proposals for connecting traditional technologies, hybrid educational systems, and sustainable and scalable educational foundations are welcome.

• Other Welcome Themes
Beyond the above, we welcome reevaluations of traditional educational methods, including project-based learning (PBL), as well as theoretical research, curriculum development studies, and analyses from an educational policy perspective.

This special issue aims to share research outcomes beyond mere practice reports by focusing on reproducibility, scalability, and social impact. We eagerly await submissions from educators, researchers, and industry professionals.

The International Conference on Leading Edge Manufacturing in the 21st Century (LEM21) was established as a premier international forum for researchers and engineers to present and discuss the latest advances in manufacturing science and technology. LEM21 2025 was held in Okinawa, Japan in December 2025, bringing together experts from academia and industry to share cutting-edge research on precision engineering, advanced manufacturing processes, automation, and intelligent production systems.
In response to the rapid evolution of manufacturing technologies driven by digitalization, automation, and sustainability requirements, this special issue of the International Journal of Automation Technology aims to capture the most recent achievements and emerging trends presented at LEM21 2025 as well as related original contributions. This special issue focuses on the integration of leading-edge manufacturing processes with automation, robotics, sensing, and intelligent control, which are essential for next-generation production systems.
Extended and substantially revised versions of selected papers presented in LEM21 2025 are strongly encouraged. Original papers that align with the scope of this special issue and contribute to the advancement of automation technology in manufacturing are also welcome.
The topics of interest include, but are not limited to:
* Advanced machine tools
* Mechatronics- and robotics-integrated manufacturing
* Digital manufacturing (CAD, CAM)
* Smart manufacturing (IoT, AI, CPPS)
* Cutting technology
* Grinding technology
* Finishing technology
* Forming technology
* Electrophysical and chemical processes
* Laser processing
* Additive manufacturing
* Surface, tribology, and structuring technologies
* Nano/Micro measurement and intelligent instruments

This special issue aims to bring together the latest research and practical case studies on design and manufacturing for environmental sustainability, especially those that deal with a holistic view of technology, business, legislation, energy, resources, infrastructures, and customer behavior. Papers ranging from theory to application and case studies are welcome. Topics of interest in this special issue include, but are not limited to, the following:
* Design for sustainability and circularity: ecodesign, life cycle design, scenario design, product service system design, and design for XaaS, design for circularity, and design for X.
* Manufacturing aspects of sustainability: sustainable manufacturing, carbon neutralization in manufacturing, reduced energy and/or resource consumption, digital transformation in manufacturing, and sustainable value chain management
* Business and social aspects of sustainability: SDGs, circular economy, ecobusiness planning, product service system business, sharing business, and environmental legislation
* Information platform for enhancing circular economy and/or environmental sustainability
* Planning and design of sustainable infrastructure systems: “smart” cities, zero energy buildings, circular economy platforms, and designing circular economy ecosystems
* Scenario planning and/or analysis for sustainability
* Energy management and new energy technologies

In machining, it is often stated that a component cannot be fabricated unless it can be measured. This principle also applies to robotics, where a mechanism cannot be controlled to perform a desired movement unless it can be measured. Therefore, the ability to make measurements is essential for establishing a robotic or mechatronic system. For this special issue, we invite readers to submit papers or articles pertinent to the field of measurement. Possible topics include length measurement, angle measurement, intelligent metrology, optical measurement, image-based measurement, robotic sensors, sensing technology, processing technology, and AI in measurement. This list is not exhaustive, and we welcome submissions on any subject related to recent developments in the measurement field.

To transmit information from within cells or living tissues, sensors or artificial objects must be embedded inside cells or tissues, rather than on the surface of the tissue, to accurately extract the internal information. However, sensors and artificial objects embedded in living tissues or cells emit weak signals, have low signal-to-noise ratios, and lack biocompatibility to withstand long-term use. This special issue highlights the fundamental research and related technologies aimed at solving these challenges, as well as emerging trends toward future biological information transmission. It introduces technologies that contribute to building systems capable of sustaining the long-term functionality of artificial sensors embedded in living tissues and cells, thus paving the way for a society in which these systems can be realized.

Additive manufacturing (AM) has matured rapidly over the past decade and is recognized as one of the most promising techniques for producing parts with complex and functional geometries that are difficult to manufacture using conventional subtractive processes. Various materials, such as polymers, metals, ceramics, and graphite can be used to produce end products. Each AM method has distinct characteristics, such as the type and form of feedstock, the precision achievable, and the required post-processing. Most AM processes repeatedly melt and solidify material using a heat source to build three-dimensional parts. However, AM involves many interacting parameters, including heat sources and environmental factors. Although these are the main factors affecting product quality, their coupled effects make it difficult to fully understand the phenomena that occur during AM.

This special issue focuses on recent trends in AM to advance the chatter-free depth of AM technologies. Submissions should demonstrate a deep understanding of AM processes and their enhancement to improve the mechanical properties and dimensional accuracies of built parts. We are also welcome reports of successful industrial applications with optimized configurations, hybrid processes, material reuse, post processes, and material developments applied to AM techniques.

Technology for recognizing contact or proximity has been a key challenge in fields, such as robotic manipulation and human-robot interactions. Unlike in vision sensors, the structure and specifications of tactile and proximity sensors have not been standardized yet. Robots have various bodies depending on their purpose and environment they operate in, and physical contact in the context of robots is closely related to the means of achieving their objectives. Therefore, sensors related to state estimation naturally exhibit diverse configurations. This special issue discusses various possibilities relevant to contact and pre-touch recognition technologies. We welcome papers proposing new principles, configurations, and output information for tactile and proximity sensors, as well as system integration, interaction control, and verification through real-world tasks for their applications.

Recent advances in 3D scanning and reconstruction technologies based on LiDAR and digital images enable flexible acquisition of geometric and appearance information from physical objects and environments. These technologies are currently essential for engineering product development and the maintenance of plants, factories, infrastructure, forests, and urban environments. In addition, reliable and efficient technologies for 3D acquisition, processing, recognition, modeling, and application of digital geometry data are becoming increasingly important for cyber-physical systems. The main objective of this special issue is to present the latest research results on digitized geometry processing using 3D scanning and reconstruction, as well as its applications across various fields. Related topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

• 3D scanning, reconstruction, and sensing technology, and systems for 3D geometry data
acquisition,
• Data processing algorithms, principles, and theory for the acquisition of 3D geometry data,
• Recognition and modeling from acquired 3D geometry data for objects and environments,
• Application of acquired 3D geometry data to automation and simulation technology.

The papers in this special issue present the latest advances in the application of 3D scanning and reconstruction technology. The sharing of these advances will help readers better explore and understand the technologies.

Over the last decade, agricultural robotics and mechatronics have advanced significantly. Notable examples include the commercialization of unmanned agricultural vehicles for cereal cultivation, as well as the development of artificial intelligence (AI) applications in agricultural image analysis rooted in field science. This special issue invites new “seeds” that directly or indirectly contribute to either the quantitative or qualitative aspects of food security. These include the development of smart mechanical (non-chemical) weeding automation applicable within or beyond field boundaries, improvements in the efficiency and safety of human–robot collaborative vegetable harvesters, enhancements of season-independent, versatile, and cost-effective field sensing and digitalization technologies, and the further development of AI and data science applications for design and analysis of agriculture-related components and systems, among other critical advancements.

Because of recent technological advancements and rapid changes in social structure, hands-on approaches to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and STEAM (STEM + Arts) education are attracting attention. We invite papers on a variety of topics for this special issue, from reports on practical applications of robotics and mechatronics that have produced results in actual educational settings to innovative proposals that have the potential to significantly impact education in the future. We expect to find papers on a variety of topics, including the following:

• Reports about experiential learning practices
Practical examples and reports are used in the field to improve the effectiveness of student learning.

• New educational methods that foster creativity and problem-solving skills
Proposals for technology-based approaches to education, such as 3D printing, robotics, and coding.

• Integration of the arts, science, and technology
Proposals to investigate new learning opportunities through the integration of the arts, science, and technology.

• The challenges of inclusive STEM/STEAM education
Case studies and reports on inclusive educational practices for diverse learners.

• Challenges for future
Proposals for new educational models and systems that consider both traditional and future technologies such as AI, robotics, and soft robotics.

In addition to these topics, studies on traditional educational methods are welcomed. Examples include project-based learning, evaluation methods that encourage learner initiative, and educational systems that use human-computer interaction. We are excited to work with you to shape the future of STEM/STEAM education through your research and practical reports.

Regular paper submission is always welcome. Submitted paper is reviewed at all times, and when it is accepted for publication, it will appear in the near issue.
一般投稿論文は常に受け付けております。随時査読を行い、採録になり次第出版日の近い号に掲載されます。

[in Japanese]
近年のロボットメカトロニクス技術の高度化複雑化に伴って，一つの研究室で完結することが難しくなりつつあります．そこで，大学等の研究機関では人と資財を集中するための組織として研究センターを設立して研究開発を進めています．本特集では，大学だけではなく企業や官公庁の研究機関の研究センターの最先端の研究成果を世界に発信する企画です．内容は研究センターの紹介のための概要１ページ（掲載料無料）とJournal paper またはDevelopment report を２～３編で構成します．なお，論文審査はこれまでの規程通りに行います．研究センター関係者のご投稿をお待ちしています．

[in English]
Recent advancements and sophistications in robotics and mechatronics technologies have created challenges for individual research groups to complete their work independently. Under these circumstances, research institutes, such as universities, have established research centers to promote advanced and sophisticated technological innovations by centralizing humans and material assets. This special issue is planned to globally expose the cutting-edge research outcomes from these research centers in universities as well as companies and governmental agencies. The contents of this special issue will consist of one-page brief introductions to these research centers (page-charge free) and of a few journal papers and development reports from each listed organization. The papers and reports submitted to this special issue will be peer-reviewed base on the regular rules of the journal. All members affiliated with such research centers are hereby cordially invited to contribute papers or reports to this special issue of the Journal of Robotics and Mechatronics. <PDF>

Always welcome

[in Japanese]
Journal of Robotics and Mechatronicsでは、大学の研究者による研究論文だけではなく、企業の技術者や大学・高専の学生による開発報告も募集しています。ロボティクス・メカトロニクスのシステム・技術を開発してみたが学術研究としてはまとめづらい場合であっても、自分たちの開発成果を読者に紹介したいという場合には、開発報告を書いてください。掲載されるとオンラインで無料公開され、世界中の読者に対して自分たちの成果を発信できます。英文誌ですが、英語で書くのが苦手な方でも、日本語で書いて出版社で翻訳することも可能です。開発現場での製品開発やロボット競技会での活動を通して達成した成果を、ぜひとも開発報告として投稿してください。

[in English]
The Journal of Robotics and Mechatronics (JRM) is calling for not only research papers from university researchers but also development reports from corporate engineers and university or college students. If you would like to present to our readers a system or technology you have developed in the field of robotics and mechatronics, you are encouraged to write a development report, even if you find difficulty in writing a research paper. Once published, your report will appear online free of charge and be shared with readers all over the world. JRM is an English journal, but if you are not confident in your English skills, you can write your report in Japanese and we will translate it for you. We are looking forward to receiving your development reports on, such as, product development in your company or an achievement in a robotics competition. <PDF>

[in Japanese]
近年、3Dプリンタが急速に注目を集めています。高性能化と低価格化を背景に、一般家庭でも3Dプリンタを所有できる時代になり、個人でも容易にデジタルデータからオリジナルの立体造形物を作り出すことが可能になりました。ものづくり革命の到来とも言われています。JRMでは、3Dプリンタによるものづくりの革新を特集するため、革新的な造形技術やモデリング技術、理工系教育への応用、などロボット・メカトロニクス分野への応用が期待される3Dプリンタの技術の報告を募集します。投稿者と読者の間でモデリングデータやノウハウを共有し、創造的アイデアのネットワークを形成していくことも狙いの１つです。大学や研究機関からはもちろん、企業からも、皆様の投稿をお待ちしております。

[in English]
The high performance and low price of 3D printers have made them available to ordinary homes and individuals. Nowadays original 3D objects can be easily produced by individuals using 3D printers. To focus on the innovation of manufacturing using 3D printers, we are calling for technical reports introducing 3D printer technologies applied to robotics and mechatronics fields. Examples include innovative shaping and modeling technology, scientific and technological education, and so on. One of our aims is to form a creative network among authors and readers through the sharing of modeling data and technical knowledge. Submissions are welcome from both academic institutions such as universities and laboratories and from commercial and other enterprises.
Details are given in the PDF.

Regular paper submissions are always welcome!

Regular paper submissions are always welcome!