Aerial robot technology, including drones and unmanned aerial vehicles, is rapidly advancing in various domains. These robots now possess enhanced autonomous flying abilities, utilizing sensor technology, GPS, LiDAR, and cameras for avoiding obstacles, landing automatically, and tracking flights. Evolving technologies in airspace management and route optimization ensure efficient and secure flights. Aerial robots find applications in diverse fields, such as agriculture, disaster response, and environmental monitoring. Equipped with high-resolution cameras and sensors, they excel in precise data collection. Swarm robotics, enabling collaborative efforts among multiple aerial robots, is also progressing. This aids in the quick coverage of large areas, benefiting disaster relief and land management. The evolution of aerial robots has led to their efficient use across fields, with new applications on the horizon. This special issue aims to facilitate the sharing of insights and interdisciplinary knowledge in aerial robotics, encompassing design, control, autonomous flight, applications, and sensing technologies. Contributions discussing the social implementation of these systems are also encouraged.

In the fields of design, manufacturing, social infrastructure, and medicine, it has become possible in recent years to create large-scale 3D digital data that represent the geometry of various types of objects. These data are obtained from high-performance 3D measurement systems, such as laser measurement and CT. However, to effectively deploy such digital data for design, manufacturing, maintenance, simulation, diagnosis, inspection, or other applications, it is essential to have geometric processing technologies that appropriately and efficiently convert and process, according to the application, the volume, resolution, representation format, semantic attributes, etc. of the 3D digital data. This special issue solicits papers on the fundamentals and applied research of such advanced digital geometric processing techniques. Papers are welcome on the following or other related topics:

3D measurement (CT, laser scanning, photogrammetry, etc.), point cloud processing, volume data processing, meshes, finite element analysis and discretization issues, virtual and augmented reality, reverse engineering, digital/virtual prototyping, digital style/industrial design, advanced algorithms for CAD/CAM, digital geometry processing for additive manufacturing and 3D printing, solid and heterogeneous modeling, hardware acceleration, 3D object recognition/archival/retrieval, CAD in the arts and creative media, Internet-based/Web-enabled design and engineering, machine/deep learning techniques related to these topics, other traditional and emerging topics of three-dimensional digital geometry processing, standardization, and educational applications.

Robotics, mechatronics, and digital technologies are actively being used in sports, exercise, and health care. Additionally, advancements in AI and robotics are expected to lead to even more innovative applications. Robotics technology plays a significant role in sports and exercise training. There is a growing interest in technology that enables training robots to monitor individual movement and form, providing feedback to the user and facilitating effective training. The combination of biosensor technology and digital technology is enhancing performance and health monitoring. Real-time data collection using wearable devices and smart sensors allows for measuring exercise performance and analyzing biometric data. Systems are also being developed that utilize AI and machine learning to analyze individual data and provide information to enhance performance and prevent injuries. VR and AR are offering groundbreaking experiences in the field of sports and exercise, with various applications in development, including training simulations, realistic recreations of competitive events, visual performance analysis, and virtual coaches for training instructions. In this special issue, we invite papers on the research and development of robotics, mechatronics, and digital technologies and systems in sports, exercise, and health care. We also welcome papers discussing the social implementation of these systems.

The “multi-agent system” (MAS) has been extensively researched, not only in the field of robotics but also in various other disciplines, such as economics, biology, and computer science. The distinctive feature of this system lies in the bottom-up achievement of the overall tasks of the system, wherein multiple agents with diverse characteristics engage in localized interactions. Moreover, there has been progress in designing and controlling system networks based on graph theory. In recent years, there has been a wide range of applications, including autonomous driving technologies, smart grids, and social systems. In this special issue, we aim to deepen the understanding of multi-agent systems, so we invite research papers that focus on their control and application. We welcome research papers from diverse fields related to multi-agent systems, such as swarm robotics, autonomous distributed systems, and machine learning. We eagerly await your enthusiastic submissions.

Various construction robot technologies have been developed for DX in the construction industry to increase productivity and safety. Even if they are technically superior, stand-alone technologies will not lead to practical applications, however. Currently, construction robots must work as part of a system integrated into construction and inspection procedures, or the entire site must function as a construction robot system. This special issue is to collect reviews, technical papers, and development reports related to robotic, mechatronic, and information systems to accelerate DX in the construction industry. We also welcome a wide range of topics related to construction robotics.

Cutting technologies are utilized in many industrial sectors, such as the automobile, aircraft, medical device, and die and mold manufacturing sectors, among others. The requirements for higher geometrical accuracy, better surface integrity, and longer component service life have substantially increased. Higher machining efficiency is also required. At the same time, environmental considerations, such as the reduction of power consumption and CO2 emissions during machining, are important for sustainable development. As a result, considerable vigorous and ongoing cutting research is being conducted.

This special issue will cover cutting technologies for metal and newer composite materials. It will collect contributions related but not limited to the following topics: new machining methods, tool evaluation, the relationship between cutting fluid and machining characteristics, the monitoring of machining conditions, the simulation of machining processes, process design, the evaluation of machined surfaces, chatter and vibration, machining accuracy and efficiency, machine tool characteristics, etc.

JDR will call for papers from all type sessions and presentation of “World BOSAI Forum 2023/IDRC 2023 in SENDAI”. We are looking forward to your submission to this special issue.

JDR では、World BOSAI Forum／防災ダボス会議＠仙台 2023 の口頭発表及びポスター発表から、特集号へ論文投稿を募集いたします。皆様のご投稿をお待ちしております。

Smart and precision manufacturing, which creates new innovations and technologies, has powerful ripple effects on other industries. In order to establish such manufacturing, not only conventional ultra-precision machining techniques have been improved but also novel, high-performance machining techniques have been developed for the manufacturing of diversified and complicated products. On-machine and in-process measurement is gaining in importance for emerging machining technologies as well as for conventional ones. Advanced techniques for machining and metrology as well as feedback systems for compensation manufacturing are required for the plasticity of on-machine and in-process conditions.

For smart solutions in precision manufacturing, the Internet of Things (IoT), which organizes all things that use data and connects them to the Internet, is playing an important role. It has been actualized through rapid progress in smart and real-time measurement technologies, through the miniaturization and speeding up of sensor technologies as well as intelligent data processors, and through the spreading of cloud technology, which accumulates huge amounts of data. As precision products with complex geometrical features and nanometer accuracies are realized, quality control must develop measurement and evaluation technologies. Nowadays, on-machine and in-process measurement are indispensable for quality control in smart and precision manufacturing systems.

This special issue focuses on manufacturing metrology, measurement and instrumentation for the progress of the state-of-the-art on-machine and in-process measurement systems, and sensor technologies in smart and precision manufacturing systems. It will collect contributions related but are not limited to the following topics:

* On-machine, in-process measurement and process monitoring
* Practical application of on-machine, in-process measurement
* Machine tool metrology
* Intelligent micro- and nano-metrology
* Multi-sensor fusion and multi-sensor cooperation
* Form and dimensional measurement and instrumentation
* 3D-surface textures and their micro-characteristics
* Machine learning and AI-aided measurement

On March 11, 2011, an accident occurred at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (FDNPS) of the Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings (TEPCO), and radiation levels in the reactor buildings have reached high levels due to the spread of radioactive contamination. Therefore, in order to reduce the risk of radiation exposure to workers during decommissioning work at FDNPS, it has become essential to utilize remote control system based on the technologies and knowledge in the field of robotics and mechatronics. The decommissioning of FDNPS is expected to take 30–40 years, and although 10 years have passed since the accident, there are still many unknowns at FDNPS. In addition, difficult tasks such as of fuel debris retrieval from the Primary Containment Vessel (PCV) await in the future, and the development of technologies to accomplish this is currently underway. Since the experience and knowledge of technological development gained through decommissioning task should be shared widely. This special issue is to collect review, technical papers related to robotic, mechatronic and information systems for decommissioning, and also development reports on remote control technologies used in decommissioning of FDNPS and also the technologies being developed for that. We also welcome a wide range of topics related to decommissioning technology.

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]
1923（大正12）年9月1日に、我が国首都圏は関東大地震に見舞われた。極めて大きな震災・火災が発生した。死者は約10万5千人 [1]、経済損害は国民総生産（GNP）の3割以上であったとされている [2]。
この地震発生から1か月後の10月1日に、この大震災・大火災を記録した書籍が発行されている [3]。この書籍の序の一つを震災予防調査会委員・今村明恒（いまむら あきつね）理学博士が記述している。
今村博士は、「防災意識と公益意識の不足」を指摘し、さらに、「科学を信じなかった、地震の学問を重んじなかった、ことへの報い」と評しながらも、「我々には、斯くも大きな禍を負担するに十分な力があり、この災厄に反発するだけの弾力を有すると天が見込んだ」もので「今回の試練を却って光栄とし、この禍福の分岐点を突破したい」と述べている。
この書籍の理念はJournal of Disaster Research（JDR）にひきつがれている。JDRでは、関東大震災の発生から100年が経過したことを記念した特別号を企画した。JDRの特別号としては、11号目である。
これまでの特別号は特定の災害を対象としていたが、この特別号は大災害から100年が経過したことを記念するものであり、対象は広く災害全般とする。理学的・工学的な側面だけでなく、他の災害との比較、歴史的な位置付け、復興における課題、将来に向けた提言など、社会的・文化的な側面での重要かつ示唆に富む投稿を期待する。
JDRの特別号は、電子版であり、掲載料は無料である。総説やノートや調査報告等を含め幅広いカテゴリーの投稿を期待する。

References:
[1] 内閣府、「防災情報のページ：報告書（1923関東大震災）」。https://www.bousai.go.jp/kyoiku/kyokun/kyoukunnokeishou/rep/1923_kanto_daishinsai/index.html [Accessed December 20, 2022]
[2] 『調査と情報』、第709号、国立国会図書館、2011年。
[3] 『大正大震災大火災』、大日本雄弁会・講談社、大正12（1923）年9月27日印刷、10月1日発行。

[in English]
On September 1, 1923, the Great Kanto Earthquake struck in the Tokyo metropolitan area of Japan. This was an extremely powerful earthquake that caused a great fire. The death toll was approximately 105,000 [1], and the economic loss was estimated to have exceeded 30% of the gross national product [2].
On October 1, one month after the earthquake, a book documenting the earthquake disaster was published [3]. One of the introductions to the book was written by Dr. Akitsune Imamura, a member of the Disaster Prevention Research Committee.
Dr. Imamura pointed out the “lack of awareness of disaster prevention and the public interest,” further describing the damage as “consequences for not believing in science and not respecting the study of earthquakes.” However, he also said that “the heavens deemed us strong enough to bear such a great disaster and resilient enough to overcome this calamity,” and that “we should be honored by this ordeal and hope to break through this hardship of calamity and turn into fortune.”
The philosophy of this book continues in the Journal of Disaster Research (JDR). The JDR has planned a special issue, its 11th, to commemorate years since the Great Kanto Earthquake.
While previous special issues have focused on specific disasters, this special issue will focus on the lessons and findings from the catastrophe and will cover even the progress of disaster research since then. We hope to receive important and thought-provoking manuscripts not only on scientific and engineering aspects but also on social and cultural aspects, including comparisons with other disasters, historical views, reconstruction issues, and future perspectives.
Special issues of the JDR are electronic, and there is no charge for publication. We look forward to the submission of manuscripts in a wide range of categories, including review articles, notes, research reports, etc.

References:
[1] Cabinet Office, “Disaster Prevention Related Information – Reports (1923 Great Kanto Earthquake),” https://www.bousai.go.jp/kyoiku/kyokun/kyoukunnokeishou/rep/1923_kanto_daishinsai/index.html [Accessed December 20, 2022]
[2] “Issue Brief,” No.709, National Diet Library, 2011.
[3] “Great Earthquake and Great Fire of Taisho,” Dai Nihon Yuben Kai, Kodansha, September 27, 1923 (printed), October 1, 1923 (published).

Demand for the high-precision and high-efficiency machining of high-performance materials and components has increased in various industries, such as the optical, automotive, and communication industries, as well as in the life and medical sciences. Some difficult-to-machine materials can be reliably machined using deterministic precision-cutting processes. However, hard and brittle materials, such as ceramics, carbides, hardened steel for molds, glassy materials, or semiconductor materials, have to be machined using precision abrasive technologies that use super abrasives of diamond, cBN, or new tool materials. Using abrasive processes to machine high-precision components and their molds/dies, however, is very difficult because of the complex, non-deterministic natures and textured surfaces of the machined surfaces. High-energy processes, such as laser technology, can assist abrasive technologies to ensure higher precision and efficiency. Then, precision grinding and polishing processes are primarily used to generate high-quality and functional components that are usually made of difficult-to-machine materials. The surface quality achievable through precision grinding and polishing processes increases in importance when the machining time and costs are considered.

This special issue covers the advanced-abrasive processing technologies, including grinding, lapping, polishing, abrasive-jet processing, vibration-assisted abrasive processing, magnetic-field-assisted processing, and energy-assisted abrasive processing, plus related abrasive technologies and others.

[in Japanese]
つくばチャレンジは2007年の開始以来，電子デバイスの高性能化によるLidarの三次元化とそれを利用する制御技術の進歩によって自律移動性能が向上し，課題を達成するロボットが増えてきました．さらなる人間との共存を進めるために探索や横断歩道の横断等が追加されましたが，季節の移り変わりや気象条件の変化があっても確実に動作することの難しさも見えてきました．障害物地図による自己位置推定による自律制御技術はほぼ確立されたものと言えますが，技術継承のための人材教育と研究の進展を両立することが求められています．中之島ロボットチャレンジでは，2025年の大阪万博に向けた自動ゴミ回収ロボットの実現を目指した研究開発が進行しています．本年の本走行が終了し，収集した実験データをまとめる時期となりました．本特集号では制御の成功例または失敗例の本質を分析して共有することで技術の向上を目指しています．チャレンジ参加者や自律移動ロボット研究者からの投稿をお待ちしています．

[in English]
The Tsukuba Challenge, launched in 2007, has seen an increasing number of robots accomplish their assigned tasks as the performance of their autonomous navigation systems has improved. This improved performance has mainly stemmed from 3D Lidar systems that have been realized using high-performance electronic devices, and advanced control technologies that take advantage of these systems. To further promote the coexistence of robots with human beings, additional tasks, such as searching, crossing a crosswalk, etc., have been assigned to robots over time, but it has been found that they still have some difficulty operating securely when the seasons or weather conditions change. While autonomous control technologies using self-localization by means of obstacle maps have become more or less established, what is now needed is the human resource training for technological succession to be made compatible with the research progress. Also, the Nakanoshima Robot Challenge has encouraged the research and development of autonomous trash collection robots that are intended for use at the Osaka-Kansai Japan Expo 2025. As both Challenges’ final runs were completed in 2022, it is now time to collate the data collected during these experiments.
This special issue on “Autonomous Robotics Challenge” aims to help improve autonomous robotics by analyzing and sharing the essence of successes and/or failures experienced in controlling autonomous mobile robots. In the above-mentioned context, you, whether a Challenge participant or an autonomous mobile robot researcher, are cordially invited to contribute your papers to this special issue. <PDF>

Social demands for manufacturing systems are constantly changing with the times. In recent years, environmental and social issues have been compelling these systems to realize high productivity and high quality while reducing energy consumption and helping older operators. To meet these diverse demands, innovative technologies for production systems must be developed. Manufacturing systems are constructed based on various fundamental and innovative technologies.
This special issue focuses on state-of-the-art machine tools and manufacturing technologies to accelerate innovation in production engineering. It includes the following topics.
*Structure and drive systems in machine tools
*CAD/CAM, multi-axes control, and process planning technologies
*Machining processes, tooling systems, and process monitoring technologies
*Scheduling, AI, and information technologies
*Sustainable development, carbon neutrality, and energy consumption technologies
*Other related technologies

“Micro Electro-Mechanical System” (MEMS) is a mechatronics device based on semiconductor integrated circuit manufacturing technology. The development of MEMS devices has realized gyro/accelerometer sensors, pressure sensors, and flow sensors that are small enough to be installed in smartphones.
On the other hand, when we look at biological tissues, cells and intracellular microstructures, which are the basic constituent units, are microns or sub microns in size. Therefore MEMS technology is essentially a very powerful tool for researchers who want to manipulate and measure these minute biological components because it matches their scale.
MEMS technologies applied to medicine and life science are called Bio-MEMS, and in recent years, many Bio-MEMS devices and technologies including micro fluidic devices for cell culture, manipulation, and measurement, and lab-on-a-chip devices for chemical reactions and analysis on MEMS devices, have been developed and resulted in very impressive research results.
This Special Issue on “Bio-MEMS” cordially invites you to contribute your papers on a wide range of themes related to Bio-MEMS technology, from fundamental MEMS technology and device development to its applications to experiment and measurement using MEMS devices.

In biological and social systems, a “swarm” refers to a group of individual units that behave as a single intelligent entity. “Swarm behavior,” the collective result of the local interactions among the group members, exhibits what is called “swarm intelligence.” By identifying the design principles of such swarm intelligence, we may be able to create swarm robots that are highly adaptable, fault tolerant, and dimensionally flexible.
For this special issue, we invite papers on topics in which an interdisciplinary approach, including disciplines ranging from technology to biology to the mathematical sciences, for example, is used to elucidate the design principles of swarm intelligence. We believe that such knowledge will lead to transformations in the field of swarm robotics.

Additive manufacturing (AM) has undergone rapid development in the last decade, and it has been recognized as a remarkable scientific and industrial technique owing to its capacity to produce parts with complex and functional geometries. Various materials, such as polymers, metals, ceramics, and graphite can be employed to produce end products. However, the lack of intended fusion and the formation of defects during layer construction, due to the continuous fluctuations caused by the interaction of the heat source and material, are drawbacks of this technique. The quality assurance of built parts is therefore critical if the technique is to be further applied in various industrial fields.

This special issue focuses on recent trends in additive manufacturing in order to increase the chatter-free depth of AM technologies. Authors should exhibit a deep understanding of AM processes and their enhancement in order to improve the mechanical properties and dimensional accuracies of built parts. We are also interested in successful industrial applications with optimized configurations, hybrid processes, robotics, material reuse, post processes, and material developments applied to AM techniques.

With the advancement of information technologies such as IoT and artificial intelligence, digital twins are being introduced into social systems. Digital twins that include explicit models of humans are expected to realize human-machine cooperative systems and health promotion services. However, human beings are still the weakest link in the system, and there are still many issues, such as the understanding and modeling of human behavior, that must be solved for digital twins to become reality. The purpose of this special issue is to summarize the latest research on digital twins including humans, from the development of fundamental technologies to system operation in simulated environments and demonstration fields, and to share the path toward the realization of the digital twin beyond the boundaries of research fields. This IJAT special issue solicits original articles related to digital twins that include human factors. This includes, but is not limited to the following:
* Measurement using IoT devices and XR technologies
* Prediction using human models and behavioral databases
* Improvement/Augmentation of human abilities through sensory intervention and robot technologies
* Human-machine cooperative systems using digital twins including human factors
* Health promotion services using digital twins including human factors
* Digital twins including human factors and ELSI

Artificial intelligence (AI) techniques have been behind disruptive innovations in every industry. Based on AI techniques, large amounts of data can be converted into actionable insights and predictions. Manufacturers have frequently faced different kinds of challenges, such as unexpected machinery failures or defective product deliveries. Still, the adoption of AI techniques is expected to improve operational efficiency, enable the launch of new products, customize product designs, and plan future financial actions. Recently, manufacturers have been using AI techniques to improve the quality of their products, achieve greater speed and visibility across supply chains, and optimize inventory management.

Given that the attention and interest in AI techniques has been growing rapidly, it is time that the current state of the art of their practical applications be presented. The main aim of this special issue is to bring together the latest AI research and practical case studies of AI techniques in production engineering. Related topics of interest include but are not limited to the following:

* Product development and design customization
* Process modeling/simulation
* Process monitoring/control
* CAD/CAM/CAE and generative design
* Predictive maintenance and logistics optimization

We hope this special Issue will contribute to the future research and development efforts of researchers and engineers in the field of production engineering.

Abrasive processing technologies support production processes in various industrial fields, such as the automotive, telecommunications, semiconductor, health care, energy, and aerospace industries. In this era of major changes, known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution, advanced abrasive processing technologies that produce cutting-edge devices, machinery, and equipment are needed. Subjects related to abrasive processing are extremely diverse, including environmentally-friendly processing, function generation processing, and ICT fusion processing, in addition to continuing basic subjects such as high-efficiency processing, difficult-to-cut material processing, and ultra/high-precision processing. In order to meet these diversified needs, it is important that advanced abrasive processing technologies that capture the changes of the times be developed. Recently, basic grinding technologies, such as advanced measurement methods of analyzing grinding phenomena, the development of high-performance grinding wheels, and truing and dressing technologies, have progressed. Furthermore, advanced abrasive processing technologies have been developed, including the high-efficiency grinding of next-generation semiconductor materials and high-performance, difficult-to-cut materials, the automation/intelligence of grinding machines, the combining of mechanical energy and physical/chemical energy for grinding, and high-performance surface processing.

This special issue covers the advanced abrasive processing technologies, including grinding, lapping, polishing, abrasive-jet machining, vibration-assisted abrasive machining, magnetic machining, and energy-assisted abrasive machining, etc.

Recent trends, such as the trend toward carbon neutrality and toward a circular economy, indicate that it is increasingly crucial to include environmental sustainability in design and manufacturing. In design, this includes ecodesign, life cycle design, scenario design, service design, and design for X, such as remanufacturing, refurbishment, repair, and direct reuse (RRRDR). It also includes maintenance, upgrades, recycling, disassembly, and inspection. In manufacturing, it includes sustainable manufacturing, carbon neutralization, reduced energy and/or resource consumption, and sustainable value chain management.

The aim of this special issue is 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 applications and case studies are welcomed. Topics of interest in this special issue include but are not limited to the following.

* Design for sustainability: ecodesign, life cycle design, scenario design, product service system design, design for XaaS, 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
* Planning and design of sustainable infrastructure systems: “smart” cities, zero energy buildings, circular economy platforms, and sensor-networks for environmental monitoring
* Scenario planning and/or analysis for sustainability
* Energy management and new energy technologies

[Special announcement for EcoDesign 2021 speakers]
We cannot accept manuscripts that appear in the Springer E-book unless they have been significantly altered. However, we can accept manuscripts that appear only in the Proceedings of EcoDesign 2021.

Actuators are components that are essential to the moving, manipulating, or deforming of
objects. Historically, conventional electromagnetic motors as well as pneumatic and hydraulic
actuators have been developed to sophistication. In the past several decades, however, many
other kinds of novel principle actuators have also been proposed. These have employed physical
or/and chemical effects, such as piezoelectric, electrostatic, or giant magnetostrctive effects, as
well as thermal expansion, phase transformation, or ion mobility in polymers. These actuators
have been embedded not only in conventional machines but also in smart ones such as robots,
electric vehicles, data storage devices, and manufacturing equipment by combining the actuators
with the Internet of Things (IoT). In addition, there is no doubt that the technologies involved
in the development of novel actuators and the improvement of their efficiency are key to the
achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs), as actuators currently consume a huge
aggregate amount of energy. The actuators have the potential to be central to the development of
innovative machines.

This special issue will collect contributions related (but not limited) to the following topics.
* Design and analysis of actuators: high torque and/or power density actuators, precision
actuators, soft actuators, miniaturized or micro actuators, multiple-degree-of-freedom
actuators, linear motors, self-sensing actuators, composites and smart structures.
* Related topics: control strategies, driving circuits, materials, mechanisms.
* Applications: robotics, positioning systems, science, technologies, aerospace, harsh
environments, health care, virtual reality, arts, education, entertainment and industries.
* Case studies.

The Fourth Industrial Revolution has been proposed, and various research and development activities geared toward the realization of smart factories have become extremely active. The smart factories are to use system thinking and data thinking IoT technologies in manufacturing.
In smart factories developed individually within a company, the direction of the development activities is changing drastically. Regarding common technologies, research activities and fusibility case study activities that are collaborations among industry, academia, and government and that show consideration and awareness of ecosystems are becoming active. In Japan, several initiatives support these activities. One of these initiatives, Industrial Value Chain Initiative (IVI), has conducted more than 200 research and demonstration activities toward the establishment of smart factories.
This special issue addresses the latest in advanced research on smart factories. We cordially invite you to submit papers on the topic to share your experiences and achievements with our many interested readers and researchers.
“Smart factory” includes, but is not limited to, the Internet of Things (IoT), Cyber Physical Systems (CPS), digital twins, cloud base technologies, production management technologies, supply chain management technologies, simulation technologies, maintenance technologies, machine to machine (M2M), sensor networks, and facility technologies.

The idea of Self-Optimizing Machining Systems (SOMS) has been proposed in the
era of Industry 4.0. In order to optimize for productivity, quality, and efficiency
in manufacturing, each component technology related to machining processes such
as CAD/CAM, process modeling/simulation, machine tool use, process monitoring/
control, workpiece assessment, etc. has been developed independently, although
the interactions among these component technologies determine the final
machining performance and the quality of the products. SOMS deals with the
information links among these components. Viewed from the opposite side, these
links and functionalities could be combined to develop comprehensive SOMS.
Nevertheless, an intensive implementation and combination of these technologies
has yet to catch up with the state-of-the-art industrial level. Industry 4.0 requires
that SOMS undergo further research and development.

This Special Issue focuses on SOMS research trends, with an emphasis on the
interactions among process modelling/simulation and process monitoring/
control. We hope this Special Issue will contribute to the future research and
development efforts of researchers and engineers in the field of manufacturing and
machining systems.

The demand for high-precision abrasive processes for difficult-to-machine materials, such
as hardened steel, ceramics, Ti alloys, and CFRP, has increased in various industries, such
as in the automotive, airplane, optical, and communication industries, as well as in the life
and medical sciences. Some difficult-to-machine materials can be reliably machined using
deterministic precision-cutting processes. On the other hand, hard and brittle materials,
such as ceramics, carbides, the hardened steel of molds, glassy materials, or semiconductor
materials, have to be machined using precision abrasive technologies with super abrasives
of diamond or cBN. However, the machining of high-precision components and their
molds/dies by means of abrasive processes is much more difficult because the complex
and non-deterministic natures and textured surfaces of these materials. In this sense,
precision grinding and polishing processes are primarily used to generate high-quality,
functional components usually made of difficult-to-machine materials. The surface qualities
achievable through precision grinding and polishing processes become more important in
terms of reducing machining times and costs.
This special issue covers high-performance abrasive technologies; including grinding,
lapping, polishing, and jet polishing; energy-assisted abrasive technologies; magnetic
machining technologies; and vibration-assisted technologies.

The industrial robot is more precisely an “automatically controlled, reprogrammable, multipurpose manipulator, programmable in three or more axes, which can be either fixed in place or mobile” (ISO 8373:2012). According to the International Federation of Robotics, by 2018, more than 400,000 new units were being installed annually, and the global average robot density in the manufacturing industry was 99 robots per 10,000 employees. More than 30% of all installed robots were in the automotive industry, the biggest customer for robots.
Research on modeling, optimal motion control, programming, and efficient trajectory planning has been conducted to give robotic manipulators a wider variety of industrial applications. Owing to their larger workspace as well as greater flexibility, there is also an interest in utilizing industrial robots in contact applications such as machining. However, this is challenging since they are less accurate yet more complex than specialized machinery.
Hence, this special issue covers technical and academic efforts related to new technologies that improve the accuracy and facilitate the implementation of robotic manipulators in industrial applications. Suitable topics may include but are not limited to the following:
* Mechanical and geometrical property modeling and measurement
* Stiffness modeling and measurement
* Dynamic behavior modeling and measurement
* Offline and online compensation methods/strategies
* Path planning methodologies
* Thermal compensation
* Sensor-based robot enhancement
* AI applications in industrial robotics
* Robot programming: Interaction of specialized machinery and industrial manipulators
* Vision-based measurement
* Dynamic feedback control of robots
* Integrated metrology and robot sensors
* Production management with robots

Advanced digital geometry processing is required to develop, maintain, and renovate plants, factories, tunnels, bridges, forests, buildings and urban environments, as well as to conduct simulations and several automations therein. The importance of the rapid evolution of reliable and efficient 3D acquisition, processing, recognition, and modeling technologies, and their application to digital geometry data from large-scale structures and environments, is increasing.
Much research effort is being devoted to digital geometry processing and its applications. The main objective of this special issue is to provide the results of the latest research on and useful applications of digital geometry processing for large-scale structures and environments.
Related topics include but are not limited to the following:
* 3D geometry data acquisition of large-scale structures and environments.
* Point cloud and mesh data processing of large-scale structures and environments.
* Recognition and modeling of large-scale structures and environments.
* Applications of digital geometry data of large-scale structures and environments.
The papers in this special issue present the latest advances in large-scale geometry processing. Learning about these advances will help readers explore them while sharing their knowledge and experience with related technologies and developments.

Owing to changes in global industrial structure, the number of employees in manufacturing industry has been decreasing in developed countries. One of solutions offered in Industry 4.0 is “utilization of ROBOT and AI as alternatives to skilled workers.” The solutions have been applied to various operations conventionally performed by skilled workers and have given consistent results. A skilled worker has two features: “skill for physical operation” and “skill for decision making,” which correspond to utilization of ROBOT and AI, respectively.
Topics of interest in this special issue include but are not limited to the following:
*Application of ROBOT for various operations.
*Application of AI for various operations.
*Automation of operation that requires skill.
In addition to academic theory or analysis, technical reports, including practical cases, are welcome.

Abrasive technologies are currently indispensable for production processes in various industries, such as the automotive, aerospace, optics, telecommunications, and healthcare industries. In
production in these industries, even though it may be difficult to obtain the required accuracy and quality through other machining methods, abrasive technologies overcome the problems, yielding high surface quality with high dimensional and shape accuracy as a result. On the other hand, high-hardness materials, such as hardening die steels, cemented carbides, ceramics, and semiconductor materials, as well as heat-resistant materials, such as titanium alloys and nickel-based alloys, have become more difficult to machine as they have been developed. The accuracy and efficiency required of them have also increased. In order to realize these required types of processing, it is necessary to further advance the research and development of abrasive technologies, such as grinding and polishing. To these ends, it is important to elucidate the mechanisms of grinding and polishing and to develop processing techniques based on them. In addition, it is important to develop abrasive tools, including the abrasives they use, and to develop technologies peripheral to abrasive processing, such as tool conditioning techniques, coolant supply systems, and the coolants themselves.
This special issue covers the high-precision abrasive technologies of grinding, lapping, polishing, and jet machining, as well as magnetic machining technologies, vibration-assisted abrasive
technologies, and energy-assisted abrasive technologies.

Recent trends such as circular economy and responsible consumption and production have shown that it is increasingly crucial to include environmental sustainability in design and manufacturing.
In design, this includes ecodesign, life cycle design, scenario design, and design for X such as RRRDR (Remanufacturing, Refurbish, Repair, and Direct Reuse), maintenance, upgrading, recycling,
disassembly, and inspection. In manufacturing, this includes sustainable manufacturing, reducing energy and/or resource consumption, and sustainable value chain management.
The aim of this special issue is 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 applications and case studies are welcomed. Topics of interest in this special issue include but are not limited to:
*design for sustainability including ecodesign, life cycle design, scenario design, product service system design, and design for X
*manufacturing aspects of sustainability including sustainable manufacturing, reducing energy and/or resource consumption, digital transformation in manufacturing, and sustainable value chain management
*business and social aspects of sustainability, including SDGs, circular economy, CE business, ecobusiness planning, product service system business, sharing business, sustainable consumption and production, and environmental legislation
*planning and design of sustainable infrastructure systems including “smart” cities, green buildings, green ICT, smart grids, and sensor-networks for environmental monitoring
*scenario planning and/or analysis for sustainability
*energy management and new energy technologies

[Special announcement for EcoDesign 2019 speakers]
We cannot accept manuscripts that appear in the Springer E-book as is. However, we can accept manuscripts that appear only in the Proceedings of EcoDesign 2019.

[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>

The demand for high-precision machining of difficult-to-machine materials such as hardened steel, ceramics, Ti alloys, and carbon fiber reinforced plastic have increased across various industries such as in the automotive, aircraft, optical, and communication industries, as well as in life and medical sciences. Some difficult-to-machine materials can be reliably machined using deterministic precision cutting processes. On the contrary, hard and brittle materials such as ceramics, carbides, hardened steel molds, glassy materials, or semiconductor materials have to be machined using precision abrasive technologies with super abrasives of diamond or cBN. However, the machining of high-precision components and their molds/dies using abrasive processes is much more difficult owing to their complex and non-deterministic nature and textured surface. In this sense, precision grinding and polishing are primarily used to generate high-quality and functional components that are usually made of difficult-to-machine materials. The surface quality achievable through precision grinding and polishing becomes more important for reducing machining time and cost.
This special issue covers the advanced abrasive technology of grinding, lapping, polishing, jet polishing, magnetic machining technologies, vibration assisted technologies, and energy-assisted abrasive technologies.

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!