Generative AI is revolutionizing engineering design and production, leading to significant advancements in product design, optimization, and manufacturing. Innovations such as large language models, diffusion models, and neural implicit representations facilitate automated concept generation, design space exploration, process planning, and decision-making throughout the product lifecycle.
Against this backdrop, the International Journal of Automation Technology invites submissions for a special issue on “Generative AI for Design and Manufacturing.” This issue aims to bring together cutting-edge research and pioneering industrial applications that harness the power of generative AI to advance design methodologies and manufacturing systems. We invite original research contributions addressing, but not limited to, the following transformative topics. Submissions may encompass theoretical advancements and practical implementations. We also welcome review papers that provide comprehensive analyses of existing research, along with critical insights into emerging trends and developments in this field.

• AI-driven generative design and topology optimization
• Design automation using large language and multimodal models
• Generative models for CAD, geometry, and 3D content creation
• Generative AI for process planning, including automated generation of manufacturing sequences and strategies
• Generative AI for inspection, machine vision, and process monitoring in manufacturing
• Generative modeling for digital twins and production system simulation, enabling scenario generation and predictive synthesis
• Human–AI co-creation frameworks leveraging generative AI for interactive and adaptive engineering design
• Strategies for enhancing the reliability, controllability, explainability and interpretability of generative AI in engineering applications

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

Always welcome