Innovative Manufacturing Research Articles

Rapid transformation in aquatic food value chains in three Nigerian states

IntroductionNigeria is Africa’s most populous country, third largest fish producer, and second largest aquaculture producer. There have been numerous studies of aquaculture and fisheries in Nigeria, but no study to date has analyzed aquaculture and capture fisheries value chains together, while giving equal weight to all value chain segments and systematically capturing information on temporal trends in value chain structure, conduct, and performance. This paper does so.MethodsWe conducted a structured, qualitative, rapid reconnaissance survey of 180 actors from eight segments of the aquatic food value chain in three Nigerian states with contrasting geographies, Ebonyi, Kebbi, and Oyo.ResultsResults particularly important for future research and policy are as follows. (1) Partial vertical integration is a common feature of the organization of firms in all value chain segments, as a risk reduction strategy to overcome market imperfections and frictions. Scarcity and high cost of imported intermediate inputs is stimulating local innovation and import substitution manufacturing of feeds and fabricated items. (2) Inter-sectoral spillovers from the poultry industry have hastened the development of fish value chains, while improvements in power supply have enabled the expansion of cold storage capacity, facilitating the geographical lengthening of frozen fish value chains. (3) Rapid technological and/or institutional change is occurring in all value chain segments, including those usually viewed as traditional, such as processing and fishing. Logistics services are becoming more specialized and sophisticated, and digital communications technologies including social media play an increasingly important role in value chain coordination and marketing. (4) Increasing opportunity costs of time drive demand for convenience foods such as smoked and fried fish, which require little further preparation and can be stored at room temperature. Demand for farmed catfish is linked to growing consumption of food away from home at bars and restaurants. (5) Significant opportunities exist to improve the performance of value chains in terms of gender equity, environmental impacts, and food safety.

Untapped Opportunities in Additive Manufacturing with Metals: From New and Graded Materials to Post-Processing

Metal additive manufacturing (AM) is an innovative manufacturing method with numerous metallurgical benefits, including fine and hierarchical microstructures and enhanced mechanical properties, thanks to the utilization of a local heat source and the rapid solidification nature of the process. High levels of productivity, together with the ability to produce complex geometries and large components, have added to the versatile applicability of metal AM with applications already implemented in various sectors such as medicine, transportation, and aerospace. To further enhance the potential benefits of AM in the context of small- to medium-scale bulk production, metallurgical complexities should be determined and investigated. Hence, this review paper focuses on three significant metallurgical aspects of metal AM processes: in situ alloying, functionally graded materials, and surface treatments for AM parts. The current text is expected to offer insights for future research works on metal AM to expand its potential applications in various advanced manufacturing sectors.

Examination of manufacturing procedures in TestBed 4.0

This article delves into the systematic examination of production processes within the context of TestBed 4.0. The study bifurcates these processes into distinct categories, namely pre-production procedures and core production processes, encompassing essential sub-steps crucial for ensuring the seamless execution of customer orders. The analysis sheds light on how TestBed 4.0, with its integration of Industry 4.0 elements, contributes to heightened efficiency and innovation in manufacturing. By exploring the interconnectedness of production equipment and digital models, the study highlights the potential for creating intelligent and automated industrial enterprises. The findings underscore the role of TestBed 4.0 in responding to market dynamics and fostering competitiveness for industrial enterprises, particularly within the European market.

Advancements in Lightweight Materials for Aerospace Structures: A Comprehensive Review

The aerospace engineering field is witnessing an evolution towards lightweight materials driven by the unwavering pursuit of improved performance and efficiency. Lightweight materials play a critical role in aerospace structures, and this thorough examination explores their significant influence on mission success, design, and fuel efficiency. Key developments in several material categories such as composites, metals, and polymers are methodically examined in this study, revealing their special qualities and potential uses. The historical viewpoint lays out a chronology of the development of materials, charting significant turning points that have influenced the use of lightweight materials in aerospace. The following sections delve into each lightweight material in great detail, explaining composites, alloys (including titanium, aluminium, and high-strength steel), and sophisticated polymers, along with their features, production methods, and uses. An examination of particular varieties and production nuances in the context of aerospace composite materials highlights their benefits in achieving unmatched strength-to-weight ratios. By elucidating their qualities and expanding uses in aircraft constructions, advanced metallic alloy research reveals the most recent advancements in materials like titanium and aluminium. A thorough examination of polymeric materials and nanocomposites reveals their critical role in the creation of lightweight structures. Their distinctive qualities and new uses are emphasized, highlighting their role in the ongoing revolution in aeronautical design. With a comprehensive examination of additive manufacturing and sophisticated machining methods essential to the realization of lightweight aircraft structures, innovative manufacturing technologies take center stage. Additionally, the assessment thoroughly evaluates the longevity and structural integrity of lightweight materials, addressing issues related to corrosion, fatigue, and other crucial elements. Investigations from actual applications provide concrete instances of lightweight materials being successfully used in aerospace projects, shedding light on the materials' performance and tangible advantages in various situations. Looking ahead, the paper's conclusion forecasts forthcoming developments in lightweight materials and clarifies possible obstacles and future research avenues that may influence the course of aerospace engineering. To underscore the critical role that lightweight materials play in aeronautical constructions, this paper synthesizes a variety of knowledge. It highlights the revolutionary potential of lightweight materials in influencing the future of aeronautical engineering, not only synthesizing current knowledge but also laying out a path for further study and innovation.

Failure mode analysis and prediction model of additively manufactured continuous carbon fiber‐reinforced polylactic acid

AbstractCarbon fiber‐reinforced composites are widely used in aerospace, rail transportation, and new energy vehicles due to their small specific gravity as well as good mechanical and chemical properties. Additive manufacturing of continuous carbon fiber‐reinforced polymer composites is an innovative composite manufacturing technique. In this paper, bending and shear specimens with different hatch spacing and layer thicknesses were prepared by fused filament fabrication (FFF) technique and subjected to three‐point bending experiments and interlayer shear experiments, respectively. The results showed that the maximum flexural strength and flexural modulus of the fabricated parts were 383.81 MPa and 41.23 GPa, respectively, and the maximum interlayer shear strength was 13.64 MPa. Finally, an optimized criterion for determining fiber kinking, fiber breakage, and matrix damage was proposed by considering in situ strength variations induced by process parameters. This new model was subsequently validated and could provide a method for fracture predicting of additive manufactured carbon fiber‐reinforced composites.Highlights CCFRC parts with different porosities were prepared by adjusting the layer thickness and hatch spacing. The bending and interlaminar shear damage mechanisms of CCFRC fabrications are revealed, and the effects of layer thickness and hatch spacing on their mechanical properties are investigated. Introduction of additive manufacturing factors to optimize failure models for CCFRC parts. Introduction of additive manufacturing coefficients to accurately predict the interlaminar shear strength of CCFRC parts by AM.

A European manufacturing line for monolithic U–Mo bare foil production

The nuclear research reactor Forschungs-Neutronenquelle Heinz Maier-Leibnitz (FRM II), operated by the Technical University of Munich (TUM) in Germany, provides intense thermal neutron beams for the international scientific community. The uranium fuel currently used for the compact core is an assembly of fuel plates composed of dispersed U3Si2 powder with an enrichment up to 93%, dispersed in aluminium (Al) powder and cladded with an Al alloy. Within the international efforts to minimise the usage of HEU (Highly Enriched Uranium), the FRM II aims to convert its compact core to LEU (Low Enriched Uranium), i.e., a fuel with an enrichment in 235U lower than 20%. The most promising candidate is the metallic monolithic uranium–molybdenum alloy (U–Mo) with zirconium (Zr) coating and Al-based cladding. Here, we show the first European pilot line for U–Mo bare foil manufacturing, implemented in collaboration with the European fuel manufacturer Framatome-CERCATM in Romans-sur-Isère, France. This line involves innovative manufacturing processes, including casting, laser welding, hot rolling, and laser cutting. An overview of the bare foil development with the first results is presented, including visual inspections of foils produced from the hot rolling, the laser cutting and the manufacturing tools used. These first depleted uranium (DU) bare foils are analysed to extract the best manufacturing parameters for future industrialisation. This European manufacturing process gives an alternative solution to the US development for U–Mo monolithic bare foil manufacturing. It represents the first step for European monolithic fuel manufacturing, which could push other European research reactors to use the monolithic U–Mo for their conversion.

Innovation Strategies and Technical Efficiency

In the innovation literature, little attention has been paid to technical efficiency as a measure of performance, despite the fact that technical efficiency is key to explaining firm productivity. In this study we analyze the influence of internal R&D, external R&D and R&D cooperation on the technical efficiency of the firm. The data used come from the Panel de Innovación Tecnológica 2016 for Spanish companies, from whose database we have selected the set of innovative manufacturing firms. To estimate the coefficients of interest we have constructed a knowledge production function, estimated using Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) and the Heckman correction. The results indicate that both internal R&D and R&D cooperation have a positive and significant influence on technical efficiency, while external R&D has a significant negative relationship. Knowing this type of information in advance is very important for business managers and policy makers, since it facilitates decision-making on innovation strategies, as well as the formulation of public policies to support innovation leading to an efficient allocation of public resources.

Innovative syntheses of immobilized CuxO semiconductors grown on 3D prints and their photoelectrochemical activity for sulfamethoxazole degradation

Traditional copper oxide manufacturing processes require high energy consumption, high synthesis temperatures, and long process times. This study proposes an innovative additive manufacturing process to support immobilized copper oxide, offering greater design flexibility and customization. CuxO semiconductors were synthesized on 3D-printed substrates via the anodization process and evaluated for their effectiveness in degrading sulfamethoxazole (SMX). XRD analysis of the samples revealed the presence of both CuO and Cu2O crystalline phases, this mixture of oxides helps to expand the absorption range of visible light. The immobilized CuxO semiconductors exhibited band gaps ranging between 1.6 and 1.8 eV. Negative current densities and Mott-Schottky analysis confirmed the nature of the p-type semiconductor. Semiconductors grown by 3D printing demonstrated remarkable degradation capacity for the antibiotic sulfamethoxazole (SMX), achieving 60% degradation after 360 minutes under visible light. Kinetic degradation tends to be a first-order and zero-order model. TOC analysis further revealed the formation of reaction intermediates during SMX degradation, ultimately leading to the mineralization of the contaminant. Based on these results, we report, for the first time CuxO semiconductors grown on large 3D-printed substrates as promising photocatalysts for the degradation of emerging water pollutants. Based on these results, we report, for the first time, that CuxO semiconductors grown on large 3D-printed substrates are promising photocatalysts for the degradation of emerging water contaminants. Furthermore, it should be emphasized that the proposed method is faster and does not require subsequent thermal treatments for its functionalization, making it attractive for various industrial applications.

INNOVATIVE MATERIAL PROCESSING TECHNIQUES IN PRECISION MANUFACTURING: A REVIEW

Precision manufacturing plays a pivotal role in various industries, demanding high accuracy, efficiency, and quality in the production process. The continual pursuit of innovation in material processing techniques is essential to meet evolving demands and challenges. This review explores the latest advancements and innovations in material processing methods within precision manufacturing. The review encompasses a comprehensive analysis of various innovative material processing techniques, including additive manufacturing, subtractive manufacturing, and hybrid approaches. Additive manufacturing, often referred to as 3D printing, has gained significant attention for its capability to produce complex geometries with high precision. The exploration of novel materials, such as metal alloys, polymers, and composites, expands the applicability of additive manufacturing in diverse industrial sectors. Subtractive manufacturing techniques, such as milling, turning, and grinding, are also undergoing transformative advancements to enhance precision and efficiency. Emerging technologies like abrasive waterjet machining, electrical discharge machining (EDM), and laser machining offer improved accuracy and surface finish while enabling the processing of a wide range of materials, including hard-to-machine alloys and composites. Hybrid manufacturing approaches, combining additive and subtractive techniques, are revolutionizing precision manufacturing by leveraging the strengths of both methods. These hybrid systems enable the production of intricate components with high precision, reduced lead times, and minimized material waste, addressing the challenges of traditional manufacturing processes. Furthermore, the review highlights advancements in process monitoring and control technologies, such as in-process sensing, real-time feedback systems, and adaptive control algorithms, facilitating enhanced quality assurance and productivity in precision manufacturing. The integration of advanced computational tools, simulation techniques, and artificial intelligence further augments the optimization and customization capabilities of material processing techniques, driving efficiency and innovation in precision manufacturing. Overall, this review provides valuable insights into the latest developments and trends in innovative material processing techniques, offering a roadmap for future research directions and applications in precision manufacturing industries.
 Keywords: Material, Processing, Techniques, Precision, Manufacturing, Review.

Economic, environmental, and technical gains from the Kyoto Protocol: Evidence from cement manufacturing

The Kyoto Protocol is an international agreement signed in 1997 to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and mitigate the consequences of global climate change. Early studies of the effectiveness of the Kyoto Protocol have attributed it to approximately a 7%–10% reduction in global carbon dioxide emissions. Given the carbon intensity of cement manufacturing, we examine the impact of the Kyoto Protocol on cement manufacturing output and carbon dioxide emissions. We are especially concerned about whether the Kyoto Protocol may have led cement manufacturing to move to places without binding emissions targets, thus resulting in carbon leakage. We find that nations with binding emissions targets under the Kyoto Protocol saw a 5% reduction in both cement manufacturing and carbon dioxide emissions from cement manufacturing compared to other nations, suggesting that the Kyoto Protocol may have led to technological innovation in cement manufacturing. Using data on carbon intensities for cement manufacturing, we support this notion and find further evidence that it fostered diffusion of existing, cleaner technologies from relatively more developed nations during the first phase, and technical innovation by these nations during the second phase, resulting in significant reductions in carbon dioxide emissions.

Implementation of Unilateral thermal nonreciprocity and front and rear electromagnetic nonreciprocity based on Weyl semimetal

The Weyl semimetal-dielectric multi-layer structure (WDMS) is proposed in this work to achieve nonreciprocal thermal absorption and emission in the mid-infrared wavelength range from both structural orientations. Employing the transfer matrix method (TMM), we effectively calculate emissivity and absorptivity. From both directions of the WDMS, it is observed that non-reciprocity originates at an incident angle of around 30°, with a larger incident angle consistently enhancing this characteristic. Upon increasing the incident angle to 45°, thermal absorption peaks at λ = 3.08 μm from the forward direction, showcasing a stronger non-reciprocity phenomenon as the angle increases. Similarly, from the backward direction, the absorption peak is situated at λ = 3.02 μm. Concurrently, we engage in a thorough discussion of pertinent factors, including the thickness of the unit structure. Furthermore, we delve into the specifics of the Weyl semimetal thickness and the number of periods in the dielectric unit layer. Utilizing simulation software, we observe their collective impacts on non-reciprocity, inducing variations in absorption and emission bands across diverse wavelengths (λ) and angular perspectives (θ). Our research underscores the influence of these factors on non-reciprocity and its impact on absorption and emission bands across varying wavelengths and angles. This work not only contributes to a deeper understanding of nonreciprocal thermal behavior but also offers valuable insights for the innovative design and manufacturing of thermal conversion devices and thermal radiation emitters.

Experimental investigation on a lightweight, efficient, counter-rotating fan with and without boundary layer ingestion

AbstractThe experimental investigations on the counter-rotating CRISPmulti fan with boundary layer ingestion are presented in this paper. The Counter Rotating Integrated Shrouded Propfan (CRISP) was designed, aerodynamically optimized and manufactured in lightweight material by the German Aerospace Center (DLR). The main task was to maximize the aerodynamic efficiency under restricted static, dynamic and acoustic properties of the blade designed with lightweight carbon-fiber material and to apply it as a demonstrator for the development of a new innovative blade manufacturing technology. The rotors were manufactured at the DLR Institute of Structures and Design and tested on the Multi-stage 2-shaft Compressor Test Facility (M2VP) at the DLR Institute of Propulsion Technology. The instrumentation enabled the measurement of the aerodynamic, static, dynamic and acoustic behavior of the fan. In general, the targets of the experimental investigation were to validate the optimization results, the numerical calculational methods and the acoustic tools. Additionally, inlet distortion measurements were carried out on the fan rig to investigate the effect of the boundary layer ingestion on a real counter-rotating propfan. A radially traversable disturbance body, designed to simulate the boundary layer of the aircraft fuselage on an aircraft architecture with embedded engines, enables a comprehensive measurement program to be carried out for both undisturbed and disturbed inflow.

Management toward Industry 5.0: a co-workership approach on digital transformation for future innovative manufacturing

Purpose The purpose is to apply the co-workership approach to contribute guidelines for manufacturing managers to exploit the potential of digital technologies through a human-centric perspective.Design/methodology/approach A longitudinal single case study within manufacturing including a mix of qualitative methods with 18 in-depth interviews and focus groups with 25 participants covering all organizational levels and functions.Findings Findings demonstrate that to re-interpret manufacturing management through the lens of Industry 5.0 (I5.0), managers need to respond to the call for a more human-centric perspective by focusing on organizational prerequisites, such as holistic understanding, inclusive organizational change, leadership practices, learning and innovation processes.Research limitations/implications Limitations due to a single case study are compensated with rich data collected over time with the strengths of mixed methods through in-depth interviews and focus groups with participants reflecting and developing ideas jointly.Practical implications Managers’ awareness of organizational prerequisites to promote human perspectives in all functions and at all levels in digital transformation is pivotal. Thus, proposed organizational prerequisites are presented as managers’ guidelines for future innovative manufacturing.Social implications Findings emphasize the need for digital transformation managers to apply a human-centric perspective acknowledging how organizational changes affect the inclusion of employees, and thus challenge culture, structure, communication and trust toward I5.0.Originality/value The study contributes to the emerging field of I5.0 by applying an interdisciplinary approach to understand the elusive phenomena of enfolding technology and humans.

A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW: EXPLORATION OF PROCESS ANALYTICAL TECHNOLOGY TECHNIQUES (PAT) AND THEIR MULTIFACETED ADVANTAGES IN INDUSTRIAL PROCESSES

FDA initiated the PAT technology framework in the year of 2004 with the guidelines of “A framework of innovative pharmaceutical development, manufacturing and quality assurance. With that, the International Council for Harmonisation has also initiated continuous process verification to overcome the limitations of traditional methods and improve the understanding of the process and quality of the product throughout the product lifecycle. Since the year of implementation, the advancement of analytical and chemometric tools has evolved to deliver consistent quality products by understanding their process and product performance. However, the pharmaceutical industry was lacking in this technicality and implementation of highly regulated specifications. To this respect, we have stated some of the PAT tools, including NIR, Raman and Terahertz spectroscopy, as they will transfer to the futuristic prospects of analyzing the drug product with non-destructive, improved process understanding, real-time monitoring, and enhanced data integrity. This review article emphasizes the importance of PAT technology with different monitoring processes with their historical background and regulatory framework. Special attention was given to strategies, challenges, opportunities, and the compatibility of PAT tools with data fusion. Further, this will give a high-priority disciplinary scientific topic to Pharma 4.0.

The Industrial Application of Artificial Intelligence-Based Optical Character Recognition in Modern Manufacturing Innovations

This paper presents the development of a comprehensive, on-site industrial Optical Character Recognition (OCR) system tailored for reading text on iron plates. Initially, the system utilizes a text region detection network to identify the text area, enabling camera adjustments along the x and y axes and zoom enhancements for clearer text imagery. Subsequently, the detected text region undergoes line-by-line division through a text segmentation network. Each line is then transformed into rectangular patches for character recognition by the text recognition network, comprising a vision-based text recognition model and a language network. The vision network performs preliminary recognition, followed by refinement through the language model. The OCR results are then converted into digital characters and recorded in the iron plate registration system. This paper’s contributions are threefold: (1) the design of a comprehensive, on-site industrial OCR system for autonomous registration of iron plates; (2) the development of a realistic synthetic image generation strategy and a robust data augmentation strategy to address data scarcity; and (3) demonstrated impressive experimental results, indicating potential for on-site industrial applications. The designed autonomous system enhances iron plate registration efficiency and significantly reduces factory time and labor costs.

Design, Manufacturing, and Testing of a Metallic Fuselage Panel Incorporating New Alloys and Environmentally Friendly Technologies

Within the ecoTECH project, a new fuselage section was designed based on an existing business jet panel, aiming to incorporate innovative technologies and environmentally friendly approaches. The Metallic Fuselage Panel Demonstrator developed in this project integrates the most promising technologies previously developed in the areas of manufacturing methods, including mechanical milling and friction stir welding, as well as surface treatments such as sol-gel and thin film sulphuric acid anodizing, along with a Chrome-free primer applied on a new Al-Cu-Li alloy structure. Two types of full-scale testing were performed to mature the newly developed technologies and assess the performance of the demonstrator. The first was a Static Full-Scale Test Demonstrator, designed and manufactured to undergo static full-scale testing. This testing evaluated the structural integrity and performance of the panel under various load conditions, representative of an operational aircraft, including compression, shear, pressure, tension, and combinations of these forces. The second type of testing conducted concerned endurance. Similar to the static test demonstrator, this demonstrator was subjected to fatigue to assess its durability and long-term performance by simulating representative flight loading spectrum of a business jet aircraft and providing valuable insights into the panel’s ability to withstand prolonged operational conditions. The successful completion of these phases in the ecoTECH project represents a significant milestone, demonstrating the effective integration of innovative manufacturing methods and environmentally friendly surface treatments for new aluminum alloys in the development of innovative environmentally friendly technologies. The project’s outcomes contribute to the advancement of sustainable and efficient technologies in the aerospace industry, providing a foundation for the future development of aircraft structures with improved performance, durability, and reduced environmental impact.

Seaweed: a sustainable solution for greening drug manufacturing in the pursuit of sustainable healthcare

The environmental impact of drug manufacturing raises concerns about sustainability in healthcare. To address this, exploring alternative approaches to drug production is crucial. This review focuses on seaweed as a sustainable resource for greening drug manufacturing processes. Seaweed offers advantages such as renewability, abundance, and a positive environmental footprint. The review begins by providing an overview of sustainable drug manufacturing practices and the challenges faced in achieving sustainability. It then discusses seaweed as a sustainable resource, including cultivation techniques and environmental benefits. Seaweed has various applications in drug manufacturing, including extracting and purifying bioactive compounds with potential therapeutic properties. Seaweed’s role in developing green technologies, such as seaweed-based excipients, biodegradable packaging materials, and as a source of sustainable energy for drug manufacturing processes, is highlighted. The environmental and economic implications of incorporating seaweed-based solutions are discussed, emphasizing reduced carbon footprint and cost-effectiveness. Regulatory and industrial perspectives are addressed, examining challenges, and opportunities for implementing seaweed-based drug manufacturing. Collaboration between academia, industry, and regulatory bodies is crucial for successful integration. The review presents future directions and opportunities, including emerging trends and innovations in seaweed-based drug manufacturing, areas for further research, policy development, and industry engagement recommendations. Incorporating seaweed into drug production facilitates a reduction in environmental impact, promotes resource efficiency, and contributes to sustainable healthcare. This review showcases seaweed-based solutions as a means to foster a greener future for drug manufacturing, addressing environmental concerns, and promoting sustainability.

Evaluation on Material Anisotropy of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Printed via Fused Deposition Modelling

Thermoplastic polymers are widely used in industry to generate parts with reasonable production costs, lightweight, chemical stability, sustainability, and recyclability compared to other materials such as metals, metalloids, or even thermoset polymers. The innovative additive manufacturing (AM) techniques, e.g., fused deposition modelling (FDM), can be used to fabricate thermoplastic products with complex geometries and specific properties. However, the mechanical integrity of those FDM-printed plastic parts can be greatly impacted by a phenomenon named material anisotropy. In this study, an experimental study on a popular 3D printing polymer material—acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)—is performed to determine how FDM process parameters affect the mechanical properties of the printed ABS parts. This study uniquely concentrates on investigating mechanical anisotropy in FDM-printed ABS, delving into a combination of key printing parameters for a comprehensive exploration. Meanwhile, a finite-element-based numerical analysis is also utilised to numerically evaluate the influences of infill percentage and build orientations on the mechanical properties of the 3D-printed ABS materials for comparison. It generates a better understanding of material anisotropy and helps to find the optimal FDM process parameters to print high-quality ABS parts and may attract industrial interests in transitioning from traditional ABS part production methods such as injection moulding or hot pressing to additive manufacturing.

RoBUTCHER: A novel robotic meat factory cell platform

Automation is critically important for sustainability in meat production, where heavy reliance on human labour is a growing challenge. In this work, a novel robotic Meat Factory Cell (MFC) platform presents the opportunity for unconventional automation in pork meat processing, particularly abattoirs. Instead of following line-based approaches, which are the main option today, it uses robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to perform complex cutting and manipulation operations on entire unchilled pork carcasses, with awareness of biological variation and deformation. The long-term goal of the MFC is to take a pork carcass as an input and produce seven primal outputs: hams, shoulders, saddle, belly and entire organ set. However, the MFC platform is under continuous development – therefore, this paper aims to demonstrate it through a specific use-case: shoulder removal. The system is evaluated based on data from testing and development sessions (June–November 2022), with a total of 34 attempted shoulder removals. Data regarding the MFCs’ ability to handle variation, in addition to success rate and process timing models are presented. Qualitative feedback from skilled butchers is also discussed. The authors propose that, as well as technical development of the platform, it is important to consider new ways of comparing unconventional systems with their conventional counterparts. Innovative manufacturing systems have more to offer than raw speed and volume; traits such as flexibility, robustness and scalability – particularly economic scalability – should play a prominent role. Future legislation and standards must also encourage innovation rather than hinder innovative robotics solutions.

Editorial: Recent innovations in intelligent welding manufacturing

Editorial: Recent innovations in intelligent welding manufacturing