Recent Advances and Research Trends in Industry 4.0 (Online Lectures)

Doctoral students are invited to explore the frontiers of modern science through our specialised lecture series, delivered by distinguished professors from Unite! partner universities. See the Industry 4.0 lecture schedule below.

Lecture 1

➡️Title: What can boost the competitiveness of Additive Manufacturing? New Processes – New Machines – New Materials

🗣Speaker: Franz Haas (Graz University of Technology) 

📅Date and time of the lecture: April 13, 2026 | 1:00 PM (CET)

📓Abstract: TBD

Lecture 2

➡️Title: Industry 4.0 from a practical industry perspective

🗣Speaker: Vicenç Puig (Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya)  

📅Date and time of the lecture: April 15, 2026 | 10:00 AM (CET)

📓Abstract: 

In this talk, Industry 4.0 will be presented from a practical industry perspective based on the research experiences and collaborations of UPC with some companies. A set of problems of Industry 4.0 and how they have been addressed will be presented. The talk also will introduce some results of the application of Industry 4.0 modules developed at UPC in some real case studies.

Lecture 3

➡️Title: TBD

🗣Speaker: Ville Eloranta (Aalto University) 

📅Date and time of the lecture: April 28, 2026 | 10:00 AM (CET)

📓Abstract:  TBD

Lecture 4

➡️Title: Additive Manufacturing in Aerospace: from Earth to Orbit

🗣Speaker: Eleonora Atzeni, Enrico Zappino (Politecnico di Torino) 

📅Date and time of the lecture: April 29, 2026 | 15:00 PM (CET)

📓Abstract:  

The aerospace sector has been at the forefront of additive manufacturing (AM), exploiting its ability to produce lightweight, functionally optimized components with complex geometries that are difficult or impossible to achieve using conventional processes. Both metallic and composite materials are central in this field, depending on application-specific performance requirements. In space applications, AM enables in-orbit fabrication, repair, and component adaptation, reducing dependence on Earth-based supply chains. Research is driven by the need to overcome challenges related to material availability, maintenance, and system reliability during long-duration missions. Autonomous manufacturing in space would also allow structures to be designed specifically for microgravity conditions, eliminating launch constraints and significantly reducing payload mass, with economic and environmental benefits.

This lecture presents the current state of AM for aerospace applications, outlining key technological trends, recent advances, and the major scientific and engineering challenges that must be addressed to fully exploit its potential.

Lecture 5

➡️Title: Beyond the Gaussian horizon: advanced signal processing techniques for condition monitoring in Industry 4.0

🗣Speaker: Agnieszka Wyłomańska (Wroclaw University of Science and Technology) 

📅Date and time of the lecture: May 5, 2026 | 15:00 PM (CET)

📓Abstract: 

Recent trends in signal-based condition monitoring show a shift from standard analysis toward advanced signal processing to unlock hidden data insights. Addressing the growing challenge of non-Gaussian signal behavior, where traditional methods often fail, this lecture presents recent achievements in robust techniques for fault identification in machinery characterized by highly impulsive vibration signals. For many years, an interdisciplinary research team from Wroclaw Tech has been developing new techniques tailored to this problem, specifically focusing on advanced robust statistical methods. We will present the mathematical background of these techniques and demonstrate their efficiency using Monte Carlo simulations (allowing us to control non-Gaussianity levels). Finally, real-world data cases will be demonstrated as illustrations.

Lecture 6

➡️Title: AI-Powered Decision Support for Modern Production and Supply Chains

🗣Speaker: Gülgün Alpan (Grenoble INP-UGA)

📅Date and time of the lecture: May 20, 2026 | 14:00 PM (CET)

📓Abstract: 

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a cornerstone technology of Industry 4.0, reshaping the way production and service systems are designed, planned, and managed. In today’s markets—characterized by high product variety and customization, volatile and uncertain demand, shortened product life cycles, and ever-reducing delivery times—companies must rely on flexible production systems, robust supply chains, and agile decision-making processes. Traditional analytical tools, while powerful, are increasingly reaching their limits in coping with such complexity and dynamism.

This lecture explores the role of AI as a tool to develop advanced decision-support for production systems and supply chain management. It aims to provide both conceptual foundations and practical insights into the development of next-generation intelligent decision-support systems for Industry 4.0 enterprises.  We present different ways AI can be leveraged: as a standalone decision-support tool and in synergy with optimization and simulation techniques. Some illustrative applications in production planning, scheduling, inventory management, and supply chain coordination will also be provided.