Special Issue on Human-Robot Collaboration for Futuristic Human-Centric Smart Manufacturing

This Special Issue serves as a bridge between the ASME Journal of Manufacturing Science and Engineering (JMSE) and the global community of manufacturing researchers. Its primary objective is to curate a collection of high-level scientific articles that push the boundaries of knowledge in the realm of Human-Robot Collaboration (HRC) for forward-looking, human-centric smart manufacturing. It encourages researchers to present their innovative methodologies, tools, systems, and practical case studies, fostering advancements that integrate cognitive computing, mixed reality, and advanced data analytics. By emphasizing proactive teamwork and seamless interaction, this initiative aims to narrow the gap between human operators and industrial robots. Contributions are sought in areas such as cognitive HRC systems, safety considerations, adaptive motion planning, human intention prediction, and semantic knowledge representation—key components in achieving efficient and effective collaboration within the manufacturing industry. Beyond its scientific impact, this Special Issue also seeks to unite leading scientific communities worldwide.