I4S 3/2025: Digital Twin

In the connected world of Industry 4.0, digital twins open up completely new possibilities: They virtually replicate physical assets, processes, or products—in real-time and throughout their entire lifecycle. The result? Greater transparency, optimized processes, and better, data-driven decisions. However, key challenges remain, including the difficulty of capturing the current operating status of the product. This issue of Industry 4.0 Science covers a wide range of topics, from the basic concept of the digital twin to its benefits in procurement and strategic product planning to its consistent use in supply chain management—as a digital supply chain twin. Essential reading for anyone who wants to use technology in a variety of ways.

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I4S 2/2026: Learning Factories Drivers of research and learning environments for Industry 4.0

In recent years, learning factories have evolved into key experimental environments in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. In addition to their role as training centers for skilled workers, they also serve as real-world research laboratories. This issue of Industry 4.0 Science examines learning factories as venues for exploring new approaches and technologies—whether digital assistants, cobots, serious games, or digital twins.

I4S 1/2026: Applied AI Ethics in the Workplace A shared responsibility — from radiology and speech therapy to assembly

AI ethics in the workplace is everyone’s responsibility. It requires accountability from companies as a whole and conscious action from individuals—whether developers or users, managers or employees. Key issues revolve around ethical AI skills and questions of governance and employee representation. How will the world of work change, from radiology and speech therapy to assembly and quality control?

I4S 6/2025: Manufacturing in Space Infinite possibilities for industrial production?

Manufacturing is leaving Earth: what was once science fiction is becoming a strategic field for the future. Falling launch costs and new space industry players are enabling production and services under conditions that are impossible on Earth—from in-orbit maintenance to novel manufacturing processes in microgravity. This issue highlights opportunities, business models, and technological hurdles on the path to value chains in space.

I4S 5/2025: Artificial Intelligence and Digital Assistance How we can better support work

Demographic change, skills shortages, and stagnating productivity are threatening the competitiveness of German industry. At the same time, AI and digital assistance systems are opening up new opportunities: they make work more efficient and support skilled workers. But while they have long been part of everyday life, their potential in industry remains largely untapped—this is where this issue comes in with innovative concepts.

I4S 4/2025: Smart Logistics Sustainable, resilient processes along the entire value chain

Logistics is entering a new era. Climate change and geopolitical uncertainties are shifting the focus to resilience and sustainability. The concept of smart logistics is gaining importance. But what exactly makes logistics smart, and how can it help us organize our societies and the economy? Approaches such as predictive analytics, demand analysis, and machine learning show why smart logistics is more than just a technological trend.