In the current industrial context, the human workforce still represents a key resource thanks to its cognitive and motor flexibility. The present work explores the role of Industry 4.0 assistive technologies in production and logistics systems from a human-centric perspective. These technologies aim to provide cognitive or physical support to operators executing manual tasks, rather than substituting them. Therefore, there is need for a comprehensive understanding of the impact of assistive technologies on the well-being and performance of operators from a human-centric perspective. In this paper, a literature review on available assistive technologies is provided. Technologies are classified based on the type of manual task (picking, assembly), type of support provided to the operator (cognitive, motor), and potential drawbacks. Outcomes emphasize the need of a thorough human-centric perspective in developing and deploying assistive technologies.

Friction stir welding (FSW) is gaining traction as a preferred technique due to its potential to reduce heat input and enhance the mechanical properties of welded joints. However, the path to commercializing FSW for flange joints is not without challenges. Two primary obstacles are the complexity of the welding path and the intricate design requirements for the fixtures. These factors contribute to the difficulty in determining the ideal weld settings and process parameters, which are critical for achieving optimal results. The current study addresses these challenges by applying FSW to flange joints using custom-engineered fixtures. These fixtures are meticulously designed to hold the pipes and plates securely during the welding process. The focus of the research is on optimizing the multi-performance characteristics of FSW for Al 6063 flange joints through the hybrid Grey-based Taguchi method. The integrity of the weld joint is assessed by examining various mechanical properties within the weld zone, including rotation speed, travel speed, tool profile, and shoulder diameter. The study identifies the optimal parameter settings for the FSW process: a rotation speed of 3000 rpm, a travel speed of 3 mm/min2, a shoulder diameter of 20 mm, and a conical tool profile. Under these ideal conditions, the welded material exhibited a tensile strength of 170.169 MPa, a hardness of 63.7709 HV, and a corrosion rate of 0.022 mm/year. These findings underscore the effectiveness of the optimized FSW process in producing robust and durable flange joints.

This study investigates the controversial practice of planned obsolescence in the electronics industry. The study explores how frequent new model releases affect smartphone pricing and consumer loyalty, along with factors influencing smartphone upgrades such as perceived necessity, technological advancements, and pricing incentives. The research aims to understand consumer perspectives on planned obsolescence using Venkatesh’s decision-making theory in dynamic purchase conditions. Key questions include defining planned obsolescence, dissecting the innovation and consumer behavior model, and examining how these concepts relate to purchasing the next smartphone version. The literature review covers 23 planned obsolescence references (1993-2022) and 21 innovation adoption references (1943-2021). It touches on various aspects of planned obsolescence. The study advocates for consumer awareness, sustainable practices by producers, and a balanced business model that serves all interests while protecting the environment. A legal framework supporting a circular economy is highlighted as essential in combating planned obsolescence.

Predictive maintenance is one of the key aspects of Industry 4.0. The article presents the results of experimental tests of nitrogen purification filters in the installation of a low-pressure, metal processing device. The aim of the research was to develop a predictive algorithm for making decisions regarding the replacement of used filters, based on flow analysis and measurement of the pressure difference in front of and behind the tested filter. For the purposes of the research, a special test stand was constructed, which made it possible to determine the operating characteristics of three selected filters. Based on the tests carried out, the limit characteristics of the parameters measured were determined, identifying the need to replace filters in the gas installation.

A non-traditional method of thermal machining called wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM) is utilized for the production of intricate and complex components, particularly those composed of difficult-to-machine materials. Stainless steel has gained widespread usage in various applications in contemporary industry owing to its exceptional properties. In this present investigation, a numerical 3D finite element modeling simulation was conducted using the ABAQUS software to analyze the Material Removal Rates (MRR) for both single and multi-discharge scenarios of AISI 304 stainless steel. The findings indicate a close correspondence between the MRR values predicted by the numerical modeling and those obtained experimentally corresponding to the optimal process parameters: I = 6 A, Ton = 45 s, and Toff = 5 s. Hence, this numerical approach offers the potential to forecast outcomes before actual machining operations.

Despite the presence of a huge amount of research on various aspects related to the rationale for selection of optimal technologies, spatial aspects have traditionally remained unattended by scientists. Justification for selection of optimal technologies for the production and transportation of good and justification for selection of optimal location and capacity of the corresponding industries are interrelated tasks of the complex problem of optimizing the spatial and technological development of an economic sector within the relevant space. At first, based on the criterion of the availability of factors of production of the corresponding good, attractive production sites are identified and for each of them selection of place-based optimal production technology is justified. The developed systematic approach involves the stage of identifying locally optimal places and technologies of production and transportation for each sales market option according to the criterion of the minimum total costs of producing a good in the volume of demand of the corresponding sales market option and the costs of transporting this good to potential sales markets that form the evaluated market option sales in the amount of their demand. At the final stage, options for potential systemically optimal places and technologies, which are formed from locally optimal places and technologies, are compared. The option of potential systemically optimal locations and corresponding production and transportation technologies with minimal total costs for production and transportation is the best.

The work aims to develop a methodical approach to assessing the employer’s level of social responsibility for employee health. Methods of statistical analysis, expert assessments, and content analysis were used. Developed a methodological approach to determining the level of social responsibility of the employer for maintaining the health of workers, which was tested in a sample of 18 enterprises of the machine-building industry of Kharkiv and Kharkiv region; it is determined by calculating an integrated indicator that combines quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the working environment in three planes (sections), which characterize the factors influencing human health: social conditions and lifestyle, the level of ecology of the working space, and the level of medical care at the enterprise. The results of the employer’s efforts to preserve the health of the employee are transformed into the health of the employee, which is analyzed through the indicator “Health Index”.

Increasing productivity is currently the biggest challenge for manufacturing industries in terms of implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies. This article deals with the widely used methods of measuring of overall equipment effectiveness that in combination with statistical approaches confirms the growth in productivity and seems to be simple and novel technique particularly in the field of printing industries. The aim of the present study is to determine quantitatively the productivity, effectiveness, utilization, risk factor and sigma level of some machines in a printing company that are validated by the selected statistical approaches such as six sigma and analysis of variance techniques. Machine operating time, machine downtime and machine idle-time of different machines in a printing house are considered as main variable parameters for analysis of variance and six-sigma analysis. The results show that the proposed methodology can be a promising development towards improvement of productivity parameters of machines in the printing house.

The relevance of the research is determined as Ukraine, a country with a developed manufacturing industry, opens up new opportunities and challenges in the context of the global economy, which is increasingly based on global value chains, and studying this impact is key to achieving economic growth and competitiveness. The study aims to examine the relationship between Ukraine’s participation in global value chains and the development of the manufacturing industry to identify opportunities and prospects for their interaction. The methods used were analytical, functional, system analysis, deduction, synthesis, and comparison. The results showed that industrial development is closely linked to changes in production, exports, and participation in global value chains, which affect production volumes and the number of employees in Ukrainian industries. The practical implications are to facilitate the development of better export strategies and improve sectoral policies to increase the competitiveness and efficiency of Ukrainian enterprises in global value chains.

The objective of the research is to pinpoint issues in project management, as this is crucial for the development of a successful project. There is a need to expand the existing knowledge in project management, as it contributes to enhancing a company’s project management system. Additionally, the study presents effective remedies for project management challenges. Initially, we introduce the specific project, followed by an examination of the current state of production processes. In this context, we endeavour to propose solutions. The concluding section focuses on evaluating these solutions, summarizing the study, and achieving the study’s objective. These outcomes contribute to cost savings and ensure maximum customer satisfaction.

This research investigates the effects of green logistics practices on the sustainability performance of manufacturing enterprises in Oman, with a particular focus on the mediating role of circular economy practices. Analyzing data from 220 manufacturing companies through the PLS-SEM method, the findings reveal that green logistics management significantly enhances an organization’s sustainability and adherence to circular economy principles. Notably, while supply chain trackability greatly impacts circular economy practices, it does not moderate the relationship between sustainable performance and green logistics. This study enhances the understanding of how green logistics can support sustainable development and the implementation of circular economy practices in the manufacturing sector

The issue of modelling decision-making in the field of green production in a post-industrial society determines the relevance of the study. The main goal of the study is to develop a decision-making model that can help green industry organizations identify optimal strategies and actions to reduce environmental impacts, ensure sustainable efficiency, and promote development. The methodology used in the study involved a theoretical analysis, synthesis, and mathematical modelling methods. As a result, an innovative mathematical model was developed and proposed, which allows predicting the influence of various factors when choosing the optimal production strategy. The results show that the application of the developed model allows Ukrainian enterprises in the field of green production to determine optimal strategies aimed at reducing the environmental impact of production processes on the environment. It helps to ensure sustainable production efficiency, contributing to the economic sustainability of enterprises and the global economy.