2026
Authors
Camarinha-Matos, LM; Ortiz, A; Boucher, X; Lucas Soares, A;
Publication
IFIP Advances in Information and Communication Technology
Abstract
2026
Authors
Chaves, AC; Alonso, AN; Soares, AL;
Publication
ADVANCES IN PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS. CYBER-PHYSICAL-HUMAN PRODUCTION SYSTEMS: HUMAN-AI COLLABORATION AND BEYOND, APMS 2025, PT V
Abstract
The increasing adoption of the Digital Twin concept and technology for managing complex physical assets has led to the emergence of Digital Twin Ecosystems, where interconnected digital twins generate additional value. However, ensuring seamless data sharing and interoperability among diverse systems presents significant challenges. Although research on digital twin architectures has advanced, gaps remain in addressing data governance, security, and stakeholders' trust. This study performs a comprehensive literature review to investigate architectural solutions to overcome challenges in digital twin ecosystems. The findings identify key requirements such as interoperability, governance, and data management, emphasizing the role of Data Spaces as enablers of secure data sharing. By structuring the requirements for digital twin ecosystem architectures, this paper identifies gaps suggesting future research on scalable and sustainable digital twin ecosystem implementations. These insights are expected to contribute to the development of frameworks that integrate technical advances with organizational and regulatory considerations, ultimately fostering the adoption of digital twin ecosystems across industries.
2026
Authors
Ramalho, FR; Soares, AL; Simoes, AC; Almeida, AH; Oliveira, M;
Publication
ADVANCES IN PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS. CYBER-PHYSICAL-HUMAN PRODUCTION SYSTEMS: HUMAN-AI COLLABORATION AND BEYOND, APMS 2025, PT I
Abstract
This paper evaluates an Augmented Reality (AR) solution designed to support quality control in a assembly line inspection station before body marriage at a European automotive manufacturer. A threephase methodology was applied: an AS-IS assessment, a formative evaluation of an intermediate prototype, and a summative evaluation under real production conditions. The AR solution aimed to improve task standardization, non-value-added time (NVAT), and enhance operator accuracy. The results showed that operators successfully developed inspections using the AR tool, identifying and correcting non-conformities (NOKs) while maintaining task duration. Participants valued having contextual information directly in their field of vision and reported increased rigor and consistency. However, usability and ergonomic improvements were noted, such as headset weight, gesture interaction, and visibility over dark components. The findings highlight AR's potential to support operator autonomy and accuracy in industrial environments while emphasizing the need for human-centered design and integration to ensure long-term adoption.
2026
Authors
Pinheiro, I; Moura, P; Rodrigues, L; Pacheco, AP; Teixeira, JG; Valente, LG; Cunha, M; Neves Dos Santos, FN;
Publication
Agricultural Systems
Abstract
In 2023, global kiwifruit production reached over 4.4 million tonnes, highlighting the crop's significant economic importance. However, achieving high yields depends on adequate pollination. In Actinidia species, pollen is transferred by insects from male to female flowers on separate plants. Natural pollination faces increasing challenges due to the decline in pollinator populations and climate variability, driving the adoption of assisted pollination methods. This study examines the Portuguese kiwifruit sector, one of the world's top 12 producers, using a novel mixed-methods approach that integrates both qualitative and quantitative analyses to assess the feasibility of robotic pollination. The qualitative study identifies the benefits and challenges of current methods and explores how robotic pollination could address these challenges. The quantitative analysis explores the cost-effectiveness and practicality of implementing robotic pollination as a product and service. Findings indicate that most farmers use handheld pollination devices but face pollen wastage and application timing challenges. Economic analysis establishes a break-even point of €685 per hectare for an annual single application, with a first robotic pollination of €17 146 becoming cost-effective for orchards of at least 3.5 hectares and a second robotic solution of €34 293 becoming cost-effective for orchards up to 7 hectares. A robotic pollination service priced at €685 per hectare per application presents a low-risk and a viable alternative for growers. This study provides robust economic insights supporting the adoption of robotic pollination technologies. This study is crucial to make informed decisions to enhance kiwifruit production's productivity and sustainability through precise robotic-assisted pollination. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.
2026
Authors
Kallitsari, Z; Theodorakis, ND; Teixeira, JG; Anastasiadou, K; Lianopoulos, Y; Tsigilis, N;
Publication
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EVENT AND FESTIVAL MANAGEMENT
Abstract
Purpose This study aims to explore how technology-enabled services influence the overall experience of participants in running events by applying a structured service design methodology. Specifically, it examined how recreational runners engage with technology-enabled services throughout the customer journey of a running event, and how the application of the MINDS method contributes to enhancing the runners' experience. Design/methodology/approach Thirty-nine running event participants were interviewed to explore their experiences. The interviews took place in Greece in 2023, across various mass-participation events from marathons to 5K city races. Using the Management and INteraction Design for Service (MINDS) method, qualitative data were thematically analyzed. Findings The study identified how recreational runners interact with technology-enabled services across the pre-, during-, and post-event stages. Using the MINDS method, participants' experiences were mapped to reveal emotional touchpoints, service gaps, and opportunities to enhance the event experience. These findings were translated into service design proposals through the MINDS method, resulting in visual outputs that illustrate how technology-enabled services could be better integrated across the event journey. Originality/value This study is among the first to examine running event experiences from the participants' perspective using a service design methodology. It also contributes to the advancement of the MINDS by introducing customer journey and emotional journey extensions, offering richer insights into how participant experiences can be optimized across the event lifecycle.
2026
Authors
Simoes, E; Simoes, AC; Rodrigues, JC; Lourenço, P;
Publication
ADVANCES IN PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS. CYBER-PHYSICAL-HUMAN PRODUCTION SYSTEMS: HUMAN-AI COLLABORATION AND BEYOND, APMS 2025, PT I
Abstract
Companies are increasingly adopting technologies such as Robotic Process Automation (RPA) to reduce costs and improve productivity. RPA is deployed in areas like accounting, payroll, and finance to automate business processes. While RPA does not necessarily result in unemployment, it has notable effects on employees and company governance. This study explores the impact of RPA implementation on employees and company governance, using a qualitative methodology based on thirteen semi-structured interviews with RPA experts from four multinational companies. The results indicate that the impacts of RPA vary depending on the automation strategy adopted (task-oriented or process-oriented). In task-oriented strategies, citizen developers often play a central role, contributing to rapid implementation. In contrast, process-oriented strategies tend to rely on professional developers and require more structured governance. The findings also point out that RPA influences not only task execution but also employee upskilling, job role redefinition, and the evolution of governance models. The study proposes an integrated framework linking automation strategy, governance, upskilling, and employee adaptation, offering both practical insights and theoretical contributions to digital transformation research and for managing risks and enhancing workforce capabilities. It also advances academic understanding by linking real-world RPA implementations to organisational and technological impacts.
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