Abstract
This paper describes the development of a multi-agent system (MAS) to support the implementation of zero-defect manufacturing strategies in multi-stage production systems. The MAS infrastructure, combined with on-line inspection tools, data analytics and knowledge generation, constitutes a suitable approach to integrate process and quality control in multi-stage environments. This will allow the early detection of product defects, the adaptation to operating condition changes and the optimisation of manufacturing processes. This type of integrated management structure is aligned with a zero-defect manufacturing production model which is of paramount importance in the actual state-of-the-art manufacturing paradigms. As a proof of concept, the devised manufacturing supervision model was deployed into an experimental multi-stage system that run a set of several tests on electrical motors. The agent-based solution was implemented using the JADE framework and the exchange of information structured by proper data models and industrial based Internet-of-Things and Machine-to-Machine technologies, such as OPC-UA, REST and JSON. The obtained results demonstrate the suitability of the devised integrated management model as a vehicle to achieve dynamic and continuous system improvement in multi-stage manufacturing environments.

Abstract
In this paper the synthesis of a rotational speed closed-loop control system based on a fractional-order proportional-integral (FOPI) controller is presented. In particular, it is proposed the use of the SCoMR-FOPI procedure as the controller tuning method for an unmanned aerial vehicle's propulsion unit. In this framework, both the Hermite-Biehler and Pontryagin theorems are used to predefine a stability region for the controller. Several simulations were conducted in order to try to answer the questions - is the FOPI controller good enough to be an alternative to more complex FOPID controllers? In what circumstances can it be advantageous over the ubiquitous PID? How robust this fractional-order controller is regarding the parametric uncertainty of considered propulsion unit model? © 2017 IEEE.

Abstract
In this paper the synthesis of a rotational speed closed-loop control system based on a fractional-order proportional-integral (FOPI) controller is presented. In particular, it is proposed the use of the SCoMR-FOPI procedure as the controller tuning method for an unmanned aerial vehicle's propulsion unit. In this framework, both the Hermite-Biehler and Pontryagin theorems are used to predefine a stability region for the controller. Several simulations were conducted in order to try to answer the questions - is the FOPI controller good enough to be an alternative to more complex FOPID controllers? In what circumstances can it be advantageous over the ubiquitous PID? How robust this fractional-order controller is regarding the parametric uncertainty of considered propulsion unit model?

Abstract
The most current forecasts point to a decrease in the amount of potable water available. This increase in water scarcity is a problem with which sustainable agricultural production is facing. This has led to an increasing search for technical solutions in order to improve the efficiency of irrigation systems. In this context, this work describes the architecture of an agent-based network and the cyberphysical elements which will be deployed in a strawberry fertigation production plant. The operation of this architecture relies on local information provided by LoRA based wireless sensor network that is described in this paper. Using the information provided by the array of measurement nodes, cross-referenced with local meteorological data, grower experience and the actual crop vegetative state, it will be possible to better define the amount of required irrigation solution and then to optimise the water usage.

Abstract
Laser scanners are widely used in mobile robotics localization systems but, despite the enormous potential of its use, their high price tag is a major drawback, mainly for hobbyist and educational robotics practitioners that usually have a reduced budget. The Neato XV-11 Laser Scanner is a very low cost alternative, when compared with the current available laser scanners, being this fact the main motivation for its use. The modeling of a hacked Neato XV-11 Laser Scanner allows to provide valuable information that can promote the development of better designs of robot localization systems based on this sensor. This paper presents, as an example, the performance enhancement of a Neato XV-11 Laser Scanner applied to mobile robot self-localization, being used as case study the Perfect Match Algorithm applied to the Robot@Factory competition. © The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2021.

Abstract
Distributed power sources will become increasingly ubiquitous in the near future. In this power production paradigm, photovoltaic conversion systems will play a fundamental role due to the growing tendency of energy price, and an opposed trend for the photovoltaic panels. This will lead to increased pressure for the installation of this particular renewable energy source in home buildings. In particular, on-grid photovoltaic systems where the generated power can be injected directly to the main power grid. This strategy requires the use of DC-AC inverters whose output is synchronized, in phase, with the main grid voltage. In order to provide steady output in the presence of load disturbances, the inverter must work in closed-loop. This work presents a new way to design an inverter controller by resorting to the CDM design technique. The obtained results suggest that the controller achieved with this method, although simpler than other methods, leads to an acceptable and robust closed-loop response. © The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2021.