Teknologi: generelle emner

What is artificial intelligence? What problems does it solve? Should we fear its potential? In this highly accessible guide to the subject, Richard Urwin explains how AI came about and how it has developed over the years through the construction of ever more sophisticated computer programs. From primitive calculators and early robotics to stock market analytics and ChatGPT, readers can explore the history and far-reaching capabilities of this dynamic field and its potentially frightening possibilities. Includes: - The History of Artificial Intelligence- Data-mining and Statistics- Deep learning- Swarm Intelligence> By turns fascinating and scary, Artificial Intelligence will take the reader on an amazing journey of this field's world-changing potential.

Step Back in Time to Discover the FutureImagine a world where Da Vinci's robots roamed the Renaissance, where ancient skies were cut by wings far before the Wright brothers took flight, and where the hum of electricity powered cities long before it was a reality. "Before Their Time: 200 Inventions That Were Too Early" opens a captivating window into the audacious human spirit-the dreamers and thinkers who dared to envision beyond the limitations of their epochs.Dive into tales of flush toilets that arrived before their sewers, high-speed travel concepts that outpaced society's pace, and mechanical wonders that forecasted the digital age in an era of iron and steam. Each chapter in this mesmerizing book explores the breadth of human ingenuity through the lens of those whose visions were so advanced, they sparked transformations far beyond their lifetimes.Chapter by chapter, witness the fates of these visionary inventions: from telecommunications that nearly preempted the age of the smartphone to medical breakthroughs that could have rewritten history itself. You'll be transported into the lives of legendary and lesser-known inventors alike, whose forward-thinking creations posed questions society wasn't ready to answer.Through the accounts of the "Prophets of the Practical" and "Visionaries of Velocity," experience the exhilarating rush of ideas that could have propelled our ancestors into a different modern age-if only they had succeeded. What could our world have been if the practical application had met their pioneering potential? This is the question that lingers in the echoes of each "what if" scenario presented within the pages of this compelling narrative.With stunning detail and a storyteller's touch, "Before Their Time: 200 Inventions That Were Too Early" is not merely a historical account but a journey through an alternate reality of technological advancement. It's a call to the curious, the inventors, and the dreamers of today to leap boldly towards the future. Uncover where we've come from to envision where we could go next-your ticket to the past, rewriting the present, awaits.

The Technological Emergence of AutoML presents a comprehensive snapshot of how AutoML has permeated into mainstream use within the early 2020s. This work surveys both their implementation and application in the context of industry. It also defines what a 'performant' AutoML system is - HCI support is valued highly here - and assesses how the current crop of available packages and services lives up to expectations. To do so in a systematic manner, this survey is structured as follows. Section 2 begins by elaborating on the notion of an ML workflow, conceptually framing AutoML in terms of the high-level operations required to develop, deploy and maintain an ML model. Section 3 uses this workflow to support the introduction of industry-related stakeholders and their interests/obligations. These requirements are unified into a comprehensive set of criteria, supported by methods of assessment, that determine whether an AutoML system can be considered performant. Section 4 launches the survey in earnest, assessing the nature and capabilities of existing AutoML technology beginning with an examination of open-source AutoML packages. The section additionally investigates AutoML systems that are designed for specific domains, as well as commercial products. Subsequently, Section 5 assesses where AutoML technology has been used and how it has fared. Academic work focusing on real-world applications is surveyed, as are vendor-based case studies. All key findings and assessments are then synthesized in Section 6, with commentary around how mature AutoML technology is, as well as whether there are obstacles and opportunities for future uptake. Finally, Section 7 provides a concluding overview on the technological emergence of AutoML.

The book introduces you to the numerous topics of the energy transition with exciting subject matter. At the same time, you will learn about what are probably the most exciting developments in the modern world with the challenges of today; on the one hand with a view to maintaining energy supply security for people, and on the other hand with a view to the many opportunities for future generations. The book explains why the energy transition has not yet become a reality and why the energy transition is now gaining momentum. A book about the energy transition also necessarily deals with structural change and is also a testimony to the huge efforts and challenges that the regions are making and overcoming when the goals are clearly defined and when the regional identity is supported by these goals on an inter-municipal basis. A book about the energy transition is also a testimony to the great efforts and challenges that companies in the energy markets are making and overcoming when established structures are broken up and networked with new or complementary business models, when complementary services are created with the expanded energy products. The success of the energy transition therefore depends crucially on the start and speed of implementation of defined goals, which requires determination and regional identity with the emerging fields of action.

This volume gathers the latest advances, innovations and applications in the field of cable dynamics and aerodynamics, as presented by leading researchers and engineers at the 3rd International Symposium on Dynamics and Aerodynamics of Cables (ISDAC), held in Rome, Italy on June 15-17, 2023. The contributions encompass topics such as nonlinear cable dynamics, cable structures and moving cables, cable aging, fatigue, degradation and failure mechanisms, laboratory testing of cable dynamics and aerodynamics, computational models for cable dynamics and fluid-structure interaction, cable vibration control, cable driven parallel manipulators, monitoring of cable performance, environmental and anthropic loads on cable structures. The contributions, which were selected through a rigorous international peer-review process, share exciting ideas that will spur novel research directions and foster new multidisciplinary collaborations.

This book provides insight into the importance of advanced innovative technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and Metaverse as part of information and communication technology (ICT) solutions in education. Key features of this book include the recent and emerging developments in various specializations in education and finding their solutions by incorporating IoT, AI and ICT. This book presents useful applications, interventions, and case studies that cater to their improved requirements. Topics include formal and services based on IoT; AI technology for IoT-based educational delivery; interfacing devices to IoT; smart educational services; ChatGPT; Smartbots; and more. The authors include several practical solutions and applications of IoT and ICT in education. The book applies to researchers, academics, students, educators and practitioners around the world.

Presently, we stand on the threshold of a technological revolution that will drastically change the way we live, work, and communicate with each other. By the current rate, scope, and complexity, this transformation will be as fundamental for society as any other technological paradigm change from the past. The industries which are more susceptible to change are technologically oriented industries including banking, finance, accounting, and auditing. One of the technological concepts of the technological revolution is the concept of the digital twin.The application of digital twins and AI as paired with Internet of Things technologies makes it possible to solve ESG problems on a completely different level (Li, 2019) for accounting firms and financial institutions. These include recycling on demand, rational energy consumption, smart surveillance cameras for crime tracking, and smart branch parking solutions, monitoring the wear and tear and conditions of financial technology infrastructures.Moreover, numerous researchers and practitioners emphasize the significance of innovating sustainable business models and operations (Geissdoerfer et al., 2018). The digital twin will allow businesses and financial institutions to minimize costs, boost customer service, and find new ways to generate revenue. DTW is accessible now more than ever, and many reputable and innovative companies such as Tesla, Ericsson, and Siemens have adopted it with varying success.Therefore, this book examines the opportunities, challenges, and risks of artificial intelligence-augmented digital twins for financial operations, innovation, and sustainable development. It focuses on AI and digital twin technologies to furnish solutions for the current industrial revolution including the Metaverse. Henceforth, this book aims to encourage authors to submit multi-disciplinary chapters indicating the current scholarly challenges about the applications and potential of artificial intelligence and digital twins in accounting, finance, and banking.

Das Buch führt mit spannender Thematik an die zahlreichen Tangenten der Energiewende heran. Sie erfahren zugleich die wohl spannendsten Entwicklungen der modernen Welt mit den Herausforderungen von Heute; dies zum einen mit Blick auf den Erhalt der Energieversorgungssicherheit für die Menschen, dies zudem mit Blick auf die vielen Chancen für die kommenden Generationen. Das Buch erklärt, warum die Energiewende bisher nicht real werden konnte und wodurch die Energiewende jetzt Fahrt aufnimmt. Ein Buch über die Energiewende befasst sich unbedingt auch mit dem Strukturwandel und ist auch ein Zeugnis der sehr großen Anstrengungen und der Herausforderungen, welche die Regionen eingehen und bewältigen, wenn die Ziele klar definiert sind und wenn die regionale Identität mit diesen Zielen interkommunal unterstützt ist. Ein Buch über die Energiewende ist zudem auch ein Zeugnis großer Anstrengungen und Herausforderungen, welche die Unternehmen in den Energiemärkten eingehen und bewältigen, wenn die etablierten Strukturen aufgebrochen werden und vernetzt werden mit neuen bzw. mit ergänzenden Geschäftsmodellen, wenn mit den erweiterten Energieprodukten die ergänzenden Dienstleistungen entstehen. Der Erfolg der Energiewende hängt somit ganz entscheidend ab von dem Beginn und von dem Tempo der Umsetzung definierter Ziele, was die Entschlossenheit und die regionale Identität mit den entstehenden Handlungsfeldern erfordert.

The book introduces you to the numerous tangents of the energy transition with exciting subject matter. At the same time, you will learn about what are probably the most exciting developments in the modern world with the challenges of today; on the one hand with a view to maintaining energy supply security for people, and on the other hand with a view to the many opportunities for future generations. The book explains the current positions on the energy transition, explains why the energy transition may initially seem paradoxical and explains the tangents of the energy transition. The book shows the comprehensive link between the energy transition and environmental protection against increasing climate change.The book shows the booming global image of the energy transition.The success of the energy transition depends crucially on the start and speed of implementation of defined goals, which requires determination and regional identity with the emerging fields of action. In the course of the book, the initially tempting-sounding statements are also confronted with the claim and the reality. The energy turnaround is made comprehensible by presenting the efforts from a wide variety of perspectives. Let yourself be inspired and excited by the numerous opportunities that the energy transition offers.

Das Buch führt mit spannender Thematik an die zahlreichen Tangenten der Energiewende heran. Sie erfahren zugleich die wohl spannendsten Entwicklungen der modernen Welt mit den Herausforderungen von Heute; dies zum einen mit Blick auf den Erhalt der Energieversorgungssicherheit für die Menschen, dies zudem mit Blick auf die vielen Chancen für die kommenden Generationen. Das Buch erklärt zur Energiewende die aktuellen Positionen, erklärt, warum die Energiewende zuerst vielleicht paradox wirken kann und erklärt die Tangenten der Energiewende. Das Buch zeigt die umfassende Klammer der Energiewende mit dem Umweltschutz gegen den zunehmenden Klimawandel.Das Buch zeigt das global boomende Image der Energiewende.Der Erfolg der Energiewende hängt ganz entscheidend ab von dem Beginn und von dem Tempo der Umsetzung definierter Ziele, was die Entschlossenheit und die regionale Identität mit den entstehenden Handlungsfeldern erfordert. In dem Verlauf des Buches werden zudem die zunächst verlockend klingenden Aussagen konfrontiert mit dem Anspruch sowie mit der Realität. Die Energiewende ist nachvollziehbar mit den Darstellungen der Anstrengungen aus den unterschiedlichsten Perspektiven. Lassen Sie sich inspirieren und begeistern von den zahlreichen Chancen, welche die Energiewende auslöst.

This book focuses on Krylov subspace methods for solving linear systems, which are known as one of the top 10 algorithms in the twentieth century, such as Fast Fourier Transform and Quick Sort (SIAM News, 2000). Theoretical aspects of Krylov subspace methods developed in the twentieth century are explained and derived in a concise and unified way. Furthermore, some Krylov subspace methods in the twenty-first century are described in detail, such as the COCR method for complex symmetric linear systems, the BiCR method, and the IDR(s) method for non-Hermitian linear systems.The strength of the book is not only in describing principles of Krylov subspace methods but in providing a variety of applications: shifted linear systems and matrix functions from the theoretical point of view, as well as partial differential equations, computational physics, computational particle physics, optimizations, and machine learning from a practical point of view.The book is self-contained in that basic necessary concepts of numerical linear algebra are explained, making it suitable for senior undergraduates, postgraduates, and researchers in mathematics, engineering, and computational science. Readers will find it a useful resource for understanding the principles and properties of Krylov subspace methods and correctly using those methods for solving problems in the future.

"Lives of the Engineers" is a series of biographical sketches written by Samuel Smiles, a Scottish author and reformer. The book was first published in 1861 and was later expanded in subsequent editions. The work aims to highlight the lives and contributions of notable engineers from the 18th and 19th centuries.Samuel Smiles was a proponent of self-help and believed in the power of individual effort and perseverance. In "Lives of the Engineers," he focuses on the achievements of engineers who played crucial roles in the industrial revolution and the development of modern infrastructure.The series includes biographies of various engineers, such as James Brindley, John Smeaton, Thomas Telford, George Stephenson, and Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Each biography explores the engineer's background, career, challenges faced, and significant contributions to engineering and technological advancements.The work emphasizes the importance of innovation, hard work, and determination in the lives of these engineers. Smiles uses their stories to inspire readers and promote the idea that success in life is achievable through effort and dedication."Lives of the Engineers" is considered a classic in the genre of biographical literature and provides insights into the historical context of the industrial revolution and the men who shaped it through their engineering achievements. Samuel Smiles' approach to biography aligns with his broader philosophy of self-help and individual agency in personal and professional success.

Leveraging Metaverse and Analytics of Things (AoT) in Medical Systems explores the potential benefits and applications of emerging technologies such as metaverse and AoT in the field of healthcare. The book provides insights into how these technologies can be leveraged to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and quality of medical systems. It explores the concept of metaverse and its potential applications in healthcare, including the use of virtual and augmented reality technologies for medical education, training, and simulation, as well as the development of immersive environments for patient care and therapy. The book also delves into the field of AoT, such as the use of wearable devices, smart sensors, and other connected technologies. Applications to monitor patient health, track medical outcomes, and inform clinical decision-making are covered. Integrating both technologies can help improve medical training, diagnosis, treatment, and patient outcomes through the use of virtual reality and real-time data analytics.

The electrical distribution system has undergone significant transformations, which have had a profound impact on distribution system development and expansion. These changes have been primarily driven by changing load profiles, distributed generation sources, and increasingly extreme weather events. Advancements in sensor and communication technologies have played a pivotal role in addressing and adapting to these changes. These changes have also led to an increased focus on reliability and resilience in planning, with priority placed on ensuring robust grid connectivity and flexibility. Three decades ago, power distribution systems were primarily radial with unidirectional power flow. Today's electrical distribution systems have distributed energy resources, leading to bidirectional power flow. The utility's geographic information system network, advanced metering infrastructure, and other technologies are leveraged to allow feeders and distributed energy resources to be interconnected. This has facilitated the integration of the electric grid with networked microgrids, which has improved the overall resilience and efficiency of the distribution system. While there have been notable improvements in grid planning, the power grid remains vulnerable to high-impact, low-frequency events caused by climate change, such as hurricanes and tornadoes. This book outlines potential solutions for addressing future electric grid issues, including transformer overloading due to electric vehicles, optimization challenges, advanced feeder reconfiguration, and contingency planning for extreme events. The proposed approach focuses on the implementation and operation of new technologies, such as renewable energy sources, batteries, flexible loads, and advanced sensors, that have the potential to transform distribution network planning and operation. From traditional methods to innovative networked microgrids within existing infrastructure and non-wire alternative strategies, this book provides a comprehensive overview of state-of-the-art strategies for future problems.

This book gives a complete overview of current developments in the nano drug delivery technology in the management of neurological disorders and brain diseases. The book is divided into three main sub-sections: A) Fundamental study on nanomaterials, nanocarriers, and nanoformulation-based drug delivery in neurological diseases management, B) Nano drug delivery therapy - a novel approach towards common neurological disorders and C) Novel nano delivery strategies in targeted neurological diseases management. This collective work presents diverse nano-based drug delivery technologies that are high-throughput, reliable, pioneering, and applicable to researchers of different countries despite their socio-economic conditions. It hopefully encourages researchers, innovators and policymaker to adapt nanomaterial-based drug delivery vehicles technologies using diverse nano-based formulation techniques as targeted therapy for treating and managing neurological disorders.

Nowadays, multi-UAV systems reveal great potential value in applications such as surveillance, disaster rescue, mapping, cargo delivery, etc. Through coordination among multiple or even a swarm of UAVs, multi-UAV systems can improve mission capability, survivability, and flexibility. Regarding the key technologies, multi-UAV networks are the essential building blocks in multi-UAV systems, which provide the foundation for information transmission and further enable team behavior. This reprint presents a collection of cutting-edge research in the field of UAVs, showcasing advancements and innovations in the related areas. The featured papers cover topics such as object detection, cooperative exploration, authentication schemes, machine learning methods, connectivity maintenance, UAV deployment, intelligent mining, task assignment, and multi-UAV swarm control. They explore different aspects of UAV technology, highlighting novel approaches and algorithms that enhance the efficiency, security, and performance of UAV systems. From real-time object detection to decentralized exploration strategies and secure communication protocols, this reprint offers valuable insights into the potential of UAVs and their applications in diverse domains. It serves as a valuable resource for researchers, engineers, and practitioners seeking to stay at the forefront of UAV technology and leverage its capabilities to drive innovation in their respective fields.

Dive into the forefront of semiconductor technology with our Special Issue reprint entitled, "Advanced CMOS Devices and Applications." This compilation unites a spectrum of contributions from leading experts, offering a captivating exploration of the latest breakthroughs in semiconductor technology. Uncover groundbreaking insights into 3D-stacked transistors, advanced transistor and memory processing, high-mobility channels, and novel simulation results, showcasing the cutting-edge advancements in advanced CMOS transistors and emerging non-volatile memories. The collection spans diverse topics such as 3D power scaling, advanced transistor processing, and emerging non-volatile memories, providing readers with a comprehensive panorama of the state-of-the-art developments in semiconductor technology. Crafted by eminent researchers, these articles delve into critical challenges and unveil innovative solutions, contributing significantly to the ongoing discourse in the scientific community. Whether you are a seasoned researcher, industry professional, or an eager student keen on grasping the forefront of semiconductor technology, this Reprint stands as a valuable resource. Immerse yourself in the knowledge presented by experts who have shaped the discourse in this dynamic field.

Thinking at EU, national and regional level and acting locally is not a contradiction, but rather a dynamic energy policy. If someone tells you that they can explain the opportunities and possibilities of environmental and climate aid within a few minutes, then you should be extremely skeptical.This book CLIMATE.help.EU introduces you to the numerous tangents of climate aid and the energy transition in an exciting way. The many interfaces of the energy transition are not necessarily immediately obvious, but the regional and local swarm contributions are of great importance for the common multiple.The renaturation, the sustainable bridge technologies, the climate-neutral future technologies, the sector coupling (Power-to-X) of electricity + heat + gas products + fuel products with hydrogen . . . the regional and local opportunities are manifold and have already triggered a booming job engine with German technology know-how and German infrastructure know-how in addition to the proof of concept for the energy transition. Hydrogen energy storage is the comprehensive bracket for the sustainable energy transition with environmentally neutral technologies to reduce climate change. This book CLIMATE.help.EU would like to engage you in an imaginative dialog on the energy transition and has a broad target group: interested citizens, students and teachers, municipal and regional actors, urban planners, politicians, entrepreneurs, actors in the construction industry, in agriculture and in the energy industry . . . as well as basically all people who keep asking themselves what sustainable action can look like. In the most positive sense, this book CLIMATE.help.EU actually dispenses with cautionary scenarios and starts directly with the presentation of the promising possibilities in the potential grid of the EU energy transition.The success of the energy transition depends crucially on the start and speed of implementation of defined goals, which requires determination and regional identity with the emerging fields of action. Let yourself be inspired and enthused by the numerous opportunities that the energy transition offers: thinking at EU, national and regional level and acting locally is not a contradiction, but rather a dynamic energy infrastructure.

"Advances in the Experimentation and Numerical Modeling of Material Joining Processes" is an innovative compilation offering a comprehensive exploration of the latest developments in material-joining techniques. With 22 chapters, this MDPI scientific reprint addresses adhesive bonding, welding, friction stir welding, hybrid joining, and miscellaneous topics. The editorial (Chapter 1) provides the main limitations, possible improvements, active research lines, and prospects of material joining processes. Chapters 2 to 10 relate to adhesive bonded and welded joints. Chapters 11 to 17 shift the focus to friction stir welding, covering the aerospace industry's progress, microstructure analysis, tool tilt angles, and corrosion behaviour. Hybrid joining processes are the topic of chapters 18 and 19, discussing numerical simulation of laser-arc hybrid welding and steel-aluminium joints made by resistance spot welding. Chapters 20 to 22 explore miscellaneous topics, including interpenetrating phase composites and concrete blocks in seismic areas. This volume serves as a vital resource for researchers, engineers, and practitioners, enabling a deeper understanding of material-joining techniques and inspiring further innovation.

The idea of an intelligent machine has fascinated humans for centuries. Intelligence can be defined as the capacity for learning, reasoning, understanding, or the aptitude for grasping truths, relationships, facts, or meanings. Any of these perspectives requires the capacity to acquire data from the surrounding environment and possibly act over that environment. In short, the building of autonomous agents served with sensors and actuators, capable of learning and producing educated answers was long foreseen. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is impacting our day-to-day lives, our cities, and even our free time. AI is still closely associated with some popular misconceptions that cause the public to either have unrealistic fears about it or unrealistic expectations about how it will change our workplace and life in general. It is important to show that such fears are unfounded, and that new trends, innovations, and technologies will be able to improve the way we live, benefiting society without replacing humans in their core activities. This Special Issue delves into mutually dependent subfields including, but not restricted to, machine learning, computer vision, data analysis, data science, big data, Internet of Things, sentiment analysis, natural language processing, privacy and ethics, and robotics. The chapters build a comprehensive collection of research and development trends on contemporary "Artificial Intelligence Applications and Innovation" that will serve as a convenient reference for AI experts, as well as newly arrived practitioners, introducing them to the field's trends.

This Special Issue reprint focuses on the latest advances and development of fusion bonding/welding of polymer composites. It contains research articles addressing materials, processing, modeling, monitoring, or performance issues with experimental or numerical approaches. Whatever the process, e.g., resistance, induction, ultrasonic, laser or conduction welding, or 3D printing using fused deposition modeling, one of the challenges is to master the interfacial phenomena, structure, and quality in the assembly area (welds), which is rather tricky due to the presence of the reinforcement fibers. Additionally, it is of paramount importance to develop reliable predictive process simulation software and monitor and control the process parameters in situ.

This reprint highlights novel findings of state-of-the-art computational models based on multiscale, multiphysics, data-driven, artificial intelligence, and machine learning approaches in the field of bioengineering. Ten individual contributions from renowned research groups across the world have been published in this Special Issue.

This Special Issue sheds light on the escalating significance of intelligent data analysis and its applications in the era of burgeoning big data. It has emerged as a pivotal driver for progress across diverse domains, necessitating in-depth research and practical applications within this framework. This multifaceted endeavor facilitates the revelation of latent value within extensive datasets and provides robust support for innovation and progress across various industries. Consequently, the imperative nature of discussing and exploring the latest research developments in intelligent data analysis and its practical applications becomes apparent, representing a vital initiative to keenly discern and proactively address trends in the big data era. This compilation is dedicated to comprehensively exploring recent research advancements in intelligent data analysis, elucidating their specific manifestations in practical applications. Encompassing diverse and profound topics, including intelligent data mining algorithms and their applications, the integration of machine learning in intelligent data analysis, models for natural language processing, intelligent granular computing models, cognitive computing, and hybrid models, the overarching goal is to provide profound insights into the academic development of intelligent data analysis. This, in turn, extends innovative guidance for academic research and industrial applications, thereby nurturing the continuous advancement and evolution of intelligent data analysis technologies.

A subsea pipeline (also known as an offshore pipeline or submarine pipeline) is a pipeline that is laid on the seabed or inside a specially constructed trench. The use of pipelines represents a reliable mode of transport of oil and gas. The prevention of failure scenarios, such as improper pressurization, localized buckling, fatigue failure and instability, the limit strength, internal/external pressure, corrosion-resistant material selection, and stability management, is the main concern in the design, installation, and operation of submarine pipelines.Fifteen recent research studies broadly covering the structural design and analysis of subsea pipelines or risers are featured in this reprint. The applications of the digital twin in subsea pipelines are highlighted. Classic structural topics including collapse strength, burst strength, tensile performance, buckling, fatigue, and bending are investigated in this reprint using numerical and experimental methods. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and proportional integral derivative (PID) control of the pipelines and risers are also included.

The Special Issue "Soft Actuators and Robotics" presents a curated collection of innovative research papers that delve into the design, fabrication, and application of soft actuators and soft robotics. This issue captures the interdisciplinary nature of soft robotics, blending principles from engineering, materials science, and computer science to advance the development of robots that are flexible, adaptable, and capable of safe interactions with humans and delicate environments. Each contribution in this issue sheds light on the latest advancements in actuator technology, offering insights into compliant mechanisms, embedded sensors, and artificial muscles. The featured research highlights the progress in programmable soft materials, modeling and simulation of sensorized actuators, and introduces novel approaches to control systems that pave the way for more intuitive and responsive robots. The scope of this issue extends beyond theoretical research, with practical demonstrations of soft actuators in action. From soft grippers that gently handle fragile objects to wearable devices that seamlessly interact with human users, the applications explored here are as diverse as they are groundbreaking. In essence, this Special Issue serves as a testament to the transformative potential of soft robotics. It is a resource for researchers, practitioners, and enthusiasts alike, reflecting the current trends and future directions in soft actuator design and robotics.

The innovative multi-component, nanocomposite, self-healing adaptive, and nano-thin coatings, technologies of their deposition, surface hardening and engineering developed in recent years allow us to obtain practically any physical-mechanical or crystal-chemical properties of the surface for prolongation of the service life of responsible product working under the conditions of intensive mechanical and thermal loads, and moisture. The scientific approach to improving the operational parameters of the product's surface made of traditional industrial materials is a highly costly and long-lasting process. Different technological techniques, such as plasma vapor deposition (radio frequency magnetron sputtering, high-power impulse magnetron sputtering, closed-field unbalanced magnetron sputtering, filtered cathodic vacuum arc deposition), atomic layer deposition, and other solutions are used for this. The edition aims to provide a review of the current state of the research and developments in the field of coatings and surface hardening technologies for cutting tools and microelectronics components, diagnostic solutions of the sputtering systems that can ensure a substantial increase in the reliability and operational life of the product. The main emphasis lies in the results of the research and engineering works that have proven successful in laboratory or manufacturing conditions. The presented studies are aimed at completing the previously published advances in the first Special Issue and contributing to the transfer of the tool industry to the next technological paradigm.