Abstract
In the dynamic realm of nowadays manufacturing, integrating digital technologies has become paramount for enhancing operational efficiency and decision-making processes. This article presents a novel system architecture that integrates a Simulation-based Digital Twin (DT) with emerging trends in manufacturing to enhance decision-making, accompanied by a detailed technical approach encompassing protocols and technologies for each component. The DT leverages advanced simulation techniques to model, monitor, and optimize production processes in real time, facilitating both strategic and operational decision-making. Complementing the DT, trending technologies such as artificial intelligence, additive manufacturing, collaborative robots, autonomous vehicles, and connectivity advancements are strategically integrated to enhance operational efficiency and facilitate the adoption of the Manufacturing as a Service (MaaS) paradigm. A case study within a MaaS supplier context, deployed in an industrial laboratory with advanced robotic systems, demonstrates the practical application of optimizing dynamic job-shop configurations using Simulation-based DT, showcasing strategies to improve operational efficiency and resource utilization. The results of the industrial experiment were highly encouraging, underscoring the potential for extension to more intricate industrial systems, with particular emphasis on incorporating sustainability and remanufacturing principles.

Abstract
A new generation of manufacturing systems is emerging through the adoption of new policies to overcome future crises highlighted by constant social, environmental, and economic concerns. The rise of so-called smart manufacturing is noticeable. However, new risks to humankind are being introduced, and, more than ever, science and technology are required to guarantee the future sustainability and resilience of our manufacturing systems. This research presents a Digital Twin approach resorting to simulation models with embedded intelligence to transform efficient manufacturing systems and react to complex and unpredictable circumstances. The methodology covers production scheduling incorporating flexible robots, internal logistics supervision contemplating planning and control of mobile robots, and capacity management. The method demonstrates the potential of integrating Additive Manufacturing technologies to quickly react to production needs. The developed strategy was enforced and assessed in an industrial experiment, exhibiting its robustness and promising application. The attained results were very encouraging, highlighting its potential extension to more complex industrial systems. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024.

Abstract
Quantification of erythrocytes and leukocytes is an essential aspect of hemogram diagno- 23 sis in Veterinary Medicine. Flow cytometry analysis, laser scattering, and impedance detection are 24 standard laboratory techniques, verified by manual microscopy counting. Although single-cell scat- 25 tering is already used as a standard technology for differentiating cell counts in flow cytometry, it 26 requires capillary cell separation. The current study investigates the scattering characteristics of 27 whole blood to identify correlations with erythrocytes and leukocytes counts. The scattering infor- 28 mation present in blood samples can be classified into three types: i) geometrical scattering, which 29 occurs when non-absorbed light is reflected and scattered, ii) Mie scattering, which happens when 30 light is scattered by particles of a similar size to the wavelength, and iii) Rayleigh scattering, which occurs when light is scattered by particles that are smaller than the incident light wavelength. In 32 this study, we investigate the scattering correction coefficients of dog blood absorption spectra in 33 the visible-near infrared range, to establish direct correlations with erythrocytes and leukocytes 34 counts, using multivariate linear regression. Our findings demonstrate the possibility of using the 35 scattering properties of dog blood, which is a step towards the existence of a portable and miniatur- 36 ized hemogram diagnosis in Veterinary Clinics worldwide.

Abstract
This study provides a comprehensive overview of the automated assembly process of large-scale metal structures using industrial robots. Our research reveals that the utilization of industrial robots significantly enhances precision, speed, and cost-effectiveness in the assembly process. The main findings suggest that integrating industrial robots in metal structure assembly holds substantial promise for optimizing manufacturing processes and elevating the quality of the final products. Additionally, the research demonstrates that robotic automation in assembly operations can lead to significant improvements in resource utilization and operational consistency. This automation also offers a viable solution to the challenges of manual labor shortages and ensures a higher standard of safety and accuracy in the manufacturing environment.

Abstract
Forest fires are becoming increasingly common, and they are devastating, fueled by the effects of global warming, such as a dryer climate, dryer vegetation, and higher temperatures. Vegetation management through selective removal is a preventive measure which creates discontinuities that will facilitate fire containment and reduce its intensity and rate of spread. However, such a method requires vast amounts of biomass fuels to be removed, over large areas, which can only be achieved through mechanized means, such as through using forestry mulching machines. This dangerous job is also highly dependent on skilled workers, making it an ideal case for novel autonomous robotic systems. This article presents the development of a universal perception, control, and navigation system for forestry machines. The selection of hardware (sensors and controllers) and data-integration and -navigation algorithms are central components of this integrated system development. Sensor fusion methods, operating using ROS, allow the distributed interconnection of all sensors and actuators. The results highlight the system’s robustness when applied to the mulching machine, ensuring navigational and operational accuracy in forestry operations. This novel technological solution enhances the efficiency of forest maintenance while reducing the risk exposure to forestry workers.

Abstract
This article presents the development of a vision system designed to enhance the autonomous navigation capabilities of robots in complex forest environments. Leveraging RGBD and thermic cameras, specifically the Intel RealSense 435i and FLIR ADK, the system integrates diverse visual sensors with advanced image processing algorithms. This integration enables robots to make real-time decisions, recognize obstacles, and dynamically adjust their trajectories during operation. The article focuses on the architectural aspects of the system, emphasizing the role of sensors and the formulation of algorithms crucial for ensuring safety during robot navigation in challenging forest terrains. Additionally, the article discusses the training of two datasets specifically tailored to forest environments, aiming to evaluate their impact on autonomous navigation. Tests conducted in real forest conditions affirm the effectiveness of the developed vision system. The results underscore the system's pivotal contribution to the autonomous navigation of robots in forest environments.