As the global engineering community grapples with the dual challenge of accelerating technological advancement and promoting sustainability, the field of mechanical engineering is undergoing a radical transformation. The convergence of Industry 4.0 technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, digital twins, and smart sensors with sustainable practices is reshaping the way systems are designed, manufactured, operated, and maintained. This shift is especially critical in addressing climate change, energy efficiency, and resource optimization across sectors such as transportation, energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure. The integration of smart technologies into mechanical systems holds the key to developing environmentally responsible, intelligent, and adaptive solutions. Against this backdrop, there is an urgent need for scholarly discourse that bridges sustainability goals with innovations in mechanical engineering design and application.
The primary goal of this special issue is to present a curated collection of high-quality research that explores how smart mechanical systems can contribute to sustainable engineering practices and global environmental goals. We invite contributions that explore interdisciplinary and application-driven advancements in the field, with particular interest in transformative technologies, novel materials, and intelligent system integration.
Types of articles welcomed: Original research articles, review articles, case studies, etc.
Through this special issue, we aim to create a multidisciplinary knowledge platform that will serve as a valuable reference for researchers, educators, and practitioners working at the intersection of sustainability and smart mechanical systems. By integrating scientific insights with practical applications, this issue will contribute to advancing knowledge, promoting responsible innovation, and fostering global collaboration in the development of intelligent, efficient, and sustainable engineering solutions.
We welcome contributions from diverse disciplines—including mechanical engineering, materials science, energy systems, automation, robotics, and industrial design—to ensure rich, interdisciplinary perspectives. Your submissions will play a crucial role in shaping the future of sustainable technology and empowering engineers to meet global environmental and industrial challenges.
The broad theme of “Smart Mechanical Systems for Sustainability”, with particular interest in the following specific areas of focus:
- Smart Materials and Shape Memory Alloys
- Bio-Based and Biodegradable Materials
- Advanced Composites and Hybrid Materials
- Materials for Energy Storage and Harvesting
- Lightweight Materials for Transportation Systems
- Material Development, Testing and Analysis
- Green and Lean Manufacturing
- Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing)
- Energy-Efficient Machining and Forming Processes
- Cyber-Physical Systems in Manufacturing
- Digital Twins and Smart Factories
- Analysis of Manufacturing Systems
- Solar Thermal and Photovoltaic Systems
- Wind, Hydro, and Geothermal Energy Technologies
- Energy Harvesting and Storage Systems
- Smart Grids and Decentralized Energy Systems
- Waste-To-Energy Systems and Energy Audits
- Sustainable Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
- Heat Exchangers and Thermal Management Systems
- Smart Cooling and Heating Systems
- Microchannel Heat Transfer and Phase Change Materials
- HVAC System Optimization for Buildings and Vehicles
- Powertrain Design and Optimization
- Battery and BMS Technologies
- Regenerative Braking and Energy Recovery
- Lightweight Chassis and Smart Drive Systems
- Charging Infrastructure and Vehicle-to-Grid Systems
- Intelligent Automation for Sustainable Production
- Autonomous Robotic Systems for Inspection and Maintenance
- Smart Actuators and Sensors
- Human-Robot Collaboration
- Soft Robotics and Biomimetic Systems
- Machine Learning in Design Optimization
- Predictive Maintenance and Fault Diagnosis
- AI in Thermal and Fluid Systems Modeling
- Deep Learning for Mechanical System Control
- Digital Manufacturing and Smart Inspection
- Product/ System Design
- Eco-Design and Lifecycle Assessment
- Design for Disassembly and Recyclability
- Reliability Engineering and Risk Assessment
- Failure and Risk Assessment
- Sustainable Packaging and Product Development
- Structural Health Monitoring Systems
- Smart Vibration and Noise Control Techniques
- Adaptive and Tunable Structures
- Dynamic Analysis of Smart Mechanical Systems
- Applications in Aerospace, Automotive, and Civil Systems
- Sustainability in Engineering Education
- Policy Frameworks and International Collaboration
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Sustainable Technologies
- Circular Economy Models
- Techno-Economic Analysis and Sustainability Metrics
