Intelligent Manufacturing of a Bibliometric Review: From Frontier Hotspots to Key Technologies and Applications
Xiaohan Sun, Lan Dong, Zongyi Liu, Aiguo Qin, Jixin Liu, Zongming Zhou, Yan Xu, Guang Wang, Bo Liu, Zhigang Zhou, Xiangguo Chen, Yuewen Feng, Bo Zhang, Danyang Liu, Changhe Li
Abstract
Abstract Intelligent manufacturing (IM), a driving force behind the fourth industrial revolution, is reshaping the manufacturing sector by enhancing productivity, efficiency, and sustainability. Despite the rapid technological advancements in IM, comprehensive bibliometric reviews remain limited. This article systematically reviews the latest research in IM, addressing emerging hotspots, key technologies, and their applications across the entire product manufacturing cycle. Bibliometric analysis is employed to identify research trends visualize publication volume, collaboration patterns, research domains, co-citations, and emerging areas of interest. The article then examines key technologies supporting IM, including sensors, the Internet of Things (IoT), big data analytics, cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), digital twins, and virtual reality (VR)/augmented reality (AR). Furthermore, it explores the application of these technologies throughout the manufacturing cycle—from intelligent reliability design, material transportation and tracking, to intelligent planning and scheduling, machining and fabrication, monitoring and maintenance, quality inspection and control, warehousing and management, and sustainable green manufacturing—through specific case studies. Lastly, the article discusses future research directions, highlighting the increasing global market and the need for enhanced interdisciplinary collaboration, technological integration, computing power upgrades, and attention to security and privacy in IM. This study provides valuable insights for scholars and serves as a guide for future research and strategic investment decisions, offering a comprehensive view of the IM field.