摘要
Digital design and manufacturing have been under pinned by digital modeling, simulation, and automation controls for decades. Under the new market requirement of mass customized products and services, the advancements in artificial intelligence （AI）, smart technology, virtual reality （VR）, big data, digital twin, robotics and human-centered design are becoming driving forces for the development of future digital design and manufacturing. This special issue focuses on the future digital design and manufacturing especially under the Industry 4.0 framework and beyond. This editorial introduces the papers in this special issue, which linked to the International Workshop on Digital Design and Manufacturing Technologies - Embracing Industry 4.0 and Beyond at Northumbria University in Newcastle, UK, held on 12-13 April 2016. In the Part I of the issue [1], there are 13 papers published in 2016, Vol- ume 29, No 6 of the Chinese Journal of Mechanical Engineering （this journal）.
Digital design and manufacturing have been under pinned by digital modeling, simulation, and automation controls for decades. Under the new market requirement of mass customized products and services, the advancements in artificial intelligence （AI）, smart technology, virtual reality （VR）, big data, digital twin, robotics and human-centered design are becoming driving forces for the development of future digital design and manufacturing. This special issue focuses on the future digital design and manufacturing especially under the Industry 4.0 framework and beyond. This editorial introduces the papers in this special issue, which linked to the International Workshop on Digital Design and Manufacturing Technologies - Embracing Industry 4.0 and Beyond at Northumbria University in Newcastle, UK, held on 12-13 April 2016. In the Part I of the issue [1], there are 13 papers published in 2016, Vol- ume 29, No 6 of the Chinese Journal of Mechanical Engineering （this journal）.
