ABSTRACT
For years several emergent engineering approaches and related Information-Communication-Control-Technologies (ICCT), such as Multi-Agent Systems, Service-oriented Architecture, Plug-and- Produce systems, Cloud, Edge and Fog technologies, Smart Big Data and Analytics, among others, have been researched and prototype developed in a variety of research and innovation activities. The confluence of those results with the latest developments in Digitalized Mechatronics, Industrial Cyber-Physical Systems, Systems-of-Systems Engineering, Internet-of-Things, Industry 4.0 and Internet-of-Services is opening a new broad spectrum of innovation possibilities for researchers, practitioners and industrialist. One of this innovation approaches is PERFoRM, introduced in this book, which addresses the development and industrial prototype implementation of a new generation digitalized, agile and flexible manufacturing system, based among others on plug-and-produce concept and Industry 4.0-compliant technologies, in order to cope with smaller lot sizes and shorter lead time and time-to-market. This chapter summarizes the major contributions of the book and outlooks new challenges and research and innovation opportunities derived from the PERFoRM approach.
