Industry 4.0
Vol. 11 (2026), Issue 4

Table of Contents

  • TECHNOLOGICAL BASIS OF “INDUSTRY 4.0”

    • Using AI agents to create work instructions for NDT and VT product inspection in heavy industry.

      pg(s) 154-158

      This paper investigates the efficacy of generative artificial intelligence in automating the creation of technical documentation for non-destructive testing (NDT). The research focuses on a comparative performance analysis between a specialized AI agent, built on the Gemini 3.1 Flash platform, and certified human NDT Level 2 experts. A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted using three distinct industrial forging products. Both the AI agent and two human experts were tasked with generating Visual Testing (VT) work instructions based on a 14-point framework derived from the STN EN 13018 and ISO 9712 standards. The outputs were evaluated by a blind-reviewing Level 3 expert using a modified HEAT (Expertise, Accuracy, Trust) rubric, focusing on regulatory compliance, technical precision, and readability. he results demonstrate that the AI agent achieved a 98.4% reduction in generation time, averaging 54.5 seconds per instruction compared to 57.3 minutes for human experts. While the AI agent consistently outperformed humans in text clarity and structural consistency (scoring 5.0 in usability), it exhibited “conservative technical hallucinations,” such as prescribing unnecessary magnification tools and incorrect defect-coding standards (ISO 6520-1 instead of CSN 421240). Furthermore, cloud-based API instabilities (HTTP 503 errors) were identified as a critical reliability risk for real-time industrial deployment. The study concludes that while AI agents are highly effective as rapid drafting tools, they cannot currently replace certified personnel due to lack of situational engineering judgment and legal accountability. A “Human-in-the-loop” model remains mandatory, where a certified Level 2 or 3 professional must verify and approve all AI-generated NDT documentation to ensure industrial safety and regulatory compliance…

    • Multi-Dimensional Adaptive Digital Twins for Context-Aware Manufacturing Systems

      pg(s) 159-162

      Contemporary manufacturing environments are characterized by continuous variability in product types, production volumes, data availability, network performance, and computational resource allocation. Conventional digital twin architectures, designed for static operating conditions, are fundamentally inadequate to address such dynamic contexts. This paper presents the Adaptive Digital Twin Framework (ADTF) — a novel architecture enabling digital twins to autonomously reconfigure their internal operating modes in response to evolving manufacturing conditions. The proposed framework integrates physics-based modeling, machine-learning inference, and hybrid paradigms within a unified self-adaptive system. Additionally, ADTF incorporates dynamic computation offloading across edge, fog, and cloud layers, as well as explicit economic viability constraints. A Python-based simulation environment was developed to validate the framework across three representative industrial scenarios: a transition from serial to customized production, progressive degradation of computational resources, and escalating financial constraints. In all cases, ADTF demonstrated measurably superior performance compared to static digital twin systems, maintaining operational continuity, model fidelity, and cost efficiency. The results establish ADTF as a foundational contribution toward intelligent, self-managing digital twins aligned with the principles of Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0.

    • Visual Signs, Interface Hierarchy and Emotional Engagement in Mobile Applications

      pg(s) 163-165

      The paper examines the role of visual signs, interface hierarchy, and emotional engagement mechanisms in mobile application design. Icons, pictograms, maps, menus, landmark distribution, and achievement screens are analyzed as components of an integrated visual-interactive system. These elements do not merely transmit information; they guide attention, reduce cognitive load, support orientation, and influence the user’s subjective experience. The study is based on theoretical foundations from semiotics, cognitive psychology, visual search research, human-computer interaction, and gamification. The paper outlines principles for designing mobile interfaces that are understandable, accessible, navigationally coherent, and emotionally engaging.

    • An Enhanced Variant of the Newton–Raphson Method with Variable Step and Adaptive Mechanism

      pg(s) 166-170

      This paper presents a refined modification of the classical Newton–Raphson method for solving nonlinear equations. The proposed method integrates a dual strategy: the replacement of the analytic derivative with a central finite-difference approximation and the implementation of a dynamic adaptive mechanism for step-size regulation. Through rigorous mathematical analysis, we demonstrate that the new approach ensures reliable convergence even when initial guesses are far from the true root. The adaptive step-size improvement is based on monitoring the relative error of the derivative and dynamically optimizing the accuracy of the approximation. The article provides a comprehensive convergence analysis, a geometric interpretation of the proposed approach, and practical implementations with significant implications for problems in which the classical method tends to fail.

    • Adaptive Mesh-Free Numerical Integration on Algebraic Surfaces Using Local Polynomial Reconstruction

      pg(s) 171-174

      This paper presents AMNI-AS, a compact method and Python package for surface integration on non-parametrized geometries known only through point-cloud samples. The method extends a corrected minterpy_levelsets [9] workflow: first, a global polynomial level-set function ϕ_h reconstructs the surface as Γ_h={x∈R^3:ϕ_h (x)=0}; [6] second, nodal values of the integrand are extended by regression; third, a closest-point projection and a regularized coarea formula [4], [5], produce a mesh-free quadrature rule. The theoretical core is the identity ∫_(Γ_h)▒  fdS=∫_Ω▒  f(x)δ(ϕ_h (x))‖∇ϕ_h (x)‖dx, implemented with a compact smooth delta and data-driven evaluation f ˜_h (Π_h (x)). The prototype package AMNI-AS, contains adapters to minterpy_levelsets, an SVD fallback level-set fit, RBF/nearest integrand regression [3], [15], [16], [17], projection, and quadrature routines. Numerical checks on the unit sphere show relative errors near 〖10〗^(-5) for area and polynomial integrands on a moderate grid. The method is intended as a short, reproducible bridge from global polynomial level-set reconstruction to integration tasks on data-defined surfaces.

  • DOMINANT TECHNOLOGIES IN “INDUSTRY 4.0”

    • Study on patterns in electron beam lithography for sub-micrometer line gratings

      pg(s) 175-178

      This work presents a combined experimental and simulation study of resist profile evolution in electron beam lithography (EBL) using poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) resist. The influence of key process parameters, including exposure dose, electron beam energy, and resist thickness on the resist profile formation, sidewall shape, and feature fidelity is systematically investigated. Particular attention is given to proximity effects caused by forward and backscattered electrons, which lead to dose redistribution and profile distortions. Experimental results show a strong dependence of PMMA resist profiles on lithographic conditions, affecting sidewall angle and linewidth variation. Bilayer PMMA systems are also examined to evaluate improvements in profile control and undercut formation for lift-off processes. Simulation of resist development is employed to model resist profile evolution and predict structural changes under varying conditions. The comparison between experimental and simulated results demonstrates good agreement, confirming the validity
      of the modeling approach. The study provides deeper insight into PMMA resist behavior and supports optimization of EBL process parameters for improved nanoscale patterning accuracy.

    • Electrochemically Assisted Sol–Gel Synthesis of SiO₂–CaO–P₂O₅ Coatings Derived from TEOS-Based Systems

      pg(s) 179-182

      In the present study, a combined approach for the synthesis of multicomponent coatings in the SiO₂–CaO–P₂O₅ system was developed using a sol-gel process combined with electrochemically assisted deposition. Tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS), calcium nitrate (Ca(NO₃)₂) and citric acid (C₆H₈O₇·H₂O) were used as precursors. The obtained materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The formation of amorphous-crystalline structures characteristic of bioactive silicate-calciumphosphate systems was established. The combined approach demonstrates effective control over the structure formation processes and allows the preparation of multicomponent oxide coatings with potential for application in bioactive and functional surface systems

    • Additive manufacturing of Ti/TiB titanium matrix composites using X-Beam 3D printing

      pg(s) 182-185

      Titanium matrix composites reinforced with titanium borides (TiB) represent a promising class of advanced structural materials due to their high specific strength, hardness, wear resistance, and thermal stability. The combination of titanium alloys with ceramic TiB reinforcing phases enables the development of lightweight materials with improved mechanical and эксплуатаційними characteristics for aerospace, biomedical, and engineering applications.
      This study investigates the fabrication of Ti/TiB titanium matrix composites using X-Beam 3D printing technology. The process is based on electron-beam additive manufacturing under vacuum conditions, which ensures stable melting conditions, reduced oxidation, and controlled heat input during layer-by-layer deposition. Special attention was focused on the in situ formation of TiB reinforcing phases and their influence on the microstructure evolution of the composite material.
      Microstructural analysis was carried out using scanning electron microscopy and metallographic techniques. The obtained results demonstrated the formation of dense composite structures with relatively low porosity and homogeneous distribution of reinforcing phases within the titanium matrix. TiB particles and whisker-like precipitates were observed to form during solidification, contributing to microstructure refinement and strengthening effects.
      The fabricated Ti/TiB composites exhibited improved structural uniformity and enhanced hardness compared with unreinforced titanium materials. The morphology and distribution of TiB phases were found to depend on the thermal conditions and processing parameters of X-Beam printing. The results confirm the potential of X-Beam additive manufacturing for producing advanced titanium matrix composites with tailored microstructure and improved performance characteristics.

    • The influence of regenerative heaters on steam power plant fuel consumption and efficiency

      pg(s) 186-189

      This paper shows analysis of each regenerative heater’s influence on global steam power plant operating parameters. Analysis is performed for nine steam power plant versions (configurations) – from the Base power plant without regenerative heating system up to the Final plant which consists of eight regenerative heaters (one mixing and seven non-mixing regenerative heaters). According to the defined fluid operating parameters throughout the plant, it is obtained that each new regenerative heater added to the plant continuously reduces the mechanical power produced by the turbine, for 4.33 MW on average. Simultaneously, each added regenerative heater increases feedwater temperature at the steam generator inlet, which results in power plant cumulative fuel consumption continuous decrease (for 0.414 kg/s on average) to obtain the same steam outlet parameters. Considering plant overall efficiency, it must be highlighted that each regenerative heater added to the plant continuously increases plant overall efficiency from the Base plant until the Final plant, for 0.43% on average.

    • Experimental Investigation of the Influence of the Hydraulic Fluid Temperature to The Dynamic Characteristics of the Hydraulic Power Transmission Systems

      pg(s) 190-193

      In working process a certain part of energy transmitted by the fluid in every hydraulic system is transferred to the consumer, while the other part (because of hydraulic pressure loss) is transformed into heat. The temperature of the fluid is rising during the working cycle with power loss. Is the temperature of the hydraulic fluid is higher the physical characteristic of hydraulic fluids is changed. Some of this is viscosity, density, specific gravity, compressibility and modulus of elasticity and gas absorption. The experimental investigation of dynamic characteristics changes of a closed electrohydraulic power transmission system with the variation of hydraulic fluid temperature is presented in this paper. The experimental test stand was used for dynamic processes investigation in an electrohydraulic positioning system for different operating temperatures. The obtained step time responses are shown in few graphics.

  • BUSINESS & “INDUSTRY 4.0”

    • Quality management in SMEs as a factor for green transition and circular economy: an empirical study in the context of industry 5.0

      pg(s) 194-196

      The paper investigates the specific role of quality management systems (QMS) as a factor for green transition and circular economy in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the context of Industry 5.0. Based on a sub-sample of 209 SMEs (from n = 250 Bulgarian industrial enterprises), a targeted statistical analysis was conducted. Results show that QMS maturity in SMEs is significantly lower than in large enterprises, but the effect of its growth on the Green Transition Index (GTI) is proportionally stronger. The regression model for SMEs explains 61.4% of GTI variation (R² = 0.614), with integrated ISO 9001 + ISO 14001 systems remaining the strongest predictor (β = 0.271; p < 0.001). Specific barriers facing SMEs are identified and targeted recommendations are formulated.

    • Ways to stimulate the development of sustainable entrepreneurship

      pg(s) 197-198

      Sustainable entrepreneurship development meaning is a big challenge for scientific society and demands cooperation strengthening with entrepreneurs , princely states with structures and with youth who influence they make sustainable development in a new way on understanding and they need innovative approaches .
      In this paper we have reviewed and investigated sustainable entrepreneurship development stimulates economic , social and environment dimensions which they form various prerequisites and certain circumstances are filled each other and hand promote in country sustainable entrepreneurial activity high level . It is important that countries they took obligation priority to be granted to advance , for which creativity , knowledge , technology and financial resources of society by addressed will be Sustainable Development Goals – SDGs to achieve all in context . This goals taking into account , by 2030 possible should to become all of a woman and of men complete and productive employment and decent of work achievement.
      It is emphasized that countries should support the development of higher education, especially to increase the staff of higher professional education by expanding the educational balance, by increasing the financing of education for sustainable development, for the existence of more knowledgeable and qualified personnel.

  • SOCIETY & ”INDUSTRY 4.0”

    • Contemporary Architecture and Urban Identity in a Rapidly Transforming City: The Case of Tirana

      pg(s) 199-203

      Contemporary architecture is crucial for post-socialist urban identity formation of cities in transition, and in particular of Tirana. During the last thirty years, the city has undergone a transition from the centralized socialist model into diverse, complex and ambivalent metropolitan space. This research examines the relationships between contemporary architecture and urban identity formation in Tirana using a mixed-methods approach, incorporating qualitative spatial analysis and quantitative data based on the citizens’ perceptions analysis. The qualitative analysis explores three main urban interventions (Skanderbeg Square, the Pyramid of Tirana, the “Deshmoret e Kombit” Boulevard), and the quantitative analysis is based on the survey findings. The results suggest that Tirana‘s urban identity has become increasingly hybrid, through interaction of historical layers and global modern influences, and continues to develop new identities. But it is in tension with the forces that seek to preserve existing sources of urban identity and to modernise the city. This research increases the discussion on post-socialist cities and proposes an analytical framework of three perspectives, based on citizens’ perceptions [7], [10], [14].