Automation and Robotics for Quality Control in Manufacturing: A Review of Technologies and Applications

Year : 2025 | Volume : 12 | Issue : 03 | Page : 36 48
    By

    Prithviraj Singh Rathore,

  1. Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Sciences and Applications Mandsaur University, Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh, India

Abstract

Automation and robotics technologies have rapidly evolved, transforming modern manufacturing processes by improving productivity, quality, and operational efficiency. This review examines key advancements such as cloud robotics, machine vision, Industry 4.0 robotics, Building Information Modeling (BIM) combined with Computer Numerical Control (CNC), joystick-controlled automation, and intelligent manufacturing systems. These technologies utilize artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), digital twins, collaborative robots, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and cyber-physical systems (CPS) to enable flexible, adaptive, and precise industrial operations. Despite their benefits, challenges like system interoperability, data security, shortage of skilled personnel, and safety concerns remain. The integration of blockchain technology further enhances supply chain traceability and transparency by enabling decentralized and tamper-proof record-keeping. This study highlights the need for standardized frameworks and interoperable platforms to support seamless integration. It focuses on advancing human-robot collaboration (cobots), bridging simulation-to-reality gaps, improving cybersecurity, and expanding adoption to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Incorporating sustainability metrics will be essential for responsible and inclusive industrial growth in the Industry 4.0 era. The study examines the integration of machine vision, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and sensor-based systems that enhance defect detection, process monitoring, and real-time decision-making. Various robotic inspection systems—such as automated optical inspection (AOI), robotic non-destructive testing (NDT), and collaborative robots for in-line quality assurance—are discussed in terms of their design, accuracy, and adaptability across diverse manufacturing environments. Furthermore, the review highlights the benefits of these technologies, including improved reliability, reduced human error, and increased production throughput, while also addressing implementation challenges such as high initial costs, data management, and system integration. The paper concludes with insights into emerging trends, including AI-driven predictive quality control and digital twins, outlining future directions for fully automated, intelligent manufacturing systems.

Keywords: Automation, robotics, cloud robotics, machine vision, industry 4.0, BIM-CNC Integration, intelligent manufacturing, blockchain, supply chain traceability, human-robot collaboration, cyber-physical systems, smart manufacturing

[This article belongs to Journal of Mechatronics and Automation ]

How to cite this article:
Prithviraj Singh Rathore. Automation and Robotics for Quality Control in Manufacturing: A Review of Technologies and Applications. Journal of Mechatronics and Automation. 2025; 12(03):36-48.
How to cite this URL:
Prithviraj Singh Rathore. Automation and Robotics for Quality Control in Manufacturing: A Review of Technologies and Applications. Journal of Mechatronics and Automation. 2025; 12(03):36-48. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/joma/article=2025/view=234092


References

  1. Ani O. Advanced manufacturing with machine learning: enhancing predictive maintenance, quality control, and process optimization. Al-Rafidain J Eng Sci. 2024; 2(2): 280–300.
  2. Garg S. AI-Driven Innovations in Storage Quality Assurance and Manufacturing Optimization. Int J Multidiscip Res Growth Eval. 2020; 1(1): 143–7.
  3. Papulová Z, Gažová A, Šufliarský Ľ. Implementation of automation technologies of industry 4.0 in automotive manufacturing companies. Procedia Comput Sci. 2022; 200: 1488–97.
  4. Kohnová L, Salajová N. Industrial Revolutions and their impact on managerial practice: Learning from the past. Probl Perspect Manag. 2019; 17(2): 462–478.
  5. Goyal A. Enhancing Engineering Project Efficiency through Cross-Functional Collaboration and IoT Integration. Int J Res Anal Rev. 2021; 8(4): 396–402.
  6. Garg S. Next-Gen Smart City Operations with AIOps & IoT : A Comprehensive look at Optimizing Urban Infrastructure. J Adv Dev Res. 2021; 12(1): 1–9.
  7. Liu Y, Zhao W, Liu H, Wang Y, Yue X. Coverage path planning for robotic quality inspection with control on measurement uncertainty. IEEE/ASME Trans Mechatronics. 2022; 27(5): 3482–93.
  8. Mineo C, Vasilev M, Cowan B, MacLeod CN, Pierce SG, Wong C, et al. Enabling robotic adaptive behaviour capabilities for new industry 4.0 automated quality inspection paradigms. Insight-Non-Destructive Test Cond Monit. 2020; 62(6): 338–44.
  9. Goyal A. Integrating IoT and Agile Methodologies for Smarter Engineering Solutions. Int J Sci Res Arch. 2023 Apr 30; 8(2): 754–66. Available from: https://ijsra.net/node/6924
  10. Çiçekler M, Tutuş A. Overview of Quality Control in the Paper Industry. In: 1st International Conference on Recent Academic Studies. 2023; 100–10.
  11. Kaushik R, Rawat A, Tiwari A. An Overview on Robotics and Control Systems. Int J Tech Res Sci. 2021; 6(10): 13–7.
  12. Liu Z, Liu Q, Xu W, Wang L, Zhou Z. Robot learning towards smart robotic manufacturing: A review. Robot Comput Integr Manuf. 2022; 77: 102360.
  13. Moru DK, Borro D. A machine vision algorithm for quality control inspection of gears. Int J Adv Manuf Technol. 2020; 106(1): 105–23.
  14. Melo AF, Corneal LM. Case study: evaluation of the automation of material handling with mobile robots. Int J Qual Innov. 2020; 6(1): 3.
  15. Jadhav A, Jadhav VS. A review on 3D printing: An additive manufacturing technology. Mater Today Proc. 2022; 62: 2094–9.
  16. Galindo-Salcedo M, Pertúz-Moreno A, Guzmán-Castillo S, Gómez-Charris Y, Romero-Conrado AR. Smart manufacturing applications for inspection and quality assurance processes. Procedia Comput Sci. 2022; 198(2020): 536–41.
  17. Chandu HS. Enhancing Manufacturing Efficiency: Predictive Maintenance Models Utilizing IoT Sensor Data. International Journal for Science and Advance Research in Technology (IJSART). 2024; 10(9): 58–66.
  18. Lu Y, Xu X, Wang L. Smart manufacturing process and system automation – A critical review of the standards and envisioned scenarios. J Manuf Syst. 2020 Jul; 56(Jul): 312–25. Available from: https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S027861252030100X
  19. Jordan S, Haidegger T, Kovács L, Felde I, Rudas I. The rising prospects of cloud robotic applications. In: 2013 IEEE 9th International Conference on Computational Cybernetics (ICCC). 2013; 327–32.
  20. Patel R. Advancements in Renewable Energy Utilization for Sustainable Cloud Data Centers : A Survey of Emerging Approaches. Int J Curr Eng Technol. 2023; 13(5): 447–54.
  21. Javaid M, Haleem A, Singh RP, Rab S, Suman R. Exploring impact and features of machine vision for progressive industry 4.0 culture. Sensors Int. 2022; 3:
  22. Maddali G. Enhancing Database Architectures with Artificial Intelligence (AI). Int J Sci Res Sci Technol. 2025; 12(3): 296–308.
  23. Majumder RQ. Machine Learning for Predictive Analytics: Trends and Future Directions. Int J Innov Sci Res Technol. 2025; 10(4): 3557–64.
  24. Wang W, Siau K. Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Automation, Robotics, Future of Work and Future of Humanity. J Database Manag. 2019 Jan; 30(1): 61–79.
  25. Franklin CS, Dominguez EG, Fryman JD, Lewandowski ML. Collaborative Robotics: New Era of Human–Robot Cooperation in the Workplace. J Safety Res. 2020 Sep; 74: 153–60.
  26. Krupa P, Limon D, Alamo T. Implementation of model predictive control in programmable logic controllers. IEEE Trans Control Syst Technol. 2020; 29(3): 1117–30.
  27. Smids J, Nyholm S, Berkers H. Robots in the workplace: a threat to—or opportunity for—meaningful work? Philos Technol. 2020; 33(3): 503–22.
  28. Choi H, Crump C, Duriez C, Elmquist A, Hager G, Han D, et al. On the use of simulation in robotics: Opportunities, challenges, and suggestions for moving forward. Proc Natl Acad Sci. 2021; 118(1): e1907856118.
  29. Murugandi K, Seetharaman R. Analysing the Role of Inventory and Warehouse Management in Supply Chain Agility : Insights from Retail and Manufacturing Industries. Int J Curr Eng Technol. 2022; 12(6): 583–90.
  30. Manonmani A, Akash S, Aswinraj A, Manikandan A. Literature Review on Advanced Cloud Robotics for Enhanced Industrial Automation. In: 2025 IEEE International Conference on Electronics and Renewable Systems (ICEARS). 2025; 46–51.
  31. Deng L, Liu G, Zhang Y. A Review of Machine Vision Applications in Aerospace Manufacturing Quality Inspection. In: 2024 4th International Conference on Computer, Control and Robotics (ICCCR). 2024; 31–9.
  32. Adetunla A, Akinlabi E, Jen TC, Ajibade SS. Analysing the Roles of Robotics in Manufacturing Organizations in the Era of Industry 4.0. In: 2024 International Conference on Science, Engineering and Business for Driving Sustainable Development Goals (SEB4SDG). 2024; 1–5.
  33. Qiao D. Research on BIM and Numerical Control Technology Based on Mechatronics. In: 2023 7th International Conference on Robotics, Control and Automation (ICRCA). 2023; 6–10.
  34. Hussain S, George RP, Ahmad N, Jahan R. Machine Learning Methods of Industrial Automation System in Manufacturing and Control Sector using Joystick with and Robotic Technology. In: 2022 11th International Conference on System Modeling & Advancement in Research Trends (SMART). 2022; 1134–40.
  35. Li T, Huo C. Research on Intelligent Manufacturing System Model Based on Programmable Logic Controller. In: 2021 IEEE 4th International Conference on Information Systems and Computer Aided Education (ICISCAE). 2021; 353–7.

Regular Issue Subscription Review Article
Volume 12
Issue 03
Received 11/07/2025
Accepted 10/10/2025
Published 22/10/2025
Publication Time 103 Days


Login


My IP

PlumX Metrics