Design for sustainability

The issue of resistance reduction through hull ventilation is of particular interest in contemporary research. This paper presents multiphase computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations with 2-DOF motion of a planing hull. The original hull was modified by introducing a step to allow air ventilation. Following an assessment of the hull performance, a simulation campaign in calm water was conducted to characterize the hull at various forward speeds and air insufflation rates for a defined single step geometry. Geometric analysis of the air layer thickness beneath the hull for each simulated condition was performed using a novel method for visualizing local air thickness. Additionally, two new parameters were introduced to understand the influence of spray rails on the air volume beneath the hull and to indicate the primary direction of ventilated air escape. A validation campaign and an assessment of uncertainty of the simulation has been conducted. The features offered by the CFD methodology include the evaluation of the air layer thickness as a function of hull velocity and injection flow rate and the air volume distribution beneath the hull. The air injection velocity can be adjusted across various operating conditions, thereby preventing performance or efficiency loss during navigation. Based on these findings, the study highlights the benefits of air insufflation in reducing hull resistance for high-speed planing vessels.

Keywords: Air cavity ships , Computational fluid dynamics , Hydrodynamics , Maritime sustainability , Planing hull

Electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) are a large family of common products that support the daily activities of our life (e.g. washing of clothes, food storage, cooking). In this sector the scarce use of life cycle engineering methods and tools represents an important barrier against the practical implementation of circular economy models. The study aims to propose a platform, called PiCo2RAEE, to support the design and management of the EEEs during the whole life cycle, fostering collaboration among the most important life cycle stakeholders, from designers to consumers to subjects involved in end-of-life management. The platform integrates three main modules: (i) a tool dedicated to the design for disassembly; (ii) a digital tool to track relevant information among all the value chain stakeholders; (iii) a tool to favor the sharing and recirculation of information, competences, products, components and materials. The PiCo2RAEE platform aids the adoption of circular models based on enhancing EEEs durability, recyclability, repairability, upgradability, remanufacturability.

Keywords: Circular economy , Ecodesign , Life cycle management

The environmental and economic sustainability of Additive Manufacturing (AM) is an aspect that deserves attention. Proper design frameworks must guide design engineers in conceiving sustainable AM products during the conceptual design phase. Previous scientific studies are not grounded on the lifecycle engineering (LCE) approach since they consider only specific product lifecycle phases (e.g., manufacturing or end-of-life) or are based on the general design for AM guidelines, not considering sustainability drivers (cost and environment). This paper presents an innovative ecodesign for AM framework called eDAM. First, it allows designers to evaluate if and when AM is sustainable from a LCE perspective. Secondly, it enables design engineers to maximize product lifecycle performance by optimizing the adoption of the unique benefits of AM. The eDAM framework was used to re-design a passenger aircraft's interior panels and spacers. Using a bio-inspired shape, designers achieved a 15% weight reduction on the part and 0.

Keywords: Additive manufacturing , Ecodesign , Lifecycle engineering , Sustainability

Modern design products are increasingly complex and emotionally significant, demanding versatile and collaborative customization. However, a literature and commercial review reveals a limited availability of flexible, multi-user, photorealistic Virtual Reality (VR) systems for product configuration. We introduce MAGIC (Multi-user Advanced Graphic Immersive Configurator), a collaborative platform combining realistic graphics with ergonomic validation using digital avatars, addressing the limitations of 2D visualization and existing tools. MAGIC is evaluated in a yacht design case study involving 30 participants in an immersive, co-located configuration of a sailing yacht to assess the system's usability and the potential of VR for customizing complex products. Results show MAGIC's feasibility in supporting multi-user configuration (100% success rate) and achieving a strong usability score (SUS = 80.83). User feedback highlights that high-quality graphics and additional content significantly enhance immersion and user engagement. However, encountered challenges with navigation methods and spatial perception indicate areas for improvement. MAGIC's collaborative and immersive capabilities can be extended to other industries demanding proactive customer engagement in the customization of large, heavy products and ergonomic design.

Keywords: collaboration , marine industry , multi-user , product configuration , virtual reality , yacht design

Marine microplastic pollution has emerged as a pressing environmental issue, with significant implications for aquatic ecosystems, human health and global biodiversity. Ports, acting as semi-enclosed environments, are critical zones where plastic waste, including microplastics, plastic fragments smaller than 5 mm, tend to accumulate. These settings provide controlled conditions that are ideal for deploying innovative solutions to monitor and mitigate the impact of microplastic pollution. This paper presents the design, development and initial testing of an autonomous surface drone engineered specifically to monitor and collect microplastics in port environments. Unlike traditional marine drones, this device operates exclusively at the water surface, leveraging mechanical filtration systems to capture and quantify microplastic fragments. Designed for cost-efficiency, ease of manufacturing and operational simplicity, this drone aligns with principles of environmental sustainability and scalability.

Keywords: autonomous drone design , design for disassembly , eco-compatible engineering , marine environmental monitoring , microplastic filtration

The rise of the Metaverse is anticipated to extend the duration of time individuals spend within virtual indoor environments, potentially affecting human well-being. The hype generated by the launch of Apple Vision Pro has increasingly spread the idea of using virtual platforms as a workspace. Our research explores the idea of applying biophilic environmental design within the Metaverse, hence our definition: Metagreenverse. The biophilia hypothesis suggests that humans have an innate tendency to seek connections with the natural world and there is increasing evidence that biophilia can yield health benefits. In this preliminary study, we designed a metaverse office enriched with biophilic elements and investigated how the plants can affect the user experience of 24 participants compared to the same office without biophilic elements. We evaluated the user experience by submitting the User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ), the user emotional response with State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaire, the realism of the virtual office with Slater-Usoh-Steed (SUS) test, and the perception time. We found that the integration of biophilic elements into a metaverse workspace influences positively the users' experience.

Keywords: Biophilic Design , Metaverse , Virtual Reality , Well-being , Workspace

Disassembly complexity is the extent to which individual parts or subassemblies have geometric and physical attributes causing difficulties or problems in handling and removal. Managing the complexity of disassembly at the design phase has positive effects on End of Life disassembly. This work explores and improves an existing solution that quantifies the disassembly complexity of products, allowing for an assessment since the very early stage of design. The index becomes applicable to any kind of product and results comparable. The present paper integrates the aspect of the evaluation of the complexity of manipulation with the model of the quantitative evaluation of the complexity of disassembly. The complexity index proposed by Soh et al., based on the average handling and disassembly complexity indexes was reviewed and updated. Calculation is done considering both the liaison and the part or subset. The main criticalities (i.e., low sensitivity on similar cases, limited parts dimensions) are overcome. The case study provides an application of the new index and shows the main improvements from the existing one. The designer is thus provided with consistent quantitative feedback.

Keywords: Design for disassembly , Disassembly complexity , Disassembly index , Eco-design

The increasing awareness of the necessity for a circular approach in both the government and private sectors has led to the adoption of circular business models aimed at enhancing sustainability efforts and reducing waste production. Despite this recognition, there remains a lack of empirical research on how companies evaluate their environmental impacts to forecast the consequences of applying circular models. This study aims to address this gap by examining the environmental impact perception and diffusion of methods and tools in the furniture sector. Through literature review and questionnaire surveys, the study identifies key concepts and highlights varying levels of commitment to sustainability across different company sizes. The obtained evidence underscores the importance of simplified Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tools in guiding designers towards sustainable product choices, especially in small companies with limited environmental sustainability culture.

Keywords: Eco-design , Environmental Impact Assessment , Furniture Industry , Life Cycle Assessment , Sustainable Manufacturing

This paper describes a design method based on muscle synergies to minimize the number of sensors on surface electromyography (sEMG) shorts for monitoring motor and fun activities with playground equipment. We started from data collected during an experimental campaign with four playground equipment in Kinder Joy of Moving parks. In details, five sEMG located on the leg and one IMU located on the back were employed. From this data, muscle synergies extraction using non-negative matrix factorization algorithm was carried out. Then, the minimum number of sEMG sensors that allows the reconstruction of all sEMG patterns with a VAF for each muscle and each playground over 0.90 was defined. The results underlined how with two sEMG sensors placed on the vastus lateralis and semitendinosus, is possible to reconstruct five sEMG patterns for all four-playground equipment guaranteeing an accuracy in terms of VAF cumulative over 0.97. This work might pave the way to simplify the design of sEMG shorts for motor and fun activities reducing invasiveness, costs and environmental impact.

Keywords: design methods , muscle synergies , playground activity , surface electromyography , wearable sensors

In this paper a methodology for the optimization of design parameters of silicone–based pneumatic soft actuators is presented. The objective is to provide a useful tool in the early design phases of soft grippers made of silicone pneumatic actuators, which are particularly suitable for the manipulation of agrifood products. The methodology presented can be used for the optimal selection of geometric parameters and/or materials to be used for the realization of the actuators, by minimizing the material used while maximizing the tip force exerted by the actuators. This force should guarantee the stable grasp without causing damage on the objects.

Keywords: fiber–reinforced soft actuators , optimization design parameters , pneumatic soft actuators , Soft robotics gripper , sustainability

It is increasingly complex to make decisions relating to environmental requirements in the product design phase. Any decision made at this stage may affect the environmental impact of the product. It is therefore necessary to provide new methods and tools for product designers to help them in ecological design choices. This paper describes an approach and new tool for Eco designing technological processes. Through tools based on artificial intelligence it is possible to propose a new method for the research and implementation of sustainable solutions in the industrial world.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence , Eco-design , Patent analysis , Problem Solving , Prospective LCA

Social impacts investigation is a crucial aspect for healthcare sustainability. Current literature offers fragmented approaches for telemedicine assessment. Thus, this study aims to define indicators and propose a methodology to assess its social impact. It integrates social analysis extending a prior environmental evaluation of a televisit process for heart failure patients. Starting from Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA) and Product Social Impact Assessment (PSIA) guidelines (UNEP 2020), stakeholder groups were identified: patients, caregivers, healthcare and administrative staff, hospital and provincial municipalities. Indicators were acquired from literature and formalized. Initial evaluation included time and cost savings for patients and caregivers throughout the entire processes (in-person or virtual appointments). The inventory was compiled involving a multidisciplinary team and using national databases. Finally, a 5-point scale (−2 to +2) was introduced to facilitate the results comparison. During traditional visits, patients spent €98.57 and caregivers €78.97 for prescription and visit phases, respectively. In televisit processes, total expenditures were €24.01 for patients and €19.6 for caregivers. The televisit delivery phase had the most significant benefits in both environmental and social impacts.

Keywords: Healthcare sector , Social Impact , Stakeholders , Sustainable Development , Telemedicine

Recently, Digital Product Passports (DPPs) have emerged as key instruments for promoting the circular economy and product sustainability by addressing transparency and resource inefficiency. Product information is diverse and complex. Despite many sector-specific solutions, a clearly defined pathway is absent. This paper aims to provide an innovative, universal, tree-structure foundational data model (DM) potentially applicable to any product type, filling the current gap in standardization, along with a methodology for expanding the DM to accommodate any product that will be required to adopt a DPP in the future. The proposed data model is flexible and interoperable, adaptable to any regulation, to facilitate the adoption of DPPs.

Keywords: Data Model , Digital Product Passport , Lifecycle Approach , Regulatory Compliance , Sustainability

In the context of rapidly evolving technology and increased attention to social and environmental dimensions, the industrial sector is transitioning from Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0. This new paradigm emphasizes human centrality in highly automated environments, necessitating the exploration of collaboration mechanisms between humans and robots. This study investigates the application of Physics-Informed Neural Networks (PINNs) to enhance Human-Robot Collaboration (HRC). PINNs integrates the traditional data-driven approach based on machine learning models with a prior physical knowledge of the system, providing a valuable solution when data are scarce or physical models are too complex or incomplete. The study first focuses on the main aspects of interest in the field of HRC through a state-of-the-art analysis, evaluating the application of Physics-Informed Neural Networks (PINNs) in HRC and robotics. It then delves into the definition of PINNs and their implementation. Finally, as a proof of concept, the model is applied to a case study concerning collision detection in a 6 DoF robotic arm. This is achieved by predicting the joint currents and comparing them with the measured values to identify the contribution due to external forces such as collisions. The results demonstrate that the PINNs model outperforms a traditional neural network, achieving an average error below 10%. Additionally, the collision detection application shows an f1_score of 0.

Keywords: Collision detection , Human-robot collaboration , Industry 5.0 , Physics-informed machine learning , Physics-informed neural networks

The fourth industrial revolution (I4.0) is driving the development of automated and intelligent manufacturing systems, but managing these systems poses challenges, especially for maintenance and process control. The emerging Industry 5.0 (I5.0) concept advocates for a human-centered approach, integrating human skills with advanced technologies to address such challenges. This study introduces a novel holistic evaluation of ergonomics, moving beyond traditional physical assessments to include cognitive ergonomics, thus providing a more comprehensive analysis of operator interactions with industrial systems. The proposed approach leverages Virtual Reality (VR) simulations combined with wearable devices to collect data on users' movements and physiological parameters. This enables simultaneous evaluation of physical workload and cognitive demands, fostering early identification of ergonomic issues in the design process. Unlike traditional methods, our framework emphasizes a deeper integration of devices for enhanced data analysis, ensuring that both physical and cognitive factors are addressed. As a case study, the redesign of an automated packaging machine was undertaken. Results demonstrated significant ergonomic improvements, reducing the EAWS (European Assessment Work-Sheet) score (from 30% to 50% approx.) and incorporating cognitive ergonomics into the evaluation.

Keywords: digital simulation , ergonomics and human factors , Human-centered design , industry 5.0 , virtual maintenance , virtual reality

The rapid evolution from Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0 has heightened the need for integrating sustainability practices within complex system designs, particularly in the manufacturing sector. The research presents the development of a Sustainability Digital Twin (SDT) framework aimed at enhancing sustainable design practices for complex engineering systems. This framework integrates digital product models with sustainability indicators and uses Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) to promote Green Design principles. The approach begins with the definition of specific Sustainability Key Performance Indicators (S-KPIs) obtained by Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tools. After that, using VR and AR allows to design and develop customized interactive dashboards to provide a comprehensive overview of sustainability indicators across the social, environmental, and economic dimensions, and to support decision-making along the product lifecycle. A core element of this transdisciplinary methodology is the adoption of a human-centered design philosophy, ensuring that user interfaces are intuitive and user-friendly, to Green Design tools, with the support of advanced digital technologies. The integration of human-machine interaction models aims at extending the current Green Design practices, mainly focused on environmental performances, towards social areas, including human-centric aspects such as usability, accessibility, comfort and pleasure in use. The research applies the proposed transdisciplinary approach to an industrial case study on automatic production lines, focusing on the ceramics industry, developed in collaboration with a world leading company in this sector.

Keywords: Augmented reality , Digitization , Green design , Human-Centered Design , Industry 5.0, Virtual reality , Sustainability digital twin

Over the years, eco-design methods increasingly refer to the product conceptualization phase, guaranteeing increasingly sustainable results. To move in this phase in the most strategic way, it is necessary to seek solutions related to design interventions and reliably select the most sustainable options. This study proposes a new method to actively use the prospective LCA in eco-design, for the identification and evaluation of solutions to solve an environmental problem, defined at the detail level of design features. Both the solutions and the data needed to evaluate their environmental impacts prospectively are extracted from patents through a systematic procedure, ensuring compliance with the quality and reliability requirements prescribed by the ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 standards. The more general result highlighted by the case study is the comparison between prospective LCA and eco-design, from which it emerges how the former can actively support design rather than merely evaluating existing solutions. In patents, solutions at the level of detail of design features and technical parameters can actually be found and evaluated at this level trough prospective LCA. Eco-design conducted according to these solutions makes it possible to address environmental problems related to excessive consumption of resources associated with one or more phases of the life cycle of a product component. Beyond new theoretical speculations on the relationship between prospective LCA and eco-design, this study has helped to show that a patent search, also conducted according to the criteria of the ISO standards, allows this intersection to close the circle on the eco-design.

Keywords: Eco-design , Patents , Prospective LCA

The significance of sustainability has steadily increased over the last decade, driving industries to explore innovative approaches that mitigate environmental impact while maintaining operational efficiency. Additive Manufacturing (AM) has emerged as a promising solution, offering design flexibility and potential for resource efficiency and localized production. However, accurately assessing the environmental impact within AM process workflows remains challenging, particularly within a life cycle assessment (LCA) context. This paper aims to address this gap by introducing a method to estimate energy consumption in Material Extrusion (MEX) AM and integrate it in the main workflow of the process. The study analyzes two different 3D printers and quantifies the energy contributions of different machine components across various operational conditions. Additionally, it describes regression models with high performance in predicting energy consumption based on key printing parameters such as printing time, nozzle temperature, and building plate temperature. This research contributes to advancing our understanding of energy efficiency in AM processes and supports the integration of sustainability considerations into additive manufacturing workflows. The findings have implications for optimizing energy usage, minimizing environmental impact, and enhancing the overall sustainability of AM operations.

Keywords: Additive manufacturing (AM) , Energy consumption , Life cycle assessment (LCA) , Material extrusion (MEX) , Sustainability

This research evaluates the environmental footprint of an innovative smart buoy developed within the SUMMER (Smart low-impact bUoys for Monitoring Marine EnviRonments) project, designed specifically for autonomous monitoring of marine environments significantly impacted by human activities. Unlike conventional marine monitoring systems that require extensive mooring apparatus involving heavy anchors, chains, and substantial support vessels, this innovative buoy features a compact, autonomous, self-propelled design, eliminating the need for permanent mooring systems and considerably reducing physical and ecological disturbances. The compact design enhances adaptability and operational effectiveness, even under challenging marine conditions, making it particularly suitable for deployment in coastal areas, estuaries, ports, and other sensitive marine ecosystems. A comparative Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), aligned with ISO 14040 standards, was conducted using OpenLCA software and the Ecoinvent database, applying the Environmental Footprint (EF) 3.1 methodology. Four alternative manufacturing technologies Stereolithography (SLA), Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Multi Jet Fusion (MJF), and Vacuum Bagging Infusion (VBI) were assessed comprehensively from cradle to gate. The environmental impacts evaluated included critical indicators such as climate change, eutrophication, ecotoxicity, human toxicity, resource depletion, ozone depletion, particulate matter formation, photochemical oxidant formation, land use, and water use. Results revealed substantial environmental performance variations among the manufacturing technologies analyzed, highlighting SLA as the most sustainable solution due to its reduced energy consumption, material efficiency, and overall lower ecological impacts. Conversely, FDM demonstrated significantly higher environmental impacts, primarily linked to its elevated energy requirements. This study emphasizes the critical role of sustainable material choices and energy efficient production methods in reducing the environmental footprint of marine monitoring technologies. The findings contribute significantly to advancing eco-innovative technologies, providing valuable insights for sustainable marine ecosystem management and promoting scalable solutions in marine science and conservation efforts globally.

Keywords: Life Cycle Assessment , Marine environmental monitoring , smart buoy , Sustainable Manufacturing

The preservation of the Underwater Cultural Heritage (UHC) is an essential aspect of safeguarding historical and archaeological sites that are vulnerable to biofouling, sediment accumulation, and environmental degradation. This paper presents an innovative mechatronic tool for underwater restoration and conservation of the submerged cultural heritage, designed to facilitate and make more efficient the cleaning and sampling activities carried out by the underwater restorers and archaeologists. Compared to the state-of-the-art tools available in both the scientific literature and the industry field, the proposed underwater device integrates cleaning and sampling functions. Furthermore, it has been specifically designed to enhance the efficiency and comfort of underwater restorers and conservators in their work. These features make the mechatronic tool versatile for use at archaeological sites and on submerged structures. Laboratory tests, including hydrostatic pressure assessments and functional evaluations in controlled underwater environments, have demonstrated the instrument's reliability. Further testing will be conducted at sea under real operating conditions.

Keywords: product design , SDG11 , SDG14 , SDG9 , underwater cultural heritage , underwater power tools