UNKNOWN

This reprint presents a curated collection of high-quality contributions originally published in the Special Issue "Design and Optimization of Manufacturing Systems, 2nd Edition" in the journal Applied Sciences. The articles reflect recent advances in and innovative methodologies for the design, modeling, and optimization of manufacturing systems, addressing key challenges in modern industrial environments. The topics covered include intelligent production planning, data-driven decision support, sustainable and human-centered manufacturing, scheduling and resource allocation, and the integration of artificial intelligence and simulation techniques. The contributions emphasize both theoretical developments and practical applications, offering valuable insights for researchers, engineers, and practitioners engaged in the continuous improvement of manufacturing processes. This reprint serves as a consolidated reference that highlights current trends and emerging strategies in the field, and supports the ongoing transformation toward more adaptive, efficient, and resilient production systems.