Mapping the Design Revolution: Globalization and Maturity of Industrial Automation in the Academic Sphere

Authors

  • Diego Venegas-Vásconez Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador - Sede Ambato Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7376-6272
  • Angélica Tirado-Lozada Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador - Sede Ambato.; Doctorado en Diseño, Universidad de Palermo, Buenos Aires C1175ABT, Argentina. Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6544-3716

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70929/caui3.v2i1.0020

Keywords:

Bibliometric analysis, Industrial Automation, Industrial Design, Engineering Education, Industry 4.0

Abstract

This study conducts a bibliometric analysis of the evolution of automation in industrial design and its educational impact across the periods 2000–2007, 2008–2014, and 2015–2026. Utilizing the Scopus database and visualization tools such as VOSviewer and OriginPro, the analysis examines temporal trends, geographic distribution, disciplinary areas, and keyword co-occurrence networks. The findings indicate exponential growth in scientific output, particularly since 2015, largely attributed to the Industry 4.0 paradigm. The research identifies a shift from an initial concentration of knowledge in the United States to a more global distribution, driven by increased contributions from China, India, and a growing presence in Latin America. Engineering remains the dominant discipline, followed by Computer Science, reflecting the increasing integration of artificial intelligence and cyber-physical systems. The study concludes that the field has reached a level of maturity necessitating interdisciplinary training models, with industrial design evolving toward hybrid professional profiles capable of engaging with highly automated environments. This work offers a roadmap for researchers and academics interested in the technological and pedagogical convergence anticipated in the coming decade.

Author Biographies

  • Diego Venegas-Vásconez, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador - Sede Ambato

    Mechanical engineer with a master's degree in Industrial Engineering and Productivity and a PhD in Materials Engineering and Sustainable Processes. Researcher with over 15 scientific articles. Instructor in national and international courses on safety and handling of combustible gases. NFPA certified in NFPA 58 and NFPA 101 standards. University professor with over 5 years of experience in Mechanical Engineering and related fields.

  • Angélica Tirado-Lozada, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador - Sede Ambato.; Doctorado en Diseño, Universidad de Palermo, Buenos Aires C1175ABT, Argentina.

    Ph.D. candidate in Design at the University of Palermo (Argentina). University professor for 20 years. Director of research projects on product design and sustainability in the construction of floats for the Fruit and Flower Festivals.

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Published

2026-02-12

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 1 (2026): Innovaciones en Automatización y Ergonomía

Section

Survey Paper

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Copyright (c) 2026 Scientific Digital Journal Causality Causality (caui3)

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How to Cite

[1]
D. Venegas-Vásconez and A. Tirado-Lozada, “Mapping the Design Revolution: Globalization and Maturity of Industrial Automation in the Academic Sphere”, Revista Digital Científica Causalidad (caui3), vol. 2, no. 1, pp. 34–52, Feb. 2026, doi: 10.70929/caui3.v2i1.0020.