The influence of artificial intelligence and additive manufacturing on sustainable manufacturing practices and their effect on performance

This study investigates the relationships between artificial intelligence (AI), additive manufacturing (AM), sustainable product design and development (SPD), sustainable manufacturing processes (SMP), and sustainable performance. Using stratified random sampling, this research used a cross-sectional survey methodology for gathering data from 267 small and medium-sized firms across several industries in the Czech Republic. We applied a "partial least square-structural equation modeling" (PLS-SEM) analysis technique to validate and test the interrelationships between AI, AM, SPD, SMP, and sustainable performance. The study provides several important insights: AI significantly and positively impacts AM, SPD, and SMP. Additionally, AM positively influences SPD and SMP. Both SPD and SMP have significant positive effects on sustainable performance. Furthermore, SPD mediates AI's and AM's effects on sustainable performance, while SMP mediates the impact of AI and AM on sustainable performance. The findings highlight the transformative potential of AI and AM in enhancing sustainable practices within the Czech industrial landscape. The study emphasizes the importance of integrating AI and AM with sustainable design and manufacturing processes to achieve superior sustainable performance, offering valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and industry stakeholders seeking to foster innovation and sustainability in the Czech Republic.