A Review of Applied Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing: Emergent AI Models in Cyber–Physical Systems for Manufacturing

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) is a cornerstone of Industry 4.0, driving significant gains in automation, efficiency, and adaptability. In parallel, manufacturing environments are evolving into cyber–physical systems (CPS), where physical processes are deeply integrated with computational intelligence. While machine learning and deep learning techniques have become standard practice in manufacturing CPS, the emergence of advanced and foundation AI models—such as reinforcement learning, agent-based AI systems, large language models, and neuro-symbolic approaches—brings fresh opportunities and challenges that are not fully understandable. This paper offers a comprehensive systematic literature review (SLR) on AI applications in manufacturing cyber–physical systems, with a particular focus on the role, maturity, and industrial readiness of emergent AI models. Following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a structured search was carried out in Scopus and Web of Science, producing over 4200 publications, out of which a final set of 172 publications were retained following a rigorous multi-stage screening and eligibility process. We analysed the selected literature through complementary descriptive, longitudinal, and mapping syntheses to identify publication trends, paradigm evolution, and relationships between AI paradigms and manufacturing functions. Our findings show a clear transition from rule-based and conventional machine learning approaches toward more adaptive, decentralized, and learning-driven AI paradigms. However, despite their conceptual suitability for complex and dynamic manufacturing environments, emergent AI models are mostly limited to experimental, hybrid, or decision-support contexts, with limited integration into core manufacturing operations. Critical research gaps regarding the industrial readiness of these models—specifically concerning integration frameworks, empirical validation, safety, and trust—are identified. Furthermore, the study outlines future research directions for advancing the next generation of intelligent and autonomous manufacturing CPS. Overall, this review underscores the rapid growth and current fragmentation of the field, highlighting the need for more integrative and production-ready AI frameworks in the evolution of manufacturing CPS.