The manufacturing sector is undergoing a paradigm shift driven by the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, and advanced technologies such as Digital Twins (DTs), machine learning (ML), and edge computing within the Industry 4.0 framework. This scoping review systematically explores the breadth and depth of research on the disruptive potential of these technologies in manufacturing. Drawing on 14 empirical studies published between 2019 and 2025, we highlight the often-overlooked synergies between IoT and robotics. Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search of SpringerLink, Science Direct, and Google Scholar was conducted, with data extraction and quality appraisal guided by the Mixed-Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Three thematic areas emerged: IoT-driven optimization, robotics and human–robot collaboration (HRC), and emerging technologies. Findings reveal IoT-enabled cycle time improvements (0.44–1.71%), robotics achieving 9% cycle time reductions with safety metrics (mAP 0.605–0.789), and DTs reporting predictive performance (AUC 0.916). However, challenges persist in data heterogeneity, standardization gaps, and limited real-world validations. This review offers critical insights for manufacturers, researchers, and policymakers to foster scalable and resilient manufacturing ecosystems.
Salawu et al. (2025) studied this question.