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About

Ana Cristina Barros is a leading researcher at the intersection of Industry 4.0, supply chain management, and advanced manufacturing technologies. Her work focuses on understanding the critical factors that drive or hinder the adoption of cutting-edge production technologies, particularly collaborative robots (cobots). In her highly cited 2019 study (157 citations), she analyzed the dynamics of a production technology cluster, revealing how regional ecosystems can accelerate the provision of Industry 4.0 solutions. Her 2020 paper (132 citations) is a landmark study on managerial decision-making, identifying the key drivers—such as perceived usefulness and organizational readiness—that shape intentions to adopt cobots in manufacturing. Barros has also explored the broader integration of Industry 4.0 technologies into supply chains (38 citations) and conducted qualitative research on the nuanced drivers impacting cobot adoption (23 citations). Her work provides essential guidance for practitioners and policymakers navigating the digital transformation of industry, making her a pivotal voice in the transition toward smarter, more automated production systems.