Integrated systems based on wireless sensor networks (WSNs) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with electric propulsion are emerging as state-of-the-art solutions for large scale monitoring. Main advances stemming both from complex system architectures as well as powerful embedded computing and communication platforms, advanced sensing and networking protocols have been leveraged to prove the viability of this concept. The design of suitable algorithms for data processing, communication and control across previously disparate domains has thus currently become an intensive area of interdisciplinary research. The paper was focused on the collaborative aspects of UAV–WSN systems and the reference papers were analyzed from this point of view, on each functional module. The paper offers a timely review of recent advances in this area of critical interest with focus on a comparative perspective across multiple recent theoretical and applied contributions. A systematic approach is carried out in order to structure a unitary from conceptual design towards key implementation aspects. Focus areas are identified and discussed such as distributed data processing algorithms, hierarchical multi-protocol networking aspects and high level WSN–constrained UAV-control. Application references are highlighted in various domains such as environmental, agriculture, emergency situations and homeland security. Finally, a research agenda is outlined to advance the field towards tangible economic and social impact.

Antifragility was introduced as a term no later than 10 years ago. As presented by Taleb, antifragility means that a system becomes more resilient and more robust with every harmful and/or stressful action it is confronted with. This paper is based on a study which aimed to use the concept of antifragility during the design stage of a self-improving system. This way, it is expected to obtain a fast adaptive system capable of functioning at optimal parameters even when it works under adverse conditions or faces unforeseen changes in the environment. Assuming that an antifragile system not only maintains its robust behavior when faced with stressful and harmful events but even benefits from them to optimize its performance, the paper offers a detailed description of the features that must be ensured when designing a self-improving antifragile manufacturing system. By ensuring the property of antifragility, complex manufacturing systems are much safer to exploit under uncertain conditions, which brings major benefits to the process management. Starting from consecrated solutions such as preventive maintenance (PvM) and predictive maintenance (PdM) and using techniques of artificial intelligence, we present the concept of antifragile maintenance (AfM).