Design and Control of Agricultural Robotics
A special issue of Actuators (ISSN 2076-0825). This special issue belongs to the section "Actuators for Robotics".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2024 | Viewed by 2325
Special Issue Editor
Interests: physical human–robot interactions; human-safe robotics; agricultural robotics; compliant actuations; magneto-rheological fluid devices
* Ph.D., P.Eng
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Agricultural robotics has emerged as a critical field to address the growing challenges of sustainable food production, labor shortages, and higher-quality produce. The integration of robotics and automation technologies in agriculture has already revolutionized farming practices in many areas and holds the potential to have a far more significant impact. This Special Issue of Actuators aims to provide a platform for researchers, engineers, and practitioners to share their latest advancements and insights in the field of agricultural robotics.
Scope
We invite researchers from academia and industry to contribute original research articles, reviews, and innovative solutions related to the “Design and Control of Agricultural Robotics”. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Mechatronic systems design for agricultural robots;
- Robotic solutions for specific agricultural tasks (e.g., planting, harvesting, weeding);
- Human–robot interaction in agricultural settings;
- Advanced vision systems for crop monitoring and harvesting;
- Autonomous navigation and path planning in agricultural environments;
- Sensing technologies for crop health assessment;
- Machine learning and AI algorithms for agricultural robotics;
- Case studies and field trials of agricultural robots.
Guest Editor’s Note
As the Guest Editor of this Special Issue, I have had the privilege of working on several cutting-edge research projects in the field of agricultural robotics. My research journey has been intertwined with the evolution of robotic technologies, particularly in the areas of human–robot interactions, compliant actuation for manufacturing, and agricultural robotics.
I have been deeply involved in the mushroom industry, gaining first-hand experience in the development of the first robotic harvesting system. This endeavor has resulted in a successful harvesting technology that benefits mushroom growers globally. Currently, I am engaged in the greenhouse industry, collaborating with propagation facilities for the development of novel robotic solutions for handling young plants. These innovations are designed to streamline operations and promote sustainable growth in this sector.
I am excited to invite researchers from around the world to contribute their insights and advancements in the field of agricultural robotics. Together, we can continue to push the boundaries of innovation, addressing the pressing challenges in food security and sustainable growth in alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Prof. Dr. Mehrdad R. Kermani
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.
Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Actuators is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- agricultural robotics
- automation technologies
- sustainable food production
- mechatronic and vision systems in agriculture
- autonomous harvesting
- sensing technologies
- crop health assessment
- precision farming
- human–robot interaction
- field trials
- ethics