Advanced Technologies for Enhancing Safety, Health, and Well-Being

A special issue of Technologies (ISSN 2227-7080). This special issue belongs to the section "Assistive Technologies".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 December 2025 | Viewed by 825

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
School of Resources and Safety Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
Interests: Intelligent transportation; road safety; crash injury analysis
Department of Marine Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, China
Interests: human factors and ergonomics; human-robot interaction

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The Special Issue aims to present cutting-edge research and comprehensive reviews exploring the latest technological innovations designed to improve human safety, health, and well-being. It seeks to highlight interdisciplinary efforts involving artificial intelligence, machine learning, wearable technologies, robotics, virtual and augmented reality, IoT systems, big data analytics, and advanced materials. Contributions will discuss theoretical and practical aspects, including system design, implementation, efficacy evaluations, ethical considerations, and regulatory implications.

Key topics of interest include but are not limited to predictive analytics for hazard prevention, smart wearable sensors for real-time health monitoring, autonomous systems for high-risk tasks, immersive technologies for training and behavioral change, technological advancements in protective gear, and ergonomic solutions to enhance human–technology interactions. The Special Issue will provide a valuable academic platform for scholars, industry experts, and policymakers to exchange knowledge, identify research gaps, and foster collaborations, ultimately driving forward innovative solutions that meaningfully improve safety and health across diverse environments.

Dr. Siu Shing Man
Dr. Alan H. S. Chan
Dr. Fangrong Chang
Dr. Li Liu
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • occupational health and safety
  • road safety
  • mental health
  • rehabilitation
  • artificial intelligence
  • machine learning
  • wearable technology
  • Internet of Things
  • robotics and automation
  • virtual/augmented reality
  • ergonomics and human factors

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

19 pages, 748 KB  
Article
Patient Experiences of Remote Patient Monitoring: Implications for Health Literacy and Therapeutic Relationships
by Josephine Stevens, Amir Hossein Ghapanchi, Afrooz Purarjomandlangrudi and Stephanie Bruce
Technologies 2025, 13(10), 464; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies13100464 - 13 Oct 2025
Viewed by 256
Abstract
This study explores patients’ experiences participating in a home-based remote patient monitoring program for chronic disease management. Using a mixed-methods approach, data was collected through semi-structured interviews and surveys from participants with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and diabetes. Two key themes emerged: [...] Read more.
This study explores patients’ experiences participating in a home-based remote patient monitoring program for chronic disease management. Using a mixed-methods approach, data was collected through semi-structured interviews and surveys from participants with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and diabetes. Two key themes emerged: “knowing” and “relationship.” The “knowing” theme encompassed data-driven awareness and contextualized education that empowered patients in their health management. The “relationship” theme highlighted the importance of interpersonal connections with healthcare providers and the sense of security from clinical oversight. Technology served as a communication platform supporting patient-clinician interactions rather than replacing them. The findings demonstrate that remote monitoring programs enhance chronic disease self-management through two interconnected mechanisms: the development of ‘situated health literacy’ through real-time, personalized data interpretation, and strengthened therapeutic relationships enabled by technology-mediated clinical oversight. Rather than replacing human interaction, technology serves as a platform for meaningful patient-provider communication that supports both immediate health management and long-term self-management capability development. These exploratory findings suggest potential design considerations for patient-centered telehealth services that integrate health literacy enhancement with relationship-centered care. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technologies for Enhancing Safety, Health, and Well-Being)
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21 pages, 5787 KB  
Article
Design and Validation of a Walking Exoskeleton for Gait Rehabilitation Using a Dual Eight-Bar Mechanism
by Fidel Chávez, Juan A. Cabrera, Alex Bataller and Javier Pérez
Technologies 2025, 13(10), 463; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies13100463 - 13 Oct 2025
Viewed by 266
Abstract
Improvements in exoskeletons and robotic systems are gaining increasing attention because of their potential to improve neuromuscular rehabilitation and assist people in their daily activities, significantly improving their quality of life. However, the high cost and complexity of current devices limit their accessibility [...] Read more.
Improvements in exoskeletons and robotic systems are gaining increasing attention because of their potential to improve neuromuscular rehabilitation and assist people in their daily activities, significantly improving their quality of life. However, the high cost and complexity of current devices limit their accessibility to many patients and rehabilitation centers. This work presents the design and development of a low-cost walking exoskeleton, conceived to offer an affordable and simple alternative. The system uses a compact eight-bar mechanism with only one degree of freedom per leg, drastically simplifying motorization and control. The exoskeleton is customized for each patient using a synthesis process based on evolutionary algorithms to replicate a predefined gait. Despite the reduced number of degrees of freedom, the resulting mechanism perfectly matches the desired ankle and knee trajectories. The device is designed to be lightweight and affordable, with components fabricated using 3D printing, standard aluminum bars, and one actuator per leg. A working prototype was fabricated, and its functionality and gait accuracy were confirmed. Although limited to a predefined gait pattern and requiring crutches for balance and steering, this exoskeleton represents a promising solution for rehabilitation centers with limited resources, offering accessible and effective gait assistance to a wider population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technologies for Enhancing Safety, Health, and Well-Being)
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