**Preface to "Assistive Technologies, Robotics, and Automated Machines in the Health Domain"**

The field of healthcare is constantly evolving and advancing with new technologies and innovations. Among these, assistive technologies, robotics, and automated machines are rapidly gaining ground as powerful tools to improve the quality of care and enhance patient outcomes. From wearable devices that monitor vital signs to surgical robots that assist in complex procedures or support rehabilitation, these technologies have the potential to revolutionize the way we deliver healthcare. According to the WHO, assistive technologies enable and promote inclusion and participation, especially for persons with disabilities. The primary purpose of assistive technology is to maintain or improve an individual's functioning and independence, thus allowing them to participate in all activities in life, from education to work. The most interesting applications of care robots are divided into four categories: robotic surgery, care and socially assistive robots, rehabilitation systems, and training for health and care workers. Automated machines support healthcare systems in the decision-making, therapeutic, and rehabilitation approaches. Based on automated machines, the perspective of care in the health domain is radically changing with the potential to transform medicine. The development and integration of assistive technologies, care robots, and automated machines are strategic in the health domain. This book explores the latest developments in assistive technologies, robotics, and automated machines in the health domain, providing a comprehensive overview of their applications and potential impact. The book is for the benefit of healthcare professionals, researchers, engineers, and students interested in these rapidly evolving fields. It covers a wide range of topics, including:

·Portable and wearable devices for remote patient monitoring and home healthcare

·Robotics in healthcare.


The articles are written by experts in their respective fields, providing a detailed and authoritative overview of the current state of the art. Each contribution also includes references to the relevant literature, making this book a useful resource and tool for further study and research.

Overall, this reprint aims to provide a timely and comprehensive overview of the rapidly evolving field of assistive technologies, robotics, and automated machines in the health domain. We hope that it will be a valuable resource for healthcare professionals, researchers, engineers, and students working in this exciting and vital field.

> **Daniele Giansanti** *Editor*
