Design and Control of Soft Assistive Wearable Robots
A special issue of Actuators (ISSN 2076-0825). This special issue belongs to the section "Actuators for Robotics".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 March 2025 | Viewed by 104
Special Issue Editors
Interests: soft actuators; soft robotic rehabilitation devices; wearable robotics; flexible actuators; kinematics; computational simulations
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: soft actuators; wearable devices; rehabilitation; finite element analysis; soft material modeling; assistive devices; medical devices
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The growing field of soft robotics offers transformative potential in the development of assistive wearable devices, which are designed to enhance human capabilities and improve the quality of life of individuals with mobility impairments. Soft assistive wearable robots, characterized by their flexible, compliant structures, represent a significant advancement over traditional rigid robotics. These devices are designed to integrate seamlessly with the human body, providing support and assistance without restricting natural movement. The unique material properties of soft robots, such as elasticity and adaptability, make them particularly well suited for applications in rehabilitation, elderly care, and daily assistance. However, the inherent softness and non-linear dynamics of these robots present significant challenges in both their design and control.
This Special Issue seeks to highlight the latest developments and innovations in the field, addressing key challenges and exploring new opportunities in the design and control of soft assistive wearable robots. The scope of this Special Issue includes, but is not limited to, the following topics:
- Innovative Design Techniques: The exploration of new materials, fabrication methods, and structural designs that enhance the functionality, comfort, and wearability of soft assistive robots. This includes bio-inspired designs, soft actuators, and the integration of sensors and electronics into soft robotic structures.
- Advanced Control Methods: The development of robust control algorithms tailored to the unique properties of soft wearable robots. This includes adaptive control, model-free approaches, machine learning techniques, and real-time control systems that ensure precise and responsive interaction with the user.
- Human–Robot Interaction: Research on the interaction between soft wearable robots and users, focusing on intuitive control, user intent recognition, and the incorporation of feedback mechanisms to improve user experience and effectiveness.
- Application in Rehabilitation and Assistance: Case studies and experimental research demonstrating the application of soft assistive wearable robots in rehabilitation, mobility assistance, and other related fields. This includes the evaluation of their impact on user outcomes, usability, and long-term effectiveness.
This Special Issue aims to connect researchers, engineers, and practitioners from across disciplines to advance the state of the art in soft assistive wearable robotics. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and sharing innovative solutions, this Special Issue seeks to contribute to the development of next-generation wearable robots that are more adaptive, user-friendly, and effective in supporting human health and mobility. We welcome original research articles, comprehensive reviews, and forward-looking perspectives that push the boundaries of what is possible in this exciting field.
Dr. Inderjeet Singh
Dr. Veysel Erel
Prof. Dr. Muthu B. J. Wijesundara
Guest Editors
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.
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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
- soft robotics
- wearable robots
- assistive robots
- flexible sensors
- exoskeletons
- human-robot interaction
- biomechanical design
- control strategies
- medical rehabilitation
- industrial assistance
- compliant actuators
- safety and intuitiveness
- advanced materials and technologies
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