Soft, Hybrid, and Wearable Actuation Technologies for Rehabilitation Robotics
A special issue of Actuators (ISSN 2076-0825). This special issue belongs to the section "Actuators for Robotics".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2026 | Viewed by 136
Special Issue Editors
Interests: biomedical robotics; soft exoskeletons for rehabilitation; driver-in-the-loop simulation; design and implementation of sensor–actuator architectures; advanced control systems
Interests: mechatronic systems; robotic rehabilitation; soft actuators; condition monitoring; vibrations; actuators; soft robotics; cognitive robotics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: polymers; composites; soft materials; soft robotics; robotic rehabilitation; bio-inspiration; FEA; additive manufacturing; mechanics of materials
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Rehabilitation robotics is undergoing a paradigm shift. Driven by the demand for patient-centered and adaptive care, the field is transitioning from the heavy, rigid exoskeletons of the past toward compliant, lightweight assistive technologies. This evolution is not just mechanical; it is a shift toward a more organic synergy between humans and machines. Soft actuators offer more than just intrinsic safety; they provide a high degree of adaptability to the human form. A pivotal advantage of these architectures lies in their comfort and ergonomics. Unlike rigid frames, soft components conform more naturally to the user’s limbs, distributing mechanical pressure and minimizing patient pain. This enhanced level of wearability is paving the way to better user acceptance and long-term therapeutic success.
This Special Issue explores the cutting edge of these technologies, specifically focusing on the following:
- Recent advances in materials;
- Design methodologies;
- Sensing integration;
- Control strategies for soft, hybrid, and wearable actuation technologies applied to rehabilitation robotics.
Emphasis is placed on human–robot interaction, biomechanical compatibility, and personalising therapy. Welcoming contributions on the interdisciplinary research across robotics, materials science, and clinical practice, this Special Issue aims to provide a comprehensive overview of state-of-the-art actuation and to identify future directions for effective, accessible, and patient-adaptive rehabilitation systems.
Dr. Michele Perrelli
Dr. Monica Tiboni
Dr. Chiara Morano
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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.
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
- soft robotics
- wearable actuators
- rehabilitation robotics
- human–robot interaction (HRI)
- neurorehabilitation
- hybrid actuation systems
- bio-inspired design
- assistive technologies
- biomechanical compatibility
- patient-centered design
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