Design and Control of Assistive and Rehabilitation Robots

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue, "Design and Control of Assistive and Rehabilitation Robots", will deal with the latest issues in robotic solutions within rehabilitation and assistive care. Neurological disorders are still an important factor in long-term disability; hence, robotics technology could provide support in motor recovery and improvement in life quality. We expect submissions on a wide variety of topics, including but not limited to novel approaches for active and passive rehabilitation methods, and advanced control strategies for assistive devices. Among the interesting topics, adaptive control systems, machine learning techniques, and real-time adjustment methods compose personalized rehabilitation based on user performance. Those involving biological signals such as muscle activity (EMG) and neural inputs into robotic control systems should be highly encouraged. Advanced designs, including exoskeletons, soft robots, and tendon-driven systems, will also be discussed, focusing on enhanced neuroplasticity and recovered motor functions. Particular attention will be given to those systems dedicated to occupational therapy aimed at fostering autonomy in everyday life. We also call for submissions regarding the use of AI, telerehabilitation, and novel robotic solutions applied to sensorimotor training. Our goal is to introduce a wide-ranging scope of research, from technology to neuroscience to clinical rehabilitation, to advance the field of assistive and rehabilitation robotics.

This Special Issue aligns closely with the scope of Actuators by focusing on the pivotal role of advanced actuation technologies in assistive and rehabilitation robotics. Innovations in soft actuators, tendon-driven mechanisms, and biologically integrated controls, such as those leveraging EMG and neural signals, underscore the importance of precise, adaptive, and efficient actuation. Mobile robots for rehabilitation offer dynamic and versatile solutions, enabling autonomous or semi-autonomous navigation in various settings to support patient recovery. These robots, equipped with advanced actuation systems and adaptive controls, facilitate sensorimotor training and provide personalized therapies. Their mobility ensures seamless integration into clinical and home environments, offering continuous rehabilitation support and expanding accessibility. Mobile robots are driving transformative improvements in rehabilitation outcomes and patient quality of life through advancements in real-time adjustments and biologically inspired control systems. Incorporating machine learning, adaptive control strategies, and innovative actuation technologies further enhances the effectiveness of these robotic systems in delivering personalized care.

Dr. Gokhan Erdemir
Dr. Gazi Akgun
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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• rehabilitation robotics
• assistive robotics
• motor function recovery
• active rehabilitation
• passive rehabilitation
• machine learning in robotics
• EMG-based control
• neural signal integration
• soft robotics for rehabilitation
• mobile robots for rehabilitation