Design and Control of Assistive and Rehabilitation Robots
A special issue of Actuators (ISSN 2076-0825). This special issue belongs to the section "Actuators for Robotics".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 December 2025
Special Issue Editors
Interests: robotics; mobile robotics; control systems; intelligent algorithms
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
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
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.
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
- 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
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
- Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
- Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
- Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
- External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
- e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.
Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.