Advanced Optimization Algorithms for Actuator Modelling and Control

Dear Colleagues,

Recent advances in actuator technologies are playing a crucial role in the development of next-generation engineering systems, including robotics, industrial automation, aerospace systems, biomedical devices, automotive applications, and smart manufacturing. Modern actuators are expected to achieve high precision, fast dynamic responses, improved energy efficiency, reliability, and intelligent autonomous operation. These increasing performance requirements have stimulated significant research efforts in the fields of actuator modelling, parameter estimation, optimal design, and advanced control methodologies.

At the same time, the rapid evolution of computational methods, optimization algorithms, artificial intelligence, and data-driven techniques is creating new opportunities for the analysis and control of complex actuator systems. Machine learning approaches, intelligent optimization methods, adaptive control strategies, and digital modelling techniques are increasingly integrated into actuator design and operation to improve robustness, efficiency, fault tolerance, and real-time performance.

This Special Issue aims to bring together researchers and practitioners from academia and industry to present their recent advances, innovative methodologies, and emerging applications in the field of actuator systems. Submissions of original research articles and review papers are invited to address theoretical developments, computational approaches, experimental studies, and industrial applications related to actuator modelling, identification, optimization, and control. This Special Issue particularly welcomes interdisciplinary contributions involving artificial intelligence, intelligent optimization, and energy-efficient solutions for advanced actuator technologies.

Topics of interest for publication include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Actuator modelling and simulation;
• Parameter estimation and system identification;
• Optimal actuator design;
• Intelligent control of actuators;
• Artificial intelligence for actuator systems;
• Optimization algorithms for actuator control;
• Energy-efficient actuator design and operation;
• Adaptive, robust, and nonlinear control;
• Data-driven modelling and control;
• Smart and autonomous actuator systems;
• Mechatronic and robotic actuator applications;
• Fault diagnosis and predictive maintenance;
• Digital twins and real-time monitoring of actuators.

Researchers investigating the theoretical, numerical, and experimental aspects of actuator technologies are encouraged to contribute to this Special Issue. Contributions addressing emerging trends and practical industrial applications are particularly welcome. This Special Issue will also include high-quality papers presented during the 2026 International Conference on Modelling, Identification and Control (ICMIC 2026, https://icmic-conf.com/index.asp). Please note that this Special Issue will potentially be republished in a book format (Example Special Issue “Actuator Technologies and Control: Materials, Devices and Applications”: https://www.mdpi.com/books/reprint/12884-actuator-technologies-and-control).

Prof. Dr. Paolo Mercorelli
Prof. Dr. Xin Hu
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-anonymized 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.