Human-Centered Actuation: Algorithms, Design, and Robotic Applications
A special issue of Actuators (ISSN 2076-0825). This special issue belongs to the section "Actuators for Robotics".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 May 2026 | Viewed by 5
Special Issue Editors
Interests: biomechanics; biomechatronics; numerical methods (CAE); biomedical engineering; computer-aided design (CAD)
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: modeling and control of manipulators and robots; robot software; manipulators; mechatronics; computer science; autonomous robotics; artificial intelligence
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
This Special Issue focuses on publishing novel approaches to explore the multifaceted domain of human-centered actuation, aiming at advancements that prioritize human interaction, safety, and performance in robotic systems. We invite original research and comprehensive review articles that delve into the theoretical, computational, and practical aspects of designing, controlling, and applying actuation systems with humans in mind, that enhance the overall user experience in various applications (e.g., industrial, medical, assistive).
The increasing integration of robots into human environments necessitates a paradigm shift towards actuation solutions that are not only efficient and powerful but also intuitive, adaptable, and inherently safe for human collaboration and interaction. This Special Issue will highlight cutting-edge research in actuation technologies, innovative algorithms for control and decision-making, and novel design methodologies that contribute to this human-centric aim.
Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following areas, emphasizing their relevance to human-centered robotic applications:
- Actuation technologies for human interaction;
- Human–robot collaboration and co-manipulation;
- Safety in human–robot systems;
- Ergonomics and user experience in robotic design;
- Soft robotics and compliant mechanisms;
- Haptics and force feedback;
- Cognitive and perceptual aspects of human-centered robotics;
- Actuation and control in human-centric tasks.
We particularly encourage submissions that demonstrate innovative interdisciplinary approaches, bridging gaps between robotics, artificial intelligence, human–computer interaction, biomechanics, and materials science to advance the field of human-centered actuation, and enhance the overall user experience in various applications (e.g., industrial, medical, assistive).
Prof. Dr. Wojciech Wolanśki
Prof. Dr. Andrzej Burghardt
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
- actuation
- algorithms
- design
- robotic
- control
- safety
- manipulation
- human-centered robotic
- assistive robotics
- human-robot interaction
- intelligent robotic systems
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