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New Challenges in Conceptual Design of Robotic and Mechatronic Systems: 3rd Edition

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Robotics and Automation".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2025 | Viewed by 546

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Robotics and Mechatronics, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Bialystok University of Technology, Wiejska 45A, 15-351 Bialystok, Poland
Interests: mechatronic systems design; robotics; design methods; systems sciences
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Guest Editor
The Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Institute, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense, Denmark
Interests: robotics; motion planning; robotic assembly; grippers
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The creation of a conceptual model of the mechatronic and robotic systems currently being designed is the actual task which is performed in the frames of automation and robotics, mechatronics, engineering design, computer-integrated manufacturing, computer-aided design, and other related subject fields. The conceptual model of the designed mechatronic object is usually created before generating the concrete mathematical models necessary to perform design tasks at the detailed design phase of the object life cycle. Among the widespread models and methods which are usually used at the conceptual and detailed design phases are models of classical mathematics and artificial intelligence, logical–dynamical and hybrid systems, knowledge-based engineering, etc.

The implementation of design approaches and a conceptual model, which take into account the abovementioned methods and allow for connected formal descriptions of a mechatronic system structure, its functional representation as a unit in its environment, mechatronic system environment, and human–computer interactions, is a challenging task. This model should be used at the conceptual design phase to allow for an easy transformation to the concrete mathematical models used at the detailed design phase of robotic and other mechatronic system life cycles. The conceptual model should also take into account the connected descriptions of mechatronic subsystems of different natures, i.e., mechanical, electronic, electromechanical, and computer.

The main aim of this Special Issue is to seek high-quality submissions that highlight emerging methods of the conceptual and detailed design of mechatronic systems and show the results of the design of specific robotic and other mechatronic systems, as well as the results of their practical implementation. 

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

  • Engineering design methods;
  • Mechatronic systems;
  • Systems engineering;
  • Modular robots;
  • Robotics: companion robots, industrial robots, healthcare robots, and soft robots;
  • Human–computer interaction.

Prof. Dr. Kanstantsin Miatliuk
Prof. Dr. Henrik Gordon Petersen
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. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly 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

  • conceptual design
  • mechatronic systems
  • robotic systems
  • human–computer interaction
  • design methods

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

32 pages, 2549 KiB  
Review
A Narrative Review of Systematic Reviews on the Applications of Social and Assistive Support Robots in the Health Domain
by Daniele Giansanti, Andrea Lastrucci, Antonio Iannone and Antonia Pirrera
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 3793; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15073793 - 30 Mar 2025
Viewed by 448
Abstract
As the interest in social and assistive support robots (SASRs) grows, a review of 17 systematic reviews was conducted to assess their use in healthcare, emotional well-being, and therapy for diverse populations, including older adults, children, and individuals with autism and dementia. SASRs [...] Read more.
As the interest in social and assistive support robots (SASRs) grows, a review of 17 systematic reviews was conducted to assess their use in healthcare, emotional well-being, and therapy for diverse populations, including older adults, children, and individuals with autism and dementia. SASRs have demonstrated potential in alleviating depression, loneliness, anxiety, and stress, while also improving sleep and cognitive function. Despite these promising outcomes, challenges remain in identifying the most effective interventions, refining robot designs, and evaluating long-term impacts. User acceptance hinges on trustworthiness and empathy-driven design. Compared to earlier review studies, recent research emphasizes the ongoing significance of emotional engagement, the refinement of robot functionalities, and the need to address ethical issues such as privacy and autonomy through robust cybersecurity and data privacy measures. The field is gradually shifting towards a user-centered design approach, focusing on robots as tools to augment, rather than replace, human care. While SASRs offer substantial benefits for emotional well-being and therapeutic support, further research is crucial to enhance their effectiveness and address concerns about replacing human care. Algorethics (AI ethics), interdisciplinary collaboration, and standardization and training emerge as key priorities to ensure the responsible and sustainable deployment of SASRs in healthcare settings, reinforcing the importance of rigorous methodologies and ethical safeguards. Full article
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