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Applied Sciences
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Robotics and Innovative Applications for Healthcare
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Robotics and Innovative Applications for Healthcare

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 April 2025) | Viewed by 3766

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Edwin Daniel Oña Simbaña

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Robotics Lab, University Carlos III de Madrid, 28911 Madrid, Spain
Interests: assistive and rehabilitation robotics; mechatronics; power electronics; serious games for health
Dr. Alberto Jardón Huete

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Robotics Lab, University Carlos III de Madrid, 28911 Madrid, Spain
Interests: assistive robotics; rehabilitation robotics; human–robot interaction

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The integration of robotics and innovative technologies has transformed healthcare, addressing critical needs in patient care, diagnosis, and rehabilitation. As healthcare demands continue to rise, driven by an aging population and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, there is an urgent need for research into advanced technological solutions that can enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and accessibility of medical services. Robotics combined with allied technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and virtual reality (VR), offers significant potential to revolutionize healthcare practices by enabling automated, precise, and personalized interventions. These technologies promise to improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden on healthcare professionals by automating routine tasks and providing advanced decision support.

This Special Issue aims to bring together cutting-edge research and developments in robotics and related technologies for healthcare, showcasing innovations aiming to reshape the future of medical care and rehabilitation. We invite contributions that explore novel algorithms, robotic systems, game-based applications, and AI-driven approaches that address current challenges and create new opportunities in the healthcare sector.

We welcome the submission of original works, reviews, case studies, pilot studies, and short communications, with topics including but not limited to the following:

  • Rehabilitation robotics, exoskeletons, and assistive technologies;
  • Tele-rehabilitation and remote sensorimotor assessment;
  • Applications of VR and gaming-technology for healthcare
  • Integration of smart sensors and IoT in healthcare;
  • Smart healthcare environments (autonomous robots, logistics, IoT, and data management);
  • Automation of clinical procedures;
  • AI-based adaptive rehabilitation therapies;
  • AI-driven diagnostic and monitoring systems in personalized medicine;
  • AI and robotics in mental health and cognitive therapies;
  • Development of AI-assisted robotic surgical systems;
  • Ethical, legal, and social implications of robotics and AI in healthcare;
  • Future trends and emerging technologies in healthcare robotics.

Dr. Edwin Daniel Oña Simbaña
Dr. Alberto Jardón Huete
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

  • robotics
  • rehabilitation
  • assistive technology
  • artificial intelligence
  • smart healthcare
  • personalized medicine

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

57 pages, 5304 KiB  
Article
Fluidity in the Phased Framework of Technology Acceptance: A Case Study to Understand (Older Adult) Participant Journeys Through Acceptance Phases with Mobile Telepresence Robots
by Rune Baggett, Martin Simecek, Candace Chambellan, Marlena R. Fraune and Katherine M. Tsui
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(8), 4233; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15084233 - 11 Apr 2025
Viewed by 195
Abstract
Loneliness has a direct impact on mental and physical health. This is especially relevant to older adults. In prior studies, socially isolated older adults wanted technology that would help them feel more physically present even across distances, such as telepresence robots. However, how [...] Read more.
Loneliness has a direct impact on mental and physical health. This is especially relevant to older adults. In prior studies, socially isolated older adults wanted technology that would help them feel more physically present even across distances, such as telepresence robots. However, how useful this technology can be directly depends on whether people accept it over the long term. In this paper, we describe a case study in which we introduced telepresence robots into homes of older adults for seven months. We investigate how older adults’ progression through acceptance phases ebbed and flowed. We describe primary factors that affected speed of progression through acceptance phases: solving problems with technology, life situations (business vs. routines), and personality. We introduce example personas based on this case study. We also propose changes to the longitudinal technology-acceptance framework to take this more nuanced view into account. These outcomes will help future researchers and practitioners to better understand and influence longitudinal technology acceptance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Robotics and Innovative Applications for Healthcare)
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16 pages, 3568 KiB  
Article
eJamar: A Novel Exergame Controller for Upper Limb Motor Rehabilitation
by Andrés F. Cela, Edwin Daniel Oña and Alberto Jardón
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(24), 11676; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142411676 - 13 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1064
Abstract
This work presents the design of a new game controller device and the development of two exergames (Peter Jumper and Andromeda) for upper limb rehabilitation. The eJamar controller is a novel electromechanical device designed to measure wrist and hand movements, such as pronation/supination, [...] Read more.
This work presents the design of a new game controller device and the development of two exergames (Peter Jumper and Andromeda) for upper limb rehabilitation. The eJamar controller is a novel electromechanical device designed to measure wrist and hand movements, such as pronation/supination, flexion/extension, and ulnar/radial deviation, enabling users to perform control actions in the exergames. One of eJamar’s most significant features is its ability to measure hand grip strength, a function not available in commercial gaming controllers. The exergame Peter Jumper involves a character jumping over obstacles in various environments, promoting hand grip exercises. The exergame Andromeda involves shooting enemy ships, promoting coordination between hand movements and grip strength, making it suitable for different rehabilitation techniques. A testing protocol was applied with eight healthy participants (5F and 3M), who completed a survey evaluating gameplay, usability, and satisfaction of the system. The results demonstrated that the developed exergames are intuitive and easy to play, with participants reporting that a therapist’s presence is not required for gameplay. Hence, it suggests that the developed system can improve the rehabilitation process, promoting wrist–arm movements and grasping actions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Robotics and Innovative Applications for Healthcare)
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21 pages, 5273 KiB  
Article
Framework for Integrating Large Language Models with a Robotic Health Attendant for Adaptive Task Execution in Patient Care
by Kyungki Kim, John Windle, Melissa Christian, Tom Windle, Erica Ryherd, Pei-Chi Huang, Anthony Robinson and Reid Chapman
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(21), 9922; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14219922 - 30 Oct 2024
Viewed by 2079
Abstract
The development of intelligent medical service robots for patient care presents significant challenges, particularly in integrating diverse knowledge sources and enabling robots to autonomously perform tasks in dynamic and unpredictable healthcare environments. This study introduces a novel framework that combines large language models [...] Read more.
The development of intelligent medical service robots for patient care presents significant challenges, particularly in integrating diverse knowledge sources and enabling robots to autonomously perform tasks in dynamic and unpredictable healthcare environments. This study introduces a novel framework that combines large language models with healthcare-specific knowledge and robotic operations to enhance autonomous task execution for a Robotic Health Attendant. Utilizing OpenAI’s ChatGPT, the system processes structured information about patient care protocols and unstructured human inputs to generate context-aware robot actions. A prototype system was tested in a simulated patient room where the robot successfully performed both simple individual actions and complex tasks involving the execution of multiple actions, based on real-time dialogues with the language model and predefined task specifications. The results demonstrate the potential of language models to reduce the reliance on hardcoded logic and provide healthcare professionals with the ability to interact with robotic systems through natural language. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Robotics and Innovative Applications for Healthcare)
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