Advancements in Soft and Continuum Robotics for Medical Applications: Design, Control and Clinical Integration
A special issue of Biomimetics (ISSN 2313-7673). This special issue belongs to the section "Locomotion and Bioinspired Robotics".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2026 | Viewed by 26
Special Issue Editor
Interests: robotics; continuum robotics; medical robots; intelligent robots; minimally invasive surgery; smart materials and structures
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The Special Issue "Advancements in Soft and Continuum Robotics for Medical Applications: Design, Control and Clinical Integration" presents recent innovations in the dynamic field of soft and continuum robotics, with a strong emphasis on their transformative potential in medicine and related disciplines. Soft and continuum robots, known for their flexibility and adaptability, offer significant advantages in navigating complex and sensitive anatomical environments, enabling safer and more precise minimally invasive procedures.
This issue compiles interdisciplinary research on the design of compliant robotic systems, novel actuation and sensing mechanisms, and advanced materials that emulate the properties of biological tissues. Particular attention is given to control strategies designed for the nonlinear and high-dimensional behavior of soft robots, including real-time feedback, model-based methods, and AI-driven approaches. The incorporation of smart navigation strategies, such as multi-gait locomotion tailored to varying anatomical constraints, further enhances the autonomous capabilities of these systems within confined or dynamically changing environments.
In addition, the issue explores the clinical integration of these robotic technologies, addressing challenges related to safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance. It features practical case studies in areas such as endoscopy, catheter-based interventions, and assistive wearable devices. Through both theoretical frameworks and experimental validations, this issue aims to bridge the gap between laboratory innovation and clinical application.
By promoting collaboration among engineers, computer scientists, and medical professionals, this Special Issue contributes to the advancement of next-generation robotic tools that enhance both diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities in modern healthcare.
Dr. Jongwoo Kim
Guest Editor
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. Biomimetics 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 2200 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
- continuum robots
- soft robots
- medical robots
- minimally invasive surgery
- bio-inspired design
- flexible medical instruments
- human–robot interaction in healthcare
- smart materials and structures
- multi-gait locomotion
- adaptive control
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