Advanced Coating Materials and Manufacturing Technologies for Enhancing Robotic Capabilities
A special issue of Coatings (ISSN 2079-6412).
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 July 2026 | Viewed by 1016
Special Issue Editors
Interests: flexible electronics; stretchable conductor; strain sensors
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: printed electronics and micro/nano flexible sensors; silver/copper pastes; advanced packaging technologies
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: micro/nano fabrication; tactile sensing for robotic dexterous hands; synthesis and applications of functional surfaces
Interests: electrochromic energy storage device; bioelectronics; hydrogel electronics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The rapid evolution of robotics in industrial automation, medical applications, aerospace, and extreme environment exploration demands advanced materials and surface engineering solutions to enhance performance, durability, and functionality. In particular, protective coatings and tribological optimization for robotic joints have become critical technologies for extending service life in high-load operational scenarios. We invite researchers and engineers to contribute original research articles, reviews, and case studies on novel coating materials, advanced manufacturing techniques, wear-resistant surface engineering, and functional surface modifications tailored for robotic applications. This Issue aims to bridge the gap between materials science, manufacturing technologies, and robotics, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration to solve critical challenges in next-generation robotic systems.
A core focus of this Issue is advanced coating materials for flexible sensors, which enable robots to achieve human-like tactile perception, improving safety and dexterity in human–robot collaboration. Interactive sensor coatings combine conductive nanocomposites with microstructured surfaces to enable precise force/pressure detection for safe physical collaboration. This Special Issue focuses on advanced coatings designed to withstand harsh operational environments in robotics. We particularly welcome studies on wear- and corrosion-resistant coatings for industrial robotic joints and actuators, as well as bio-inspired lubricating coatings that significantly reduce friction and energy consumption. Innovations in multi-material 3D printing allow for the fabrication of lightweight, complex robotic structures with embedded functionalities, such as soft actuators and self-sensing components. On the intelligence front, AI-driven control systems and machine learning (ML) algorithms are critical for real-time decision-making, adaptive motion planning, and predictive maintenance. These technologies empower robots to learn from dynamic environments, optimize energy consumption, and enhance precision in tasks ranging from microsurgery to autonomous logistics.
Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Flexible sensors for robotic skin and proprioception;
- Three-dimensional printing of functional components or lightweight alloy structural parts;
- Design and evaluation of composite wear-resistant coatings for high-load joints;
- Nan/micro paste for component interconnection and packaging;
- ML applications in robotic vision, grasping, and human–robot interaction;
- Energy conversion and storage devices for powering robotic systems.
Dr. Su Ding
Dr. Wanli Li
Dr. Ziheng Zhan
Dr. He Zhang
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-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Coatings 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 2600 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
- e-skins
- 3D printing
- wear resistance
- electronic packaging
- machining learning
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