Variable Stiffness Physical Interaction in Robotic Devices and Machines

Dear Colleagues,

Variable stiffness in physical interactions is a common feature in nature (i.e., tree–branch connections in flora, cartilage–bone connections in fauna), in our daily lives (i.e., hand–phone interaction while grasping; foot–ground interaction while walking), in our machines (e.g., human–robot interaction and wheel–ground interaction in our automobiles), and structures (e.g., electric cable–pylon connections). Therefore, it is fundamental to understand the behavior of the variable stiffness in physical interactions, from both hardware and software point of views, to develop innovative robotic devices and machines for daily use.

In this Special Issue, we would like to explore the variable stiffness in physical connections and interactions from a mechanical and control point of view. To this end, we welcome the submission of papers presenting new challenges in the control, design, and development of compliant machines, novel compliant mechanisms and systems, new robots and devices, and many other architectures and artefacts.

This Special Issue is open (but not limited) to the following topics:

• Compliant mechanisms;
• Biomechanics;
• Parallel mechanisms;
• Parallel manipulators;
• Micromachines;
• Cable-driven systems;
• Tendon-driven systems;
• Soft robotics;
• Machine design;
• Control systems;
• Flexure hinges;
• Variable stiffness systems.

Dr. Giovanni Gerardo Muscolo
Prof. Dr. Giuseppe Carbone
Guest Editors

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