Micro-Drive and Active Control Based on Smart Materials

Dear Colleagues,

Recent advancements in micro-drive systems and active control technologies based on smart materials have garnered significant attention across various engineering disciplines. Many types of smart materials, e.g., magnetorheological, electrorheological, piezoelectric, electrostrictive, magnetostrictive, anphotovoltaic, shape memory materials, etc., have been discovered and studied in different fields; they play an important role in promoting the development of modern science and technology. Their unique properties, such as high energy density, miniaturization potential, and self-actuation capabilities, enable breakthroughs in fields ranging from biomedical devices and soft robotics to aerospace mechanisms and precision optics.

We seek contributions exploring the design, synthesis, and characterization of smart material-based actuators, active control strategies, and hybrid systems that combine multiple materials or conventional technologies. Studies on applications in mechanical, aerospace, biomedical, and robotic systems are particularly welcome.

By compiling high-quality research and reviews, this Special Issue aims to bridge gaps between materials science, control theory, and engineering practice. We hope to inspire interdisciplinary collaboration and accelerate the development of intelligent, efficient, and sustainable micro-drive solutions. Authors are encouraged to submit original articles that advance smart material-based actuation and control.

Dr. Xinjie Wang
Dr. Hua Li
Guest Editors

Dr. Yujuan Tang
Guest Editor Assistant

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. Materials 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 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.