Smart Sensors: Applications and Advances in Human Motion Analysis

Dear Colleagues,

New directions in human motion cover motion recognition and prediction, and human-robot interaction perception using sensor-based technologies driven by recent technological advances (wearable sensors, advanced sensors, artificial intelligence and machine learning, electronic and smart sensing textiles, and so on). Advanced applications in both scenarios rely on the combination of smart sensors with the algorithmic advances in artificial intelligence.  

The adequate provision of human motion requires the consideration of various aspects, as follows. The use of unobtrusive, low-cost wearable sensors that are capable of tracking relevant motion in free-living conditions; machine learning-based strategies for reasoning sensor data; intuitive and collaborative sensor-based technologies for timely assisting and interacting with users in various environments. The accurate decision making of human motion may bring new achievements in diverse robotic applications. The inclusion of motion prediction strategies in robotic assistive devices is necessary to provide patients with personalized motor assistance and to prevent risk situations. Moreover, the collaborative robots, used in Industry 4.0 programs and social robots, will benefit if the robot is being continuously kept informed of the human motor performance and safety.  

This Special Issue covers new strategies to recognize and predict the human motion or the human-robot interaction, both in the clinical and in the industry fields, thanks to the application of smart sensors or the innovative use of the standard wearable sensors. Biofeedback strategies-related sensors to augment human collaboration with robotic systems are also encouraged.

Contributions may include, but are not limited to:

• Smart sensors for human motion analysis;
• Sensors for decision making and smart-based applications;
• Wearable sensor-based strategies for motion intention recognition;
• Machine learning algorithms for human motion recognition and prediction;
• Machine learning -based sensor measurements for human motion estimation;
• Sensors applications on collaborative and assistive robots;
• Advanced strategies for improving human-robot interaction;
• Sensing for physical human-robot interaction;
• Applications of sensors for robotics

You may choose our Joint Special Issue in Machines.

Dr. Cristina P. Santos
Dr. Joana Figueiredo
Guest Editors

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