Topic Editors

Department of Indurstry and Engineering, School of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
Department of Computer Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 5TR, UK

Bio-Inspired, Biomedical, Surgical, Social and AI-Integrated Bio-Mechanical Robotics

Abstract submission deadline
31 May 2026
Manuscript submission deadline
31 July 2026
Viewed by
975

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are thrilled to announce the Topic Issue "Bio-Inspired, Biomedical, Surgical, Social and AI-Integrated Bio-Mechanical Robotics", co-organized with the 17th International Conference on Social Robotics + BioMed (ICSR + BioMed). This initiative converges biological inspiration, clinical innovation, AI, and robotics to address the fragmented nature of advancements in these fields, such as decoding the complex interplay of plant-emitted volatile compounds (VOCs) and their effects on human health. Just as forests harbor unseen synergies between ecology and wellness, bio-mechanical robotics holds untapped potential at the intersection of bioinspired design (e.g., skeletal mimicry), AI-driven diagnostics, surgical precision, and social robotics for aging populations.

While AI and bioinspired technologies have shown promise in isolation—such as AI-enhancing medical imaging or soft robots mimicking tissue elasticity—their integration remains underexplored, akin to understanding only part of a forest’s ecosystem. This Topic seeks to bridge these domains, focusing on how cross-disciplinary collaboration can unlock the "real potential" of bio-related robots: systems that adapt to biological dynamics, enhance human–robot interaction in healthcare, and address societal challenges like aging populations or disability support.

In an era of global healthcare challenges, this initiative aims to position bio-mechanical robotics as a holistic solution, such as forest bathing evolved from tradition to science. We envision contributions that inspire new paradigms, such as "robo-therapies" prescribed for rehabilitation or AI-bioinspired systems that mimic biological healing processes. By uniting diverse perspectives, we seek to create technologies that are not only innovative but also human-centric—adaptive, ethical, and accessible to all.

Join us in shaping this frontier. Submissions are welcome from analytical methods, biomolecular interactions, or AI-bioinspired designs, with a focus on solutions that resonate across labs, clinics, and communities. Together, we will decode the language of bio-mechanical robotics to nurture a future where technology and humanity thrive in harmony.

Prof. Dr. Yanen Wang
Prof. Dr. Chenguang Yang
Topic Editors

Keywords

  • bio-inspired robotics
  • biomedical robotics
  • surgical robotics
  • tissue engineering
  • social robotics
  • rehabilitation technologies
  • human–robot interaction
  • AI-driven medical diagnosis
  • bioengineering

Participating Journals

Journal Name Impact Factor CiteScore Launched Year First Decision (median) APC
Biomimetics
biomimetics
3.9 4.2 2016 17.1 Days CHF 2200 Submit
Electronics
electronics
2.6 6.1 2012 16.8 Days CHF 2400 Submit
Gels
gels
5.3 7.6 2015 12.5 Days CHF 2100 Submit
Robotics
robotics
3.3 7.7 2012 21.8 Days CHF 1800 Submit
Technologies
technologies
3.6 8.5 2013 21.8 Days CHF 1600 Submit

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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20 pages, 22246 KB  
Article
Design and Evaluation of a Dual-Bendable, Compressible Robotic Guide Sheath for Heart Valve Interventions
by Matteo Arena, Weizhao Wang, Carlo Saija, Zhouyang Xu, Aya Mutaz Zeidan, Yixuan Zheng, Richard James Housden and Kawal Rhode
Robotics 2025, 14(11), 162; https://doi.org/10.3390/robotics14110162 - 3 Nov 2025
Viewed by 576
Abstract
Structural heart interventions require precise navigation through tortuous and dynamic cardiac anatomies. However, current guide sheaths often lack sufficient maneuverability for positioning additional catheters. To address these limitations, this paper presents the design and evaluation of a robotic guide sheath with a dual-bendable, [...] Read more.
Structural heart interventions require precise navigation through tortuous and dynamic cardiac anatomies. However, current guide sheaths often lack sufficient maneuverability for positioning additional catheters. To address these limitations, this paper presents the design and evaluation of a robotic guide sheath with a dual-bendable, compressible tip. The sheath is capable of navigating complex cardiac anatomies for multiple valve interventions. The system consists of a soft continuum sheath tip driven by tendons, a laser-cut compact motorized actuation bed, and a joystick-controlled tendon actuation mechanism. A constant-curvature kinematic model maps actuation inputs to tip bending in 3D, while a custom software interface enables real-time control. Mechanical evaluation (tension, maximum bending, and contraction tests) demonstrated low actuation tension requirements (0.78 N), a wide bending range (from 80° to 90°), and promising tip compressibility (average 5 mm). Trajectory-following tests showed good accuracy, with an average error of 3.34 mm. Catheter guidance trials further validated the sheath’s ability to navigate to the right atrium and guide additional catheters effectively. This work presents a proof-of-concept robotic guide sheath with enhanced maneuverability and adaptability, establishing a foundation for future integration of sensing, automation, and clinical applications. Full article
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