Joint Special Issue: Design and Control of Responsive Robots

Robots are complex controlled dynamical systems interacting with their environment. Agile robotic have been penetrating almost all industrial sectors as the backbone for automation, ranging from heavy duty manipulators to collaborative robots (cobots) and mobile platforms logistics tasks. Currently, autonomous vehicles (e.g., cars, delivery systems, drones, inspection, maintenance) entering public sector, but also use of surgical is becoming an integral part medical treatments. In a foreseeable future, assistive domestic will become indispensable caretaking exoskeletal devices providing physical support thus physically humans. Future need be responsive; they must (inter)act safely, minimize resources (energy, material, process-, development-, commissioning-time), adapt variations in demands environmental conditions.Advanced equipped multimodal sensory operated model-based model-free control schemes. Yet, mechanical embodiment starting point any robot design. Key reliable design such holistic approaches embracing kinematic synthesis, dynamic analysis, control, perception, adaptability. Novel principles, combining high-fidelity models data-driven methods, applied along machine learning (ML) artificial intelligence (AI) methods. The foundation synergetic combination research mechanism theory control.This joint special issue Journal Mechanisms Robotics (JMR) Computational Nonlinear Dynamics (JCND) aims bridge between these fields bring together latest on kinematics dynamics well intelligent methods planning, model identification, collection 13 papers published JMR 10 JCND, respectively. address several main topics design, namely, agile compliant intended robust safe interaction its paper “Design, Calibration, Control Compliant Force-Sensing Gripping Pads Humanoid Robots” introduces low-cost, light-weight, force-sensing gripping pads that enables smaller-sized humanoid manipulate box-like objects. “Dyno-Kinematic Leg Design High Energy Robotic Locomotion,” technique leg high energy locomotion presented encodes desired features into “Emerging Gaits Quadrupedal Template Model Segmented Legs,” gait stability quadrupedal articulated elastic legs studied. two “Stable Inverse Feedforward Nonminimum-Phase Underactuated Systems” “Experimental Safety Analysis R-Min, Parallel Robot” deal operation underactuated robots. both papers, underactuation stems presence elements. Moreover, introducing compliance important approach which topic three “Kinetostatic Modeling Continuum Delta Robot With Variable Curvature Joints,” “Design Framework DexTeR: Dexterous Tensegrity Manipulator,” “Analysis Soft Bio-Inspired Active Actuation Artificial Vocal Folds.” While first make inherently flexible components, last exploits mimic biological system. Mechanical crucial feature exploited “Flexible Long-Reach Limbs Using Tape Springs Mobility Manipulation” “Control Pneumatic Muscle Actuated Two Degrees-of-Freedom PD-Based Pulse Width Modulation Strategy Feed-Forward Outer Loop.” proposes innovative actuation concept while second novel strategy established pneumatic muscles. A bio-inspired modulating “Variable Stiffness Antagonist Cable-driven Manipulators Inspired by Bird Neck.” “Robust Attitude Controller Uncommon Quadrotor Big Small Tilt Rotors” presents modeling quadrotor UAV. innovation “Deep Reinforcement Learning-Based Stewart Platform Parametric Simulation ROS Gazebo” method uses simulation training deep network parallel manipulator.The JCND has focus soft systems. “Energy-Efficient Actuator Principles Prostheses Exoskeletons: Review Series Elasticity Backdrivability” provides exhaustive overview principles actuators used prosthetic using EMG addressed “Feasibility Study Upper Limb Method Based Electromyography-Angle Relation.” now hand “Novel Kinematics Anthropomorphic Prosthetic Hand Allowing Lateral Opposite Grasp Single Actuator.” Designing controlling display relevant various applications. can reconfigure different shapes “Topology Optimization Modular Capable Homogenous Heterogenous Reconfiguration.” Compliance space “FSTSMC Dual-Arm Space SDBD Capture Satellite Operation.” flying attachments Sliding Mode-Adaptive PID Aerial Systems Suspended Load Exposed Wind Gusts.” “Mechanical Design, Planning, Legged Distillation Columns” addresses dedicated arm mounted system when navigating narrow environments. “Delay Effects Human Controlled Towing Vehicles” investigates representing behavior vehicle towing. Another dealing “Variational Trajectory Tracking Systems,” where again due existence components robot. aspect models, calibration existing reduction, “Using Bayesian-Inference Approach Calibrating Models Robotics.”The spectrum contributions collected this researchers testimony importance nonlinear modern theory, data driven approaches.We thank authors who submitted work issue, many reviewers provided valuable peer review. We Venkat Krovi, editor Robotics, Bogdan Epureanu, Dynamics, supported issue. Special thanks go Amy Suski her tireless during steps preparation, review, production process.