Next-Generation Mechatronics for Advanced Robotic Systems

Rapid advances in sensing, actuation, embedded computing, communication, and artificial intelligence are redefining the capabilities of modern robotic systems. As robots move from structured settings toward dynamic and human-centred environments, their performance increasingly depends on the coordinated integration of mechanical, electronic, computational, and control technologies. This evolution creates new requirements for compact and efficient mechanisms, intelligent perception, high-performance actuation, adaptive control, safe interaction, and reliable system operation. Next-generation mechatronics therefore plays a central role in enabling robots to achieve greater autonomy, precision, flexibility, and robustness while meeting the practical demands of increasingly complex tasks and operating conditions.This Research Topic aims to highlight advances in mechatronic technologies that enable more capable, adaptive, and reliable robotic systems. Particular attention is given to the integration of mechanical design, sensing, actuation, control, and computation at the system level. Key challenges include achieving accurate operation under uncertainty, improving perception and decision-making in changing environments, and coordinating motion and interaction forces. Further priorities are enhancing energy and operational efficiency and ensuring safe and dependable behaviour. Contributions are encouraged to investigate new mechatronic architectures, intelligent sensors and actuators, model-based and data-driven control, autonomous planning, and integrated design methodologies. Studies that translate methodological advances into functional robotic platforms through prototype development, experimental evaluation, or field validation are especially relevant.This Research Topic welcomes contributions in four closely related areas: robotic mechanisms and integrated mechatronic design; intelligent sensing, actuation, and information fusion; advanced motion, force, and autonomous control; and system integration, safety, reliability, and human–robot interaction. Relevant studies may address manipulators, collaborative robots, mobile and aerial robots, soft and wearable systems, or multi-robot platforms. Applications of particular interest include intelligent manufacturing, logistics and automation, infrastructure inspection and maintenance, field and service robotics, and healthcare technologies. Original Research, Review, Methods, Perspective, and Brief Research Report articles are welcome. Submissions should present a clear mechatronic contribution and demonstrate its relevance to robotic performance through analytical, computational, experimental, or application-based validation. Topic editors: Xiaoyong Wu, Libo Zhou, Zhongyi Li, Kun Wang Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/85191/next-generation-mechatronics-for-advanced-robotic-systems