Biomimetic Robotics and Sensing for Healthcare Applications and Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review

Biomimetic robotics and sensor technologies are reshaping the landscape of healthcare and rehabilitation. Despite significant progress across various domains, many areas within healthcare still demand further bio-inspired innovations. To advance this field effectively, it is essential to synthesize...

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Main Authors: H. M. K. K. M. B. Herath, Nuwan Madusanka, S. L. P. Yasakethu, Chaminda Hewage, Byeong-Il Lee
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-07-01
Series:Biomimetics
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2313-7673/10/7/466
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author H. M. K. K. M. B. Herath
Nuwan Madusanka
S. L. P. Yasakethu
Chaminda Hewage
Byeong-Il Lee
author_facet H. M. K. K. M. B. Herath
Nuwan Madusanka
S. L. P. Yasakethu
Chaminda Hewage
Byeong-Il Lee
author_sort H. M. K. K. M. B. Herath
collection DOAJ
description Biomimetic robotics and sensor technologies are reshaping the landscape of healthcare and rehabilitation. Despite significant progress across various domains, many areas within healthcare still demand further bio-inspired innovations. To advance this field effectively, it is essential to synthesize existing research, identify persistent knowledge gaps, and establish clear frameworks to guide future developments. This systematic review addresses these needs by analyzing 89 peer-reviewed sources retrieved from the Scopus database, focusing on the application of biomimetic robotics and sensing technologies in healthcare and rehabilitation contexts. The findings indicate a predominant focus on enhancing human mobility and support, with rehabilitative and assistive technologies comprising 61.8% of the reviewed literature. Additionally, 12.36% of the studies incorporate intelligent control systems and Artificial Intelligence (AI), reflecting a growing trend toward adaptive and autonomous solutions. Further technological advancements are demonstrated by research in bioengineering applications (13.48%) and innovations in soft robotics with smart actuation mechanisms (11.24%). The development of medical robots (7.87%) and wearable robotics, including exosuits (10.11%), underscores specific progress in clinical and patient-centered care. Moreover, the emergence of transdisciplinary approaches, present in 6.74% of the studies, highlights the increasing convergence of diverse fields in tackling complex healthcare challenges. By consolidating current research efforts, this review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the state of the art, serving as a foundation for future investigations aimed at improving healthcare outcomes and enhancing quality of life.
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spelling doaj-art-5c4ae6a6d8dd4cd9b1d7cea0fb5616002025-08-20T03:07:57ZengMDPI AGBiomimetics2313-76732025-07-0110746610.3390/biomimetics10070466Biomimetic Robotics and Sensing for Healthcare Applications and Rehabilitation: A Systematic ReviewH. M. K. K. M. B. Herath0Nuwan Madusanka1S. L. P. Yasakethu2Chaminda Hewage3Byeong-Il Lee4Industry 4.0 Convergence Bionics Engineering, Pukyoung National University, Busan 48513, Republic of KoreaDigital Healthcare Research Center, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of KoreaFaculty of Engineering, Sri Lanka Technology Campus, Padukka 10500, Sri LankaCardiff School of Technologies, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff CF23 6PS, UKIndustry 4.0 Convergence Bionics Engineering, Pukyoung National University, Busan 48513, Republic of KoreaBiomimetic robotics and sensor technologies are reshaping the landscape of healthcare and rehabilitation. Despite significant progress across various domains, many areas within healthcare still demand further bio-inspired innovations. To advance this field effectively, it is essential to synthesize existing research, identify persistent knowledge gaps, and establish clear frameworks to guide future developments. This systematic review addresses these needs by analyzing 89 peer-reviewed sources retrieved from the Scopus database, focusing on the application of biomimetic robotics and sensing technologies in healthcare and rehabilitation contexts. The findings indicate a predominant focus on enhancing human mobility and support, with rehabilitative and assistive technologies comprising 61.8% of the reviewed literature. Additionally, 12.36% of the studies incorporate intelligent control systems and Artificial Intelligence (AI), reflecting a growing trend toward adaptive and autonomous solutions. Further technological advancements are demonstrated by research in bioengineering applications (13.48%) and innovations in soft robotics with smart actuation mechanisms (11.24%). The development of medical robots (7.87%) and wearable robotics, including exosuits (10.11%), underscores specific progress in clinical and patient-centered care. Moreover, the emergence of transdisciplinary approaches, present in 6.74% of the studies, highlights the increasing convergence of diverse fields in tackling complex healthcare challenges. By consolidating current research efforts, this review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the state of the art, serving as a foundation for future investigations aimed at improving healthcare outcomes and enhancing quality of life.https://www.mdpi.com/2313-7673/10/7/466bio-inspired roboticsmedical diagnosticsrehabilitation technologiessurgical innovationsbiomimetic sensing
spellingShingle H. M. K. K. M. B. Herath
Nuwan Madusanka
S. L. P. Yasakethu
Chaminda Hewage
Byeong-Il Lee
Biomimetic Robotics and Sensing for Healthcare Applications and Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review
Biomimetics
bio-inspired robotics
medical diagnostics
rehabilitation technologies
surgical innovations
biomimetic sensing
title Biomimetic Robotics and Sensing for Healthcare Applications and Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review
title_full Biomimetic Robotics and Sensing for Healthcare Applications and Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review
title_fullStr Biomimetic Robotics and Sensing for Healthcare Applications and Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review
title_full_unstemmed Biomimetic Robotics and Sensing for Healthcare Applications and Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review
title_short Biomimetic Robotics and Sensing for Healthcare Applications and Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review
title_sort biomimetic robotics and sensing for healthcare applications and rehabilitation a systematic review
topic bio-inspired robotics
medical diagnostics
rehabilitation technologies
surgical innovations
biomimetic sensing
url https://www.mdpi.com/2313-7673/10/7/466
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