Special Issue on Pneumatics for Innovative Machine Design

Pneumatics has greatly progressed as convenient multifunctional automation technology. One typical application is in compact light-weight highperformance pneumatic actuators. The introduction of control theory has also enabled useful pneumatic servosystems. New actuators include pneumatic artificial rubber muscles, which are small, light-weight, and soft. These are used for applications in the medical, welfare, and nursing fields. This special issue focuses on actuator development in drive-circuit analysis and design. Issues in these areas include pneumatic actuators, pneumatic rubber muscles, pneumatic circuit analysis and design, energy-saving, pneumatic servocontrol, advanced control systems, industrial applications, automation, vehicles, entertainment, medical, welfare and nursing applications, and education. This special 13-article issue is divided into (i) control design and pneumatic cylinder and bellows applications and (ii) the development and applications of soft pneumatic actuators. Some types of soft pneumatic actuators use artificial rubber muscles for welfare and rehabilitation equipment. This special issue should prove useful in understanding state-of-the-art of pneumatic technology applicable to analysis, design, control, and application in innovative machine design. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all of the authors and reviewers for their invaluable effort.