Actuation technology is an important symbol of the progress of mechanical systems. The actuator was developed for the steam engine and then internal combustion engines and now for electromotors, making mechanical systems increasingly more flexible, with higher energy utilization and convenience. However, the traditional actuation technologies (e.g., miniature motors and gear transmissions) cannot satisfy the high flexibility, high redundancy, and large load-to-weight ratio found in animals, which causes the performance of robots to fall behind that of the animals. Animals’ distributed muscle actuation is one of the main reasons of flexibility, high efficiency, and large energy density. Thus, the biomimetic actuator or artificial muscle with large deformation has experienced rapid growth in academic interest and industrial application.

This special issue is dedicated to technical advances in biomimetic actuation, sensing, and materials. Submissions about artificial muscle such as ionic polymer metal composite, carbon polymer composite, dielectric elastomer, and shape memory materials are especially welcomed. This special issue aims to promote research and provide a platform for communication of novel ideas, theories, and technologies in biomimetic actuation, sensing, and materials.

Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

• Electroactive polymer and devices
• Artificial muscle
• Soft robot
• Sensors and sensing systems
• Biomimetic materials and structures
• Biomechanics and locomotion