As we know, alternative and complementary medicine is usually derived from traditional medicine or from emerging concepts. As the current world develops, and as science and technology progress accordingly, many forms of traditional medicine require rejuvenation in the form of novel ideas and developments.

The trends of future development lie in the extensive field of artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) technology. By combining these advanced technologies with practices of complementary and alternative medicine, and the collision of their vastly different cultural and technical backgrounds, traditional medicine will be able to take new steps forward in innovation and development. There are many avenues of potential study, with applications of big data, smart devices, and virtual reality in tradition medicine all representing attractive areas of study. This combination of fields is a rapidly developing area, as reports relating to traditional medicine in the field of artificial intelligence equipment development are no longer uncommon.

This Special Issue will focus on the research and development of artificial intelligence/ smart devices related to alternative, complementary, and traditional medicine, the study of new devices, methodologies, and effective evaluation mechanisms, and related talent training. Researchers are therefore especially invited to contribute new primary research articles such as industry development, and experimental and clinical studies, as well as review articles.

Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

• Comparative studies on the efficacy of autonomous massage robot and alternative/ complementary/ traditional medicine massage skill
• Applications of virtual reality technology in alternative medicine
• Comparative studies of new low-resistance acupuncture needles in ulnar nerve palsy
• Studies on the promoting effect of sitting posture recording systems on patients' meditation treatment
• Research on the mode of doctor-patient communication in alternative, complementary, or traditional medicine under internet plus
• The role of big data as a tool in alternative medicine research
• Research on applications of artificial intelligence diagnostics in alternative, complementary, or traditional medicine
• Research on the evaluation effect of IoT sensors on patients' yoga exercise therapy
• Study on the evaluation of heart rate variability and smart devices in the treatment of insomnia
• Future development trends of wearable devices in Chinese medicine diagnosis
• Development status and future trends of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment robots
• Summary of the current situation of automatic decoction cooking equipment
• Analysis on the necessity of joint training of innovative talents between TCM universities and technology universities
• Diversity of medical-related smart device development team members discussion on doctor-centred multidisciplinary research and development team cooperation models