The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has taken the world by surprise. Due to a surge in demand for critical care facilities, the best healthcare systems in the world have collapsed. Moreover, COVID-19 has accelerated the need of some technological innovations, strategies, and solutions that enable scientists to reduce the spread of the virus and its effects. Some Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications are actively investigating medical databases for treatments. Previously, some AI applications were also used to develop new molecules for possible drugs, as well as to help confirm possible fake diseases.

Mechanical tasks like food preparation or medication distribution have been performed by robots on isolation and disinfection wings to minimise patient interaction. For instance, they spray disinfectants in potentially contaminated areas, and ensure food and medication do not get contaminated when transported to quarantine areas. Telemedicine also plays an important role in preventing health systems from failing and eliminating the transmission of the disease in hospitals. These tools may also provide specialist knowledge of infectious diseases in areas where advanced services are lacking. Additionally, they improve effective triage, classification of patients prior to their arrival at the emergency room, and coordination of care for probable COVID-19 cases or people who have been exposed to a confirmed COVID-19 patient.

The aim of this Special Issue is to collate original research about robotics and AI for the purpose to support healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic. Review articles discussing the state of the art are also welcome.

Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

• AI techniques for COVID-19 diagnosis
• Using AI in medical images analysis for diagnosis COVID-19 long-term effects
• Applications of AI in biomechanics to support telerehabilitation
• Wearable systems to prevent the spread of COVID-19
• Wearable systems to monitor health during COVID-19 quarantine
• Innovative and portable rehabilitation devices to support home therapy during emergency lockdowns
• Robotics as aid system for COVID-19 prevention
• Robotics to support drug delivery
• Robotics in sanitation
• Service robotics for hospital support during viral emergencies