The field of human-machine interaction (HMI) has undergone a profound transformation, fuelled by rapid advancements in sensing technologies, smart sensors, and AI-driven digital processing. These developments have enabled more seamless, intuitive interactions between humans and machines across diverse settings. The next generation of HMI technologies focuses on enhancing precision, reducing latency, and improving contextual awareness, while also prioritizing sustainability and cost-efficiency. Sensors, as the critical bridge between the physical and digital worlds, have become increasingly sophisticated—capable of not only gathering highly detailed data but also of interpreting human intentions and behaviours in real-time. Innovations such as augmented reality (AR), haptics, and learning from demonstration are revolutionizing the way machines understand and respond to human actions.
This special issue invites cutting-edge research on these emerging technologies, with a particular focus on sustainable, cost-effective solutions that enhance both performance and mass adoption. The aim is to foster a deeper understanding of how next-generation sensors and technologies are reshaping HMI across multiple domains, from healthcare to consumer electronics, and to address the ongoing challenges in integrating these innovations into practical applications.
