Robotic and mechatronic systems require visual sensing technologies that can efficiently and robustly acquire task-relevant information in diverse and unpredictable real-world environments. Recently, there has been growing interest in vision systems designed based on sensing principles and information representation tailored to specific purposes and targets rather than relying on conventional combinations of general-purpose cameras and generic image processing. Biological visual information processing mechanisms continue to provide important insights into the design of such vision systems. Among these, event-based vision stands out for its low latency, low power consumption, and high dynamic range and has promising applications in robotics and mechatronics.

This special issue solicits research contributions on event-based vision, biologically inspired vision, and unconventional visual sensing technologies that go beyond established frameworks, along with their applications in robotics and mechatronics. In particular, we welcome a broad range of contributions spanning fundamental components of such vision systems to applications, including:
  – Visual information processing models inspired by neural systems;
  – Event-based or spike-based visual information processing;
  – Neuromorphic sensors and sensor hardware;
  – Vision systems based on novel principles or architectures;
  – Embedded vision systems and sensing devices leveraging these technologies;
  – System integration; and
  – Applications to human-robot interfaces and autonomous systems.