IEEE robotics and automation Practice (RA-P) Announces Special Collection Opportunities

The IEEE Robotics and Automation Practice (RA-P) is actively seeking proposals for “Special Collections,” offering a unique avenue for researchers to highlight cutting-edge advancements in the field. This initiative aims to consolidate timely and concise accounts of recent progress within specific scientific, technical, or application areas related to robotics and automation [[2]].

What are RA-P Special collections?

Unlike traditional print media’s special issues, RA-P publishes Special Collections online via IEEE Xplore as part of its annual volume.Each collection comprises an editorial article, limited to four pages, and a curated set of research papers. These collections are spearheaded by Guest Editors, who are responsible for writing the introductory editorial article.

Did You Know? RA-P launched in December 2024, focusing on practical applications in robotics and automation [[1]].

Open Call for submissions

RA-P is encouraging researchers and practitioners to submit proposals for Special Collections. A triumphant proposal should present a well-defined and unifying theme that addresses a topic of significant importance and has the potential to attract a substantial number of high-quality submissions.

Key Elements of a Proposal:

• A draft of the call for papers, including suggested dates for submission, notification, and publication.
• A list of proposed Guest Editors (typically three to six),accompanied by a summary of their relevant expertise.
• A robust plan for soliciting submissions, demonstrating the likelihood of receiving a significant number of high-caliber papers.
• A preliminary list of research groups,applied research groups,and practitioners from whom submissions might potentially be solicited.

Topics for Special Collections can span application domains, such as construction robotics, space robotics, or robotics and automation in manufacturing. Alternatively, they can focus on functional areas like robot vision, robot motion planning, machine learning for grasp planning, or automation task planning. The key is that the collection should stimulate practical advancements in robotics and automation.

Pro Tip: When crafting your proposal, emphasize the practical implications and real-world impact of your chosen topic.

Selection and Review Process

The Editor-in-Chief, in consultation with the RA-P Senior Editorial Board, selects proposals. Once a Special Collection is approved, a Senior Editor is assigned to collaborate with the guest Editor(s) throughout the review and selection process. Guest Editors become members of the editorial Board until their Special Collection is published. The review procedures for Special Collection submissions are consistent with those used for regular RA-P issues. The RA-P Senior Editor manages standard editorial functions, such as sending decision letters to authors.

In cases where an insufficient number of papers are accepted to warrant a Special Collection, the accepted papers will be published individually.

Current Calls for papers

As of June 21,2025,one notable special collection is:

• Special Collection on “Autonomous Robotic Grasping and Manipulation in Real-World Applications”
  • Submission deadline: April 15,2025
  • Guest Editors: Yu Sun,Berk Calli,Kenny Kimble,Francis Wyffels,Kaiyu Hang,Salvatore D’Avella,Alessio Xompero,Andrea cavallaro,Maximo A.Roa, Peter So.

For manuscript submissions, follow the guidelines available on the IEEE-RAS website.

disclaimer: This article provides facts about IEEE RA-P Special Collections and should not be considered professional advice. Always consult the official IEEE RA-P guidelines for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

ready to contribute to the future of robotics and automation? What innovative topics would you like to see explored in future RA-P Special Collections? share your thoughts in the comments below!