Publication Ethics

The Frontiers in Robotics and Automation journal adheres to rigorous publication ethics to ensure the integrity, transparency, and quality of its published research. These ethical guidelines align with international standards, such as those set by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), and aim to uphold fairness, accountability, and trust in the academic publishing process.

Authors’ Responsibilities: Authors are expected to submit original work that has not been published elsewhere or is under consideration by another journal. Proper attribution must be given to all sources, and any borrowed data, text, or ideas must be appropriately cited. Self-plagiarism and redundant publication are strictly prohibited. Authors must also disclose any potential conflicts of interest and accurately represent their contributions, ensuring that all listed authors meet the criteria for authorship. Furthermore, authors are responsible for ensuring that any data presented is accurate and has been obtained ethically, adhering to relevant laws and guidelines.

Editors’ Responsibilities: Editors are committed to evaluating manuscripts solely based on their intellectual merit and relevance to the journal's scope, without regard to the authors' race, gender, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, or political views. They must ensure a fair and transparent peer review process and maintain confidentiality throughout. Editors are also tasked with addressing ethical concerns, such as suspected plagiarism or data falsification, in accordance with COPE guidelines.

Reviewers’ Responsibilities: Reviewers play a critical role in the peer review process, providing objective, constructive, and timely feedback on submissions. They are expected to maintain confidentiality and refrain from sharing or discussing manuscripts with unauthorized parties. Reviewers must also disclose any conflicts of interest that could affect their impartiality and should decline to review manuscripts where such conflicts exist.

Handling of Ethical Misconduct: The journal has clear procedures for addressing ethical issues such as plagiarism, data fabrication, and conflicts of interest. Suspected cases are investigated thoroughly, and appropriate actions are taken, which may include rejection of the manuscript, retraction of published articles, or notifying the authors' institutions. Retraction notices are published to maintain transparency in the academic record.

Transparency and Accountability: The journal provides mechanisms for appeals and dispute resolution, ensuring that authors, reviewers, and readers can raise concerns or questions about editorial decisions or published content. The publication ethics framework also emphasizes the importance of open communication and accountability at every stage of the publication process.

For detailed information about the publication ethics policy of the Frontiers in Robotics and Automation, authors and reviewers are encouraged to consult the journal’s website or contact the editorial office. This policy reflects the journal's dedication to fostering ethical research practices and ensuring the credibility of the scientific record.