This year’s technical program presents both high quality and diversity, with contributions in well-established and evolving areas of research. Specifically, 55 papers were submitted to main track and special sessions, by authors from 24 different countries, representing a truly “wide area network” of research activity. The DCAI’21 technical program has selected 21 papers, and, as in past editions, it will be special issues in ranked journals such as Electronics, Sensors, Systems, Robotics, Mathematical Biosciences and ADCAIJ. These special issues cover extended versions of the most highly regarded works. Moreover, DCAI'21 special sessions have been a very useful tool to complement the regular program with new or emerging topics of particular interest to the participating community.