Implantable and therapeutic microrobots

We explore wireless stimuli to trigger shape morphing and facilitate targeted interactions with tissues. To achieve this, we focus on studying multi-physics responsiveness, smart materials, and innovative fabrication techniques, such as advanced 3D printing. One of the lab’s primary objectives is to address the challenges of force application and stability, pushing beyond drug delivery to approach surgery-free implantation. This research line is part of the ERC-funded project I-BOT.

Magnetic control at small scales

We investigate novel magnetic control strategies for small-scale robots and develop platforms with human-scale workspaces. In this context, we are also exploring "sensor-less" feedback mechanisms to enable advanced shared and autonomous control, as well as new swarm control paradigms for collective medical tasks (e.g., biopsy). This research is conducted within the frameworks of the ERC-funded project I-BOT and the Horizon Europe project REGO.

Innovative methods for sub-resolution imaging in tissues

We study motion-based imaging techniques (e.g., speckle, phase, and computer vision-based methods) to overcome the challenges posed by the opacity of human tissues and support real-time navigation control. We are also interested in exploring imaging as a characterization tool beyond morphology (e.g., elastography) to enhance microrobot-assisted diagnostics. This research line is part of the ERC-funded project I-BOT.