Research lines

Applied Materials for Printed and Soft Electronics

You will investigate soft conductive materials and their fabrication processes for applications as sensors/actuators in biomedicine and robotics. These include printed epidermal electronics (tattoos) for biomonitoring and sustainable laser induced graphene for next-generation devices. [PI(s): Greco, Ferrari]
Project(s): Fit4MedRob - Fit for Medical Robotics (MUR (PNRR)); 5DNanoprinting - Functional & Dynamic 3D Nano- MicroDevices by Direct Multi-Photon Lithography (H2020, GA:899349).

Artificial Hands

Research activities in the areas of mechatronics and human-machine interfaces with the goal of developing advanced robotic limbs to be used as thought-controlled prostheses. Funded by European Research Council, INAIL, Ministries of Research and Health. [PI(s): Cipriani, Gherardini, Mastinu]
Project(s): Fit4MedRob - Fit for Medical Robotics (MUR (PNRR)); NoProblem (INAIL - GA PR23-CR-P3); OsteoAMI (INAIL - GA PR23-CR-P5); BioArmNext (INAIL - GA PR23-RR-P3); MIOPRO2 (INAIL - GA PR23-CR-P1).

Bio-Inspired and Underwater Robotics

The PhD candidate will undertake research activities focused on developing underwater robots in swarm configuration, and their associated bio-inspired algorithms and on-board software, for performing underwater missions. The activities will involve theoretical and experimental components in indoor and outdoor underwater facilities. 
The BioRobotics Institute is also collaborating and planning with Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech), with professor Maarja Kruusmaa as the PI,  to launch a partnership agreement governing the joint supervision of a PhD position focused on bioinspired underwater robotics. Additional allowance will be provided to support students participating in this joint initiative. 
[PI(s): Calisti, Stefanini]

Project(s): SMAUG - Smart Maritime And Underwater Guardian (HORIZON, GA Project n. 101121129); BIODIMOBOT - Autonomous Longtime Aquatic Biodiversity and Ecology Monitoring Robot (HORIZON, GA Project n. 101181363).

BioInspired Soft Robotics (IIT)

The BioInspired Soft Robotics group at the Italian Institute of Technology focuses on researching and developing bioinspired, soft robotic technologies for exploring and monitoring unstructured environments, primarily in agriculture and industrial applications. Drawing inspiration from plants and soft-bodied animals, the research activities involve a thorough analysis of natural systems, encompassing biomechanics and behavioral responses. These insights are then translated into design principles for the implementation of soft robotic hardware and software. [PI(s): Mazzolai]
Project(s):  I-WOOD – Forest Intelligence: robotics networks inspired by the Wood Wide Web  (HORIZON, GA: 101003304); I-SEED - Towards New Frontiers for Distributed Environmental Monitoring (H2020, GA: 101017940); PROBOSCIS - PROBOSCIdean Sensitive soft robot for versatile gripping (H2020, GA:863212); RAISE – Environmental Caring and Protection Technologies, towards a Zero Emission Environment (PNRR).

Bioelectronics & Neural Engineering

The students will be involved in research projects aimed at developing advanced solutions, based on wearable and implantable devices, functional biomaterials, machine learning approaches, and signal and image processing, to restore sensory, motor, cognitive, and autonomic functions in people with disabilities. Computational models and novel data analysis approaches will also be developed to understand neural functions and to tailor technological solutions to the specific recovery needs of patients. [PI(s): Micera, Mazzoni, Shokur, Bandini, Proietti, Russo, Carpaneto, Redolfi Riva]
Project(s): BIOINTERNECT "Bi-directional multi-mode bionic interfaces" PR23-PAS-P2 (INAIL).

Biorobotic Ecosystems

Research focused on the deep integration of technology elements in life form communities, sharing their abilities collectively in organism-robot augmented (eco)systems. Major aims of such systems are biodiversity preservation, sustainable environmental management, life support in extreme scenarios. [PI(s): Romano]
Project(s): SENSORBEES– Sensorbees are ENhanced Self-ORganizing Biohybrids for Ecological and Environmental Surveillance (EU HORIZON PATHFINDEROPEN; [101130325],); COSMIC— COntrolled Space MIcroecological system supporting eCopoiesis (MUR (PRIN); 2022EY5BXC); OCEAN-ROBOCTO (National Geographic Meridian; NGS-106067R-23); REGOLIFE (Italian Space Agency (ASI); ASI N.: 2024-7-U.0).

Brain-Inspired Robotics and Soft Robot Control

Research activities focus on brain models for motor control, sensory-motor coordination, and cognition in autonomous robots. Such models are based on AI methods with the goal of improving robot capabilities for soft and rigid platforms. [PI(s): Falotico]
Project(s): PROBOSCIS - PROBOSCIdean Sensitive soft robot for versatile gripping (H2020, GA:863212); Fit4Med - Fit for Medical Robotics (MUR (PNRR)); SHARE-CP (Fondazione Pisa).

Computational Mechanics

You will develop computational models for the design of bioengineering devices inspired by biological organisms. These include: unicellular swimmers with applications to targeted drug delivery, leaves and seeds of plants with applications to environmental sensing, worms for new surgical tools. [PI(s): De Simone]
Project(s): I-Seed - Towards new frontiers for distributed environmental monitoring based on an ecosystem of plant seed-like soft robots (H2020, GA:101017940).

Creative Engineering Design

Research oriented at developing and using design methodologies to address open real-world challenges, especially in the area of biorobotics. Research mostly conducted in collaboration with industry, adopting approaches typical of Human Centered Design and Design Thinking. [PI(s): Stefanini]
Project(s): BioDiMoBot - Autonomous Longtime Aquatic Biodiversity and Ecology Monitoring Robot (Horizon Europe, ID:101181363); Fit4Med - Fit for Medical Robotics (MUR (PNRR)); SMAUG - Smart Maritime And Underwater Guardian (Horizon Europe, ID:101121129).

Gravitational biology and automated bioregenerative life support systems

You will learn how an interdisciplinary approach can provide solutions for bioregenerative systems and life support in extreme, extraterrestrial environments [PI(s): Angeloni, Donato]
Project(s): REGOLIFE (ASI, DC-DSR-UVS-2022-375).

Healthcare Robotics

Research oriented to the design of intelligent robots for healthcare (e.g., AI-driven assistive/collaborative medical robots) and mesoscale devices (e.g., endoluminal capsules and catheters) for enhanced and minimally-invasive diagnostic/therapeutic procedures and other healthcare-oriented tasks, toward a preventive, predictive, participatory and personalized paradigm in medicine. [PI(s): Ciuti]
Project(s): ODIN - Leveraging AI based technology to transform the future of health care delivery in Leading Hospitals in Europe (H2020, GA:101017331); MANiBOT - Advancing the physical intelligence and performance of roBOTs towards human-like bi-manual objects MANipulation (Grant agreement ID: 101120823); INTELLI-INGEST - Intelligent Ingestible Devices for Gastrointestinal Therapeutics, Diagnosis or Intervention (Grant agreement ID: 101169012).

Human-Robot Interaction

Research topics include design of robotic/prosthetic hands endowed with a high-resolution electronic skin for prosthetic and dexterous grasping (eg Human inspired manipulation algorithms), human-robot interaction (Evaluation of hand functions by means of instrumented tools). [PI(s): Controzzi]
Project(s): B-Cratos - Wireless Brain-Connect inteRfAce TO machineS (H2020, GA:965044); CALLIOPE - lattiCe bAsed uLtra LIght sensOrized upper limb ProsthEsis (PRIN 2022); Fit4Med - Fit for Medical Robotics (MUR (PNC)); Tuscany Health Ecosystem – Spoke 9: Robotics and Automation for Health (MUR (PNRR))

Mechanobiology

The research methodology incorporates cell and molecular biology to investigate the mechanisms of mechanosensing and mechanotransduction at the cellular level. It also aims to understand how defects in force transmission occur within cells and what their consequences may be. [PI(s): Angeloni]
Project(s): VISION (PRIN 2022FLXS8T); AQUARIUS (ASI DC/DSR/UVS/2023/138).

Microrobotics

You will develop microscopic systems with advanced robotic functionalities (e.g. autonomous or teleoperated navigation, shape morphing and controlled task execution). These robots leverage remote control, magnetic manipulation, smart materials and structures, and synthetic biology. The vision is to equip these tiny robots with the capability to navigate complex in-body environments and interact with tissues to carry out therapeutic and diagnostic functions, going beyond simple drug delivery. By building on both fundamental sciences (such as physics, biology, and chemistry) and applied sciences (including robotics, bioengineering, control systems, materials science, and biotechnology), you will contribute to bringing microrobots closer to clinical applications by demonstrating their transformative potential in specific use cases.  [PI(s): Iacovacci, Palagi]
Project(s): I-BOT, Implantable microroBOT (HORIZON, GA: 101162939); CELLOIDS - Cell-inspired particle-based intelligent microrobots (H2020, GA:948590); SOFTINVADERS (HORIZON, GA: 101213190).

Nanotechnologies applied to medicine (IIT)

The Smart Bio-Interfaces group focuses on the development and exploitation of physically-active nanoparticles and nanostructured materials, able to provide appropriate instructive cues to cells and tissues. [PI(s): Ciofani]
Project(s): CyberNano (AIRC IG 2020); MagDock - Advanced 3D in vitro models based on magnetically-driven docking of modular microscaffolds (HORIZON, GA:101081539); iCare - Integrated assessment and Advanced Characterisation of Neuro-Nanotoxicity (HORIZON, GA:101092971).

Neuro-Robotic Touch

You will target the engineering of an artificial tactile sense in parallel to the investigation of human touch, integrating transducers, implementing neuromorphic strategies, developing wearable and medical devices, and running behavioural protocols to characterize tactile perception. [PI(s): Oddo]
Project(s): ADJOINT2 - Sensorised osseointegrated implants for the treatment of hand finger amputations (INAIL); Proximity Care (Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Lucca); PNRR A-ROGER (Next Generation EU, NRRP, Italian Ministry for Health).

Neuromodulation for cancer therapy

You will participate in developing an entirely new anti-cancer paradigm. Using a bioelectronic medicine approach, we aim to modulate the release of neurotransmitters from specific target nerves to control the tumor microenvironment, in order to effectively combat cancer growth. [PI(s): Angeloni, Micera, Redolfi Riva]
Project(s): ELMO (FPS 2024).

Regenerative Technologies

Research activities focused on biomaterials, cell cultures, biophysical stimulation tools and a series of supporting technologies for tissue/organ healing and regeneration, and mechatronic technologies for the development of implantable artificial organs and other medical devices. [PI(s): Ricotti, Cafarelli, Vannozzi]

Project(s): REBORN - Remodelling of the infarcted heart: piezoelectric multifunctional patch enabling the sequential release of of therapeutic factors (HORIZON, GA:101091852); BioMeld - A modular framework for designing and producing biohybrid machines (HORIZON, GA:101070328); FORGETDIABETES - A Bionic Invisible Pancreas to Forget Diabetes (H2020, GA:951933); ImmUniverse - Better control and treatment of immune-mediated diseases by exploring the universe of microenvironment imposed tissue signatures and their correlates in liquid biopsies (H2020, GA:853995); MIO-PRO2 - A new human-machine interface for the control of prostheses (INAIL, GA:PR23-CR-P1); WOUND (Active patches and biophysical stimulation to accelerate healing of chronic wounds) (INAIL, GA:PR23-CR-P2).

Robot Companions

Research aimed at developing a new generation of robot companions, based on supportive technologies that aim to help citizens of all ages, from infants to the elderly. [PI(s): Dario, Ciuti]

Robotics materials

Robotic Materials are an innovative class of smart composite materials designed to operate in a programmable manner through a distributed control paradigm. This research line explores robotic materials that integrate functionalities such as shape morphing and stiffness tuning, thereby enabling adaptive, multifunctional performance (e.g., robotic fitting mechanisms). Actuation units capable of 2D-to-3D transformations will be integrated into smart, modular architectures, while mechanical computing will be investigated as a strategy to control their mechano-morphing behaviors. [PI(s): Paternò, Menciassi]
Project(s): MAPWORMS - Mimicking Adaptation and Plasticity in WORMS (HORIZON, GA:101046846); eLiner - Cuffia smart con sensoristica integrata e stimoli aptici per il controllo di protesi avanzate (INAIL, GA: PR23-PAI-P2).

Smart Healthcare Technologies (IIT)  

The SHT research line develops skin electronics and advanced technologies for monitoring and controlling behavior and health at the molecular, cellular, organ, and whole-body levels with temporal and spatial resolution. [PI Massimo de Vittorio]

Soft BioRobotics Perception (IIT)

We study and develop new technologies for bioinspired tactile sensors and skins (material, transducer, electronics, processing), for soft integrated transduction&actuation, and for soft continuum grasping and manipulation systems. Currently, we take inspiration from the elephant trunk (animal experiments) to design and fabricate versatile manipulators for strong and delicate tasks, embedding sensing capability. A core activity is developing actuated architected structures (metamaterials) by additive manufacturing with the goal of integrating sensing monolithically. Applications are in the fields of food industry, assistive robotics and precision agriculture. [PI: Beccai]

Project(s): PROBOSCIS(PROBOSCIdean Sensitive soft robot for versatile gripping) H2020 FET-Open, GA:863212. MOZART(Morphing Computerized mats with Embodied Sensing and Artificial Intelligence) HORIZON GA:101069536. RAISE(Environmental Caring and Protection Technologies, towards a Zero Emission Environment) PNRR. DESTRO (Dexterous soft yet strong robots / Italy -Singapore project) MAECI, Italian government

Soft Micro-Electronic Materials (IIT)

Mattoli's lab is investigating soft electronics technologies and devices, including "epidermal electronics" and “tattoo electronics”, i.e., electronic structures that can conformably adhere to the skin. These devices provide a versatile means of acquiring information about the body by monitoring biologically relevant signals, for health monitoring applications and for human-digital interfacing. [PI Virgilio Mattoli]

Soft Robotics

Advanced design, modelling, and fabrication of innovative soft actuators, smart compliant sensors, and flexible mechanisms, bridging enabling technologies with fully integrated soft robotic systems. We explore how body deformability and nonlinear properties encode physical intelligence, enabling structural adaptability for complex behavior. Applications span surgical robotics, bio-inspired simulators of body parts, artificial organs, assistive and neurodevelopmental robotics, as well as collaborative human-robot interaction. [PI(s): Cianchetti, Laschi]
Project(s): AInCP - Clinical validation of Artificial Intelligence for providing a personalized motor clinical profile assessment and rehabilitation of upper limb in children with unilateral Cerebral Palsy (HORIZON, GA:101057309); SoftGrip - Soft robotic gripper for delicate produce harvesting (H2020, GA:101017054); ARISE – Advanced AI and RobotIcS for autonomous task pErformance (HORIZON, GA: 101135959); SWAG – Soft Wearable Assistive Garment for human empowerment (HORIZON, GA: 101120408).

Surface phenomena and integrated systems

You will research systems that autonomously generate electrical energy using artificial materials and plant surfaces, developing devices to harness these charges for powering electronics and driving chemical reactions. Another focus could be on the biohybrid functions by studying plant responses to charge formation using biotechnological approaches and synthetic biology techniques. [PI(s): Meder]
Project(s): EpiC (HORIZON, GA: 101124721 ).

Surgical and Interventional Robotics

Study and development of innovative building blocks (sensors, actuators, smart components) and robotic solutions for minimally and non-invasive surgery, artificial biorobotic organs, and targeted interventions. In your PhD, you will design and validate models, components and robots to cope with the challenges of in body machines as well as surgical and interventional robotics. [PI(s): Menciassi, Iacovacci, Paternò]
Project(s): IBRIS - Innovative BioRobotic artIficial organS (MUR (FIS)); SURF-UP - Surgery by Using a Robotic Focused Ultrasound Platform and FUTURO - Focused Ultrasound Surgery ​enabled by Robotics and Simulation ​ (MUR (FISA and PRIN)); Proximity Care (Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Lucca); MAPWORMS - Mimicking Adaptation and Plasticity in WORMS (HORIZON, GA:101046846); REGO - Cognitive robotic tools for human-centered small-scale multi-robot operations (HORIZON, GA:101070066); ARTERY - Autonomous Robotics for Transcatheter dEliveRy sYstems (H2020, GA:101017140); eLiner - Cuffia smart con sensoristica integrata e stimoli aptici per il controllo di protesi avanzate (INAIL, GA: PR23-PAI-P2).

Textile Robotics & Musculoskeletal Expansion

Research focuses on the development of robotic techonlogies designed to enhance human motion and perception. Students will leverage textile materials to develop novel sensors and actuators, and will explore groundbreaking human-machine interfaces (HMI) and sensory feedback strategies to empower individuals affected by sensorimotor impairments. Your contribution to the activities of this lab will be the key that unlocks a future where technology deeply intertwines with the human body restoring dignity and fostering independence. [PI(s): Cappello]
Project(s): MUSE - MusculoSkeletal Expansion (HORIZON, GA: 101116249); HandEval - Integrated system for the evaluation of functional recovery of the hand (INAIL, GA: PR23-SV-P1).

Wearable Robotics

You will carry out research activities in the field of lower-limb prosthetics, hand exoskeletons, upper- and lower-limb exoskeletons and exosuits for human movement replacement, assistance, augmentation and rehabilitation. Activities will encompass the design of hardware and software solutions and the conduction of clinical trials. [PI(s): Vitiello, Crea, Trigili]
Project(s): THE - Tuscany Health Ecosystem (MUR (PNRR)); Fit4MedRob - Fit for Medical Robotics (MUR (PNRR)); Proximity Care (Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Lucca); HandEval - Integrated system for the evaluation of functional recovery of the hand (INAIL - GA PR23-SV-P1); BioARMnext (INAIL - GA PR23-RR-P3).