Erica Locatelli
Papers
2
Total Citations
32
H-Index
2
About
Erica Locatelli is a leading researcher in the field of soft robotics and smart materials, with a primary focus on electroactive polymers and nanocomposites for underwater actuation and sensing. Her major contributions center on the development of hybrid hydrogel-based systems that respond to low-voltage electrical stimuli, enabling high-performance, biocompatible actuators for marine environments. Her most cited work, "Hybrid nanocomposites based on electroactive hydrogels and cellulose nanocrystals for high-sensitivity electro–mechanical underwater actuation" (2017, 26 citations), introduced a novel nanocomposite that combines electroactive hydrogels with cellulose nanocrystals, achieving unprecedented sensitivity and actuation below the water electrolysis threshold—a critical breakthrough for safe, energy-efficient underwater robotics. More recently, her 2021 paper on "Quantitative spectral electromechanical characterization of soft piezoelectric nanocomposites" (6 citations) advanced the field by establishing robust methods for evaluating the dynamic electromechanical properties of these materials. Locatelli’s work bridges fundamental materials science and practical engineering, offering transformative potential for soft grippers, biomedical devices, and autonomous underwater vehicles. Her research continues to inspire new approaches to bio-inspired, sustainable actuation systems.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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