Marco Pirola

Papers

Total Citations

148

H-Index

About

Marco Pirola is a leading figure in the field of soft robotics and tactile sensing, with a core focus on developing advanced flexible composite materials for robotic applications. His pioneering work centers on piezoresistive composites, where he has made transformative contributions by engineering highly deformable, metal-elastomer materials that function as artificial skins. His most influential paper, “Piezoresistive flexible composite for robotic tactile applications” (2013), has garnered 115 citations, establishing a foundational approach for creating sensitive, durable tactile sensors. In a subsequent key study, “Smart piezoresistive tunnelling composite for flexible robotic sensing skin” (2013, 33 citations), Pirola introduced a microcasting fabrication technique that enables the efficient production of self-standing, highly flexible tactile devices. This innovation allows for the seamless integration of sensing skins onto complex robotic surfaces, significantly advancing the practicality of tactile feedback systems. Pirola’s work is notable for its emphasis on simple, scalable manufacturing processes without compromising mechanical flexibility or sensitivity, making his contributions highly impactful for researchers developing next-generation human-robot interfaces and prosthetics.