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About

Andrea Pratesi is a leading researcher at the intersection of soft robotics, assistive technology, and human-robot interaction. Her work focuses on developing safe, adaptive robotic systems capable of operating in unstructured, human-centered environments. Pratesi’s most influential contribution is a machine-learning framework for closed-loop kinematic control of continuum manipulators, enabling these flexible robots to perform precise tasks without rigid structures—a breakthrough cited over 136 times. She further advanced the field by pioneering soft modular manipulators for personal care, specifically designed for bathing elderly individuals, demonstrating how compliant materials can ensure safe physical contact while maintaining functionality. Her research on morphology exploitation in soft robots for assistive tasks, along with studies on robotic platforms for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, highlights her commitment to translating engineering innovations into real-world care solutions. With cumulative citations exceeding 250, Pratesi’s work bridges theoretical control methods and practical assistive robotics, offering safer, more intuitive technologies for vulnerable populations.