Domenico Mura

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Domenico Mura is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of soft robotics and human-robot interaction, whose work focuses on making robots more intuitive, adaptable, and socially aware. His major contributions center on two key areas: designing soft robotic systems that can physically collaborate with humans in natural ways, and developing novel sensing methods for soft robotic structures. In his most cited work, "On the role of stiffness and synchronization in human–robot handshaking" (2020, 16 citations), Mura created a soft robot hand mounted on an impedance-controlled arm to study how mechanical properties like stiffness and timing influence perceived naturalness and even allow robots to express different personality traits during physical interaction. This research has significant implications for social robotics and collaborative manufacturing. His second major contribution, "Exploiting Adaptability in Soft Feet for Sensing Contact Forces" (2019, 7 citations), addresses a critical challenge in legged locomotion by demonstrating how soft, deformable feet can be used not just for improved walking on uneven terrain, but also as distributed force sensors. This work opens new possibilities for more stable and perceptive walking robots. Mura’s research elegantly bridges mechanical design, control, and human perception, establishing him as a key voice in the future of physically interactive robotics.