Fabio Caruso

Polytechnic University of Bari, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Fabio Caruso is pioneering the next generation of soft robotic grippers, with a focus on layer jamming and electroadhesion technologies. His research addresses fundamental challenges in robotic manipulation, aiming to replace bulky, energy-intensive vacuum systems with silent, monolithic, and electrically-driven alternatives. Caruso’s major contributions include the development of a theoretical model for multi-layer jamming systems (27 citations), which provides a foundational framework for understanding how layered structures can transition from flexible to rigid states. This work is complemented by his experimental validation of layer jamming (21 citations), bridging theory with practical application. Notably, his recent breakthrough on Electroadhesion Suction Cups (8 citations) introduces a paradigm shift: soft grippers that require no noisy pumps, consuming minimal power while maintaining reliable adhesion. Caruso also derived an analytical model for cantilever layer-jamming structures (5 citations), enabling precise control of stiffness in robotic appendages. His work has been recognized for its potential to revolutionize automation, offering energy-efficient solutions for delicate handling tasks. Caruso’s research sits at the intersection of materials science, mechanics, and robotics, promising quieter, more adaptable, and sustainable industrial automation.