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About

Fabio Pazzaglia is a leading robotics researcher whose work has significantly advanced the field of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) for cultural heritage preservation. His primary research areas include marine robotics, mechatronic design, and the application of low-cost robotic technologies to underwater archaeology. Pazzaglia’s major contribution is his central role in the EU-funded ARROWS project, where he helped pioneer the adaptation of modular, cost-effective AUVs to transform archaeological campaigns. His most cited paper (75 citations) outlines the ARROWS methodology for reducing operational costs, while his second most cited work (35 citations) details the design of the MARTA (MARine Tool for Archaeology) AUV—a modular system developed at the University of Florence. These contributions have made underwater exploration more accessible to archaeologists, bridging the gap between advanced robotics and historical discovery. Pazzaglia’s work is notable for its practical impact, demonstrating how engineering innovation can directly serve the humanities. By focusing on affordability and modularity, he has helped democratize deep-sea exploration, enabling more frequent and thorough surveys of submerged cultural sites. His research continues to inspire new generations of roboticists and archaeologists alike.