Giulia Franchi

Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University, Indiana University Bloomington, Roma Tre University, Salisbury University

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Giulia Franchi is a roboticist dedicated to democratizing access to advanced robotics through low-cost, open-source design and innovative applications in rehabilitation and soft robotics. Her most influential work, the Baxter Easyhand, introduced a 3D-printed robot hand costing just $150 in parts, making dexterous manipulation accessible to a wide range of researchers and educators. This contribution has garnered 14 citations and exemplifies her commitment to practical, affordable hardware. Franchi also developed ROBOPuppet, a method using 3D-printed miniatures for intuitive teleoperation of full-size robots, enabling immediate mental mapping for users. Expanding into rehabilitation, she adapted a multipurpose robotic arm for gait therapy, demonstrating a cost-effective, versatile approach to assist both lower- and upper-extremity recovery. Her exploration of caterpillar-inspired soft robots, using microfluidic circuits for control, highlights her versatility in bio-inspired design. With a portfolio spanning manipulation, teleoperation, rehabilitation, and soft robotics, Franchi’s work consistently emphasizes accessibility, affordability, and real-world impact, making her a notable figure in low-cost robotic innovation.