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About

Ivan Lunati is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of soft robotics and bio-inspired locomotion, with a particular focus on aquatic environments. His work centers on developing soft robotic systems that mimic the undulatory swimming mechanics of fish and ancient marine reptiles, using biorobotic models to explore fundamental questions in biomechanics and evolutionary biology. Lunati’s major contributions include the design and testing of soft robotic morphing wings for unmanned underwater vehicles and the use of soft sensors and particle image velocimetry to measure propulsive performance in robotic fish. His research on asymmetric fin shapes and their effect on swimming dynamics has provided new insights into the locomotion of extinct marine reptiles. With over 29 citations across his most-cited works, Lunati’s impact is growing rapidly. Notably, his 2022 study on undulatory swimming performance, which integrates soft robotics with advanced sensing, has become a key reference in the field. Lunati’s work is distinguished by its innovative use of soft, hydraulically actuated systems and closed-cycle hydraulic architectures, positioning him as a leading voice in the next generation of adaptive, resilient underwater robots.