Laura De Arco
Papers
6
Total Citations
35
H-Index
4
About
Laura De Arco is a researcher at the forefront of accessible, soft-robotic prosthetics, specializing in the design, instrumentation, and functional evaluation of affordable upper-limb assistive devices. Her major contribution is the development of the **PrHand** (Prosthetic Hand), a series of underactuated, soft-robotic hands that leverage novel compliant mechanisms to mimic human hand functionality while drastically reducing cost. Her work directly addresses the critical need for assistive technology in developing countries, where an estimated 30 million people lack access to such devices. De Arco’s research integrates innovative sensing solutions, including **optical fiber angle and pressure sensors** made from polymeric materials, to instrument these prostheses for precise flexion-extension applications. The impact of her work is demonstrated through her most-cited paper (12 citations) on fatigue testing of these sensors, alongside functional assessments showing the PrHand’s viability in activities of daily living. Her latest iteration, the **PrHand V3**, incorporates a new friction-based mechanism to further enhance grip and usability. By combining soft robotics, compliant mechanisms, and embedded sensing, De Arco is pioneering a new class of prosthetics that are both functional and financially accessible, bridging a critical gap in rehabilitation engineering.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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