Laura Sanna

University of Genoa, University of Sassari

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Laura Sanna is a pioneering researcher whose work bridges the fields of robotics, bio-inspired vision, and astronaut training for space exploration. Her early, highly cited work, “An optical-flow person following behaviour” (2002, 13 citations), introduced a novel application of optical flow—a biologically inspired computation—to enable autonomous robots to follow a person in everyday environments. This contribution remains a foundational reference for researchers developing human-robot interaction and mobile robot navigation. Sanna’s impact extends far beyond Earth, as she has been instrumental in preparing astronauts for future extraterrestrial missions. Her work on the European Space Agency’s CAVES program (2013, 5 citations) provides critical training for astronauts in underground environments, simulating the challenges of space exploration. This unique achievement highlights her ability to translate robotic and vision principles into real-world, high-stakes applications. By combining fundamental bio-inspired algorithms with practical astronaut training, Sanna has made lasting contributions to both robotics and human spaceflight, inspiring students and researchers to explore the intersection of technology and exploration.