About

Leonardo Cappello is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of soft robotics, wearable assistive technology, and neurorehabilitation, whose work has fundamentally advanced how we design and deploy robotic systems to restore human motor function. His most influential contributions center on fabric-based soft robotic devices, where he demonstrated that the mechanical anisotropy of knit, woven, and nonwoven textiles could be strategically exploited to engineer lightweight, compliant pneumatic actuators — work that has collectively attracted over 400 citations across two landmark 2018 publications. Cappello has applied these principles across multiple body segments, developing soft wearable robots for the hand, shoulder, and elbow that assist individuals living with spinal cord injury, stroke, and neuromuscular disorders in performing everyday activities. Beyond actuation, his research extends into sensory rehabilitation: his investigations into robot-aided proprioceptive assessment and somatosensory training have provided clinicians with rigorous tools to quantify and treat often-overlooked sensory deficits following stroke. His 3D-structured stretchable strain sensors further reflect his commitment to building complete, intelligent wearable ecosystems. With over 1,200 cumulative citations, Cappello's body of work represents a compelling vision of human-centered robotics that is simultaneously scientifically rigorous and profoundly practical.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

16
H-Index
29
Papers
1,474
Total Citations
51
Avg Citations/Paper
🏆 Most Cited Paper
Assisting hand function after spinal cord injury with a fabric-based soft robotic glove
245 citations · 2018
📈 Most Prolific Year: 2018 (5 Papers)
🤝 Key Collaborators: 83
🏛 Institutions: Harvard University, Italian Institute of Technology, Nanyang Technological University, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Don Carlo Gnocchi Foundation

Top Papers

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Key Collaborators

Contact & Links

Available for collaboration
Content generated · 14 days ago