Matteo Piovanelli

Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Italian Institute of Technology

Papers

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About

Matteo Piovanelli is a researcher at the forefront of soft robotics and bio-inspired microsystems, with a particular focus on developing novel materials and sensors for intelligent, flexible machines. His most influential work, the 2013 paper on "Soft, Transparent, Electronic Skin for Distributed and Multiple Pressure Sensing," has garnered 61 citations and introduces a groundbreaking optical, flexible pressure sensor. This mechano-optical transduction principle enables the encoding of complex tactile information, paving the way for smart skins that can be applied to robots or consumer electronics, mimicking the sensitivity of human touch. In parallel, Piovanelli has made significant contributions to the field of microrobotics. His 2012 study on "A bio-inspired approach towards the development of soft amoeboid microrobots" (12 citations) explores the use of active hydrogels as structural and functional materials, drawing inspiration from amoeboid locomotion to achieve movement at the microscale. This work represents a key step toward creating truly soft, adaptive robots that can navigate complex environments. Through these contributions, Piovanelli is helping to shape a future where robots are not only softer and safer but also more perceptive and autonomous.