Michele Benciolini

École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Michele Benciolini is a robotics researcher whose work sits at the intersection of bio-inspired design and aerial robotics, with a particular focus on enabling unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to interact with complex, unstructured environments. His primary research areas include passive wing morphing, crash-perching mechanics, and the development of robust, low-complexity landing strategies for winged drones. Benciolini’s most significant contribution is the introduction of a “hugging-wing” robot that can crash-land on vertical poles—such as tree trunks or signposts—by relying on passive, adaptable wing structures rather than intricate control systems or appendages. This work, published in 2024, has already garnered 14 citations, reflecting its immediate impact on the field. By drawing inspiration from the natural perching abilities of animals, Benciolini’s approach simplifies a traditionally complex problem, offering a scalable and energy-efficient solution for persistent aerial observation, environmental monitoring, and infrastructure inspection. His research not only advances the practical capabilities of UAVs but also underscores the value of biomimicry in engineering, making him a notable emerging voice in the robotics community.