Paolo Celli

California Institute of Technology, Stony Brook University

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Paolo Celli is a rising leader in the field of mechanical metamaterials and soft robotics, with a focus on creating intelligent, responsive surfaces. His research elegantly bridges structural mechanics and haptic technology, developing novel architectures that can sense, adapt, and interact with their environment. Celli’s most impactful work, “A Flexible Spiraling‐Metasurface as a Versatile Haptic Interface” (2020, 30 citations), introduces a groundbreaking approach to haptic feedback by using a spiraling metasurface—a thin, flexible skin that can produce localized, programmable vibrations. This innovation holds transformative potential for virtual reality, wearable devices, and prosthetics, where tactile feedback is critical. In parallel, his studies on “Compliant morphing structures from twisted bulk metallic glass ribbons” (2020, 12 citations) and “Tailoring asymmetry for anisotropic friction in kirigami metamaterial skins” (2025, 7 citations) demonstrate a deep commitment to understanding and exploiting asymmetry and compliance in material systems. By combining kirigami-inspired pop-up hinges with bulk metallic glass, Celli creates structures that can morph, grip, and slide with unprecedented control. His work is not only theoretically rich but also highly applied, offering tangible pathways toward next-generation haptic interfaces and adaptive robotic skins.