Paolo Tiezzi

About

Paolo Tiezzi is a leading figure in the field of anthropomorphic robotic hands, with a career dedicated to bridging the gap between rigid mechanical systems and the compliant, adaptive nature of human touch. His primary research areas encompass the design of bio-inspired endoskeletons, the mechanics of soft robotic fingertips, and the complex physics of viscoelastic contact. Tiezzi’s most significant contribution is the development of the UB Hand 3 (UBH3), a humanoid hand featuring a simplified endo-skeletal structure of rigid links connected by elastic hinges, actuated by tendons, and covered in continuous, soft fingerpads. This design, detailed in his most-cited work (231 citations), revolutionized the field by prioritizing both dexterity and safe interaction. His subsequent research, including highly cited papers on modeling viscoelastic contacts and limit surfaces (40 citations), systematically characterized how soft pads behave under load, providing foundational models for friction and compliance. By experimentally analyzing the effect of a rigid core within soft fingertips, Tiezzi provided crucial insights for designing robust, yet gentle, robotic grippers. His work on the UBH3 project remains a benchmark for anthropomorphic hand design, directly influencing modern soft robotics and prosthetic development.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

Top Papers

1. 1
   Development of UB Hand 3: Early Results

   231 citations · 2006
2. 2
   UBH 3: an anthropomorphic hand with simplified endo-skeletal structure and soft continuous fingerpads

   60 citations · 2004
3. 3
   Modeling of Viscoelastic Contacts and Evolution of Limit Surface for Robotic Contact Interface

   40 citations · 2007
4. 4
   4 Modelling and Controlling the Compliance of a Robotic Hand with Soft Finger-pads

   26 citations · 2005
5. 5
   Modelling and identification of soft pads for robotic hands

   20 citations · 2005
6. 6
   Characteristics of contact and limit surface for viscoelastic fingers

   20 citations · 2006
7. 7
   Effect of layer compliance on frictional behavior of soft robotic fingers

   19 citations · 2007
8. 8
   Effect of Layer Compliance on Frictional Behavior of Soft Robotic Fingers

   18 citations · 2006
9. 9
   Experimental analysis of soft fingertips with internal rigid core

   18 citations · 2006
10. 10
    UBH3: investigating alternative design concepts for robotic hands

    10 citations · 2004

Key Collaborators

Contact & Links