Pietro Dirix

École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

Papers

Total Citations

194

H-Index

About

Pietro Dirix is a pioneer in the emerging field of soft microrobotics, where his work bridges the gap between advanced manufacturing and medical application. His research centers on the design, fabrication, and control of sub-millimeter scale robotic systems, with a particular focus on using compliant mechanisms and smart materials. Dirix’s major contributions include the development of a groundbreaking methodology for addressable acoustic actuation of 3D-printed hydrogel robots, enabling frequency-selective, multi-degree-of-freedom movement from a single ultrasound source—a key step toward untethered microsurgery. This work, published in 2020, has garnered 98 citations for its novel integration of direct laser writing with acoustic transduction. In parallel, his research on flow-driven navigation of microengineered endovascular probes (96 citations) addresses the critical challenge of accessing previously unreachable regions of the brain’s vasculature. By demonstrating how hydrodynamic forces can steer flexible probes, Dirix has opened new possibilities for minimally invasive neurointerventions. His achievements mark him as a leading figure in the next generation of medical microrobotics, where precise, wireless control could transform patient care.