S. Scapellato

Computer Research Institute of Montréal, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna

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About

S. Scapellato is a pioneering researcher in biomimetic robotics, specializing in the design and development of soft-bodied mini-robots inspired by invertebrate locomotion. Their major contributions center on creating bio-inspired robotic systems that replicate the movement and sensory capabilities of annelids, such as polychaete worms and earthworms. In their highly cited 2006 paper, "Biomimetic Design of a Polychaete Robot Using IPMC Actuator" (13 citations), Scapellato introduced a novel modular robot architecture that mimics the undulating, segmented locomotion of polychaete worms using ionic polymer-metal composite (IPMC) actuators. This work laid the foundation for compact, flexible robotic systems capable of navigating confined spaces. Complementing this, their 2006 study "PVDF-based Biomimetic Sensor for Application in Crawling Soft-body Mini-Robots" (5 citations) developed a flexible polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) sensor that mimics the exteroceptive and proprioceptive functions of earthworms, enabling soft robots to sense their environment and internal state. Together, these achievements demonstrate Scapellato’s impact on advancing soft robotics and bio-inspired engineering, offering innovative solutions for applications in search-and-rescue, medical devices, and environmental monitoring.