The main areas of interest are: respiratory, neural, musculoskeletal, rehabilitation engineering, and medical robotics. We design and develop methods, models and applications for the study of the respiratory system and the optimization of mechanical ventilation, such as optoelectronic plethysmography, double body plethysmography, forced oscillation technique and the imaging of respiratory function images (CT, MRI, ultrasounds and microscopy). Multiscale nerve system studies are carried out for understanding the mechanisms of learning and plasticity by integrating anatomo-functional images (fMRI, DTI, etc) and data (EMG, EEG, electrophysiology and microscopy) in simulation, neurorobot computational models and for functional neurosurgery. We stuy the biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system with kinematic, kinetic, electromyographic and bioimaging data in physiological, pathological conditions and extreme environments (microgravity). Experimental indexes and protocols are proposed and validated for assessing disability and rehabilitation pathways. We perform clinical design, optimization and translation of prostheses for amputees, assisted exoskeletons and neuroprosthetic hybrid robotic systems based on biofeedbacks and wearable sensors (IMUs) and monitoring systems for athletes, patients and the elderly. We develop human-robot Interfaces along with machine learning algorithms in order to improve safety and reliability in minimally invasive surgery and robot-assisted diagnosis. We rely on image acquisition for the planning of radiotherapy treatments and for tracking patient's position.
Most relevant research achievements
The MoveCare project develops and field tests an innovative platform that supports the independent living of the elder by monitoring, assisting and promoting activities to counteract decline and social exclusion. MoveCare is an intelligent robotic caregiver who uses environmental sensors, smart objects, and a community based activity center to create an ecosystem to be deployed at pre-frail elders’ home.
Within the "Oncological pathology and long survivals: quantitative evaluation of upper limb with lymphedema and effects of rehabilitative treatments" project, experimental set-up was defined and implemented for the volumetric/morphological assessment and for the functional limitation quantification of upper limb with lymphedema. This project also made it possible to improve the rehabilitative treatments identification for the reduction of the upper limb lymphedema.Thanks to "AMA Project - Accessible Movement Analysis for all", the Children’s Rehabilitation Center Principessa Victoria (CHI-PV) institute, Rio Claro (Brasil), has been equipped with a modern movement analysis laboratory for the quantitative movement assessment. Several course have been organised with the local professionists who work in the field of rehabilitation.
Thanks to SMARTsurg, a new robot-assisted surgical suite has been developed, with advanced tools for cognitive load reduction and physical augmentation in cardio, orthopaedic and urological surgery.
The STRIVE project is aimed at investigating the efficacy and the compliance of personalized interventions for sleep pathologies in patients with disorder of consciousness (DOC). The project develops and field-tests a novel ecosystem integrating wearable sensors, professionals and caregivers evaluations, specifically tailored for the longitudinal assessment of the motor behavioural profile.
From the obtained results of the "Tutori innovativi di arto inferiore" project, innovative orthotics/braces are proposed, which are able to reduce the functional gap between patient and non-disable subject.
The ATLAS MSCA-ITN-2018-EJD project will develop smart flexible robots that autonomously propel through complex deformable tubular structures. This calls for seamless integration of sensors, actuators, modelling and control.
The DIH HERO project aims at digitalisation of the Healthcare robotics industry in all its aspects.
Other relevant research achievements have been reached in the research carried out in the HandBot Prin 2010-11 project, the EU-Lifelong learning program, the Erasmus Plus Brain4Train and the Lombardy Region - the L&S line for aggregations. ROADRUNNERFOOT ENGINEERING S.R.L. RTF-Running To the Future.
