Robotics and Mechatronics

Location

University of Genoa, DIME – Via all’Opera Pia 15A, Genoa

Managers

Prof. Luca Bruzzone – luca.bruzzone@unige.it

Prof. Matteo Zoppi – matteo.zoppi@unige.it

Website

https://www.dime.unige.it/PMAR-Meccatronica-Avanzata

Node Summary: Advanced Mechatronics Design and Cognitive Robotics for Intelligent and Adaptive Manufacturing

The Robotics and Mechatronics node of the FoFLiguria5.0 infrastructure offers micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) co-development services, design, modeling, prototyping, and testing spaces for devices, systems, and robotic and mechatronic components; it also offers development, evaluation, and testing of collaborative human-robot architectures; and it studies and develops physical interaction problems in mixed manufacturing approaches. The node's research team has integrated and extensive mechatronic design expertise, using methods and construction solutions currently under scientific development and currently being evaluated and transferred to industry. Researchers in the node are constantly involved in nationally and European-funded research projects, actively collaborating with universities and research centers with complementary expertise. They innovate by introducing emerging design and functional solutions into components and systems typically already part of existing automation structures and into already automated processes. Examples include the use of continuum robotics and flexible components. They specialize in designing gripping devices for every function and environment, particularly for flexible and delicate parts with severe grasping constraints on touch and non-touch areas, parts with wiring, and components with fluidic tubing.

Companies have access to the expertise, development tools, and existing testing setups, and can organize specific setups within the node for testing and evaluation on case studies of interest.

Scientific Insights

• Impact of Innovative and Alternative Automation Architectures and Solutions
• High-efficiency Prediction and Control Models for Software-in-the-Loop and Hardware-in-the-Loop
• Numerical Simulations of Interactions between Systems, Automation Tools, Products, and the Environment
• High-power Density Actuation Systems as an Alternative to Traditional Servo Actuations
• Continuum Robot Systems, Flexible and Elastic Fully-Deformable Systems, Also as Part of Existing or Commercial Automation Systems
• Task-Specific Gripping Systems and Grippers/Hands for Robots; Workpiece Interface Architectures and Devices for General Automation
• Ground Mobile Robots with Locomotion Systems for Unstructured Environments
• Experimental Environment for Studying the Effect of Microwaves on Crops and Their Pathogens at Full Scale, Reproducing Real-World Conditions of a Climate-Controlled Greenhouse
• Testing of Exoskeletons in Industrial and Agricultural Applications with Specific Measurement Instrumentation and Simulation Tools; ergonomic impact assessments; production process impact assessments.

Services Offered

• Design and co-design of robotic, mechatronic, and automation components

  Evaluation of project specifications, development of alternative architectures, and conceptualization of solutions, decision-making, detailed design, and construction.

• Prototyping and testing of mechatronic, robotic systems, and components

  Creation of setups for the functional and performance evaluation of robotic and mechatronic systems and their components. Specific sensorization in setups.

• Design, simulation, and algorithms for the control of continuum robots, flexible, and fully-deformable elastic systems, including as part of existing or commercial automation systems.
• Design of task-specific gripper and hand systems for robots and automation systems; workpiece interface architectures and devices for general automation; control algorithms.

• Research and development of exoskeletal solutions for personnel performing specific tasks in the industrial, agricultural, and healthcare/assistance sectors.

  Extensive and unique expertise in the design of exoskeletons for rebalancing and redistributing joint loads in personnel based on their tasks. Benefit assessment services with commercial exoskeletons and exoskeletons specifically designed or adapted for the tasks of interest. Design of add-ons for existing exoskeletons. Researchers at the node have dedicated software and motion tracking infrastructure to perform these assessments.

• Development and design of wearable mechanical aids to improve ergonomics in the use of equipment.

  Task-specific development with the design and testing of passive or semi-active mechanical aids dedicated to the ergonomic rebalancing of workers using bulky, heavy devices and equipment or performing extensive and repetitive tasks. Dedicated measurement environment and specific ergonomic expertise.

• Testing services for the impact of microwave treatments on crops in protected environments/greenhouses, particularly for pathogen control.

  The hub has a climate-controlled environment equipped for microwave testing on plants and their pathogens. This service is offered to companies interested in evaluating it as an alternative to traditional crop protection methods.

• Support for tenders and complex projects

  Support in developing competitive project proposals for the adoption of robotics and automation solutions with emerging technologies at the regional, national, and European levels.

Rates and Packages

Base Rate

€200/hour (all-inclusive) for the initial, preliminary, and launch phases of joint initiatives

Dedicated negotiation for extended collaborative projects.

Discounts of up to 50% for SMEs, startups, cooperatives, and clusters in co-financed projects (Start4.0, DIH Liguria, etc.)

Access Methods

Via digital or physical counter.

A preliminary assessment of project coherence is required.