The STREAM project developed the StreamEXO exoskeleton, which reduces musculoskeletal system's ergonomic risk of physical overload by 50% and muscle fatigue by 30%. The device generates forces to support workers' backs during heavy manual material handling activities.
Researchers at Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia and University of Milan-Bicocca have demonstrated the efficacy of curcumin in reducing coral bleaching caused by climate change. The study shows significant efficacy in preventing coral bleaching when tested under controlled conditions.
The NEHO project aims to create ultrafast and energy-efficient information processing systems using photonics and semiconductor technology. By leveraging nonlinear photon-plasmon interactions, researchers hope to revolutionize information processing with faster, more efficient, and flexible technologies.
Researchers at IIT developed a biodegradable seed-robot that can change shape in response to humidity, inspired by the seed structure of a South African geranium. The robot, part of the European project I-Seed, has potential applications in environmental monitoring and reforestation.
A team of researchers at Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia has developed a totally edible and rechargeable battery cell, utilizing riboflavin and quercetin as anode and cathode. The battery can provide current for small electronic devices and may have applications in health diagnostics, food quality monitoring, and edible soft robotics.
The CONVINCE project, funded by €4 million, focuses on developing cognitive deliberation capabilities in autonomous robots to enhance safe and robust operation in unstructured environments. The goal is to enable robots to adapt to their surroundings and tasks autonomously without human intervention.
Researchers at Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia have created a soft robot inspired by earthworms, able to crawl using soft actuators that elongate or squeeze. The prototype demonstrates improved locomotion with a speed of 1.35mm/s and has potential applications in underground exploration, excavation, search and rescue operations.
Autism research focuses on understanding heterogeneity between individuals, with Prof Michael Lombardo's project testing stratification by functional skills. The goal is to isolate specific biological markers and treatment responses.
Researchers developed BrightEyes-TTM, an open-source stopwatch to study molecular interactions inside living cells. The platform records the lifetime of fluorescent molecules, providing insights into cellular structure and function.
The RITHMS project aims to enhance police forces' and customs authorities' capabilities in tackling illicit cultural trafficking with innovative technologies. The platform will utilize Social Network Analysis to identify organized criminal networks and provide valuable information to investigators.
The MARM robotic platform has three limbs for enhanced mobility and manipulation flexibility, allowing it to transport large payloads and assemble components. The robot's unique design enables full-body motions and facilitates assembly operations by adjusting its central pelvis base.
Researchers from IIT have discovered a correlation between small RNA molecules, piRNAs, and brain inflammation. The study lays the groundwork for new diagnostic technologies to detect neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, at an early stage.
Researchers at IIT developed a self-powered defrosting sensor to detect improper food freezing. The sensor may be used in future applications and has been published in ACS Sensors (doi:10.1021/acssensors.2c01280)
The MEMEX project promotes social cohesion by using AI and interactive tools to share community stories linked to cultural heritage. The exhibition features audio-visual stories from Lisbon, Barcelona, Paris, and Genoa participants who co-created their own digital content.
A team of researchers has designed in silico molecular probes to track the progress of a misbehaving protein linked to neurodegenerative diseases like ALS and FTD. The probes can detect TDP-43 aggregates at high resolution, paving the way for early diagnosis.
The Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia team developed GRACE actuators, 3D-printed structures that mimic muscle tissue in nature. The actuators can be manufactured using various materials and sizes, providing a range of movement options for robots.
A study published in Science Robotics journal reveals that humans are unable to distinguish between a humanoid robot's response time variability and that of a human when interacting with the robot. This finding suggests robots can exhibit human-like behavior, raising questions about the blurring line between humans and machines.
The collaboration between public and private organizations has led to innovative applications in tourism and culture sectors. Visitors can interact with a humanoid robot and solve puzzles using Meta Quest visors connected to the 5G network, exploring artworks and moving virtual objects.
Scientists at IIT realized coupled light vortices forming an ordered structure, a light crystal. They developed metasurfaces to control laser beams and created 100 light vortices with tunable topology, enabling new properties for optical communications and simulations of complex systems.
An international research team developed nanometric light modulators to study neuronal tissue in deep brain regions. The new approach enables the creation of minimally invasive neural probes that can be used to study specific brain diseases, including brain tumors and epilepsy.
Four IIT researchers have been awarded €150,000 each from the European Research Council to develop groundbreaking technologies addressing health challenges, such as tumours, blindness, and amputations. Their projects aim to substitute critical raw materials in electronics and create multisensory systems for visually impaired infants.
Daniele Cortecchia wins ERC Starting Grant for innovative photoluminescent materials research, focusing on perovskite synthesis and application in photonics. The project aims to develop new methods for creating tunable optical properties.
Researchers developed a VR-based archery game to understand how blind people move and orient themselves in space. The platform showed that congenital blind individuals rely on body cues rather than environmental sounds for reorientation.
The project aims to decorate DNA sequences with colourful nano-lights to enable faster read/write processes and novel data encoding concepts. By using unique recognition capabilities of single DNA strands, the consortium plans to develop novel nanomaterials, algorithms, and reader devices for efficient data storage.
Researchers have identified a new molecular component of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) pathological aggregates, a circular RNA called circ-Hdgfrp3. This circular RNA plays a crucial role in the formation and progression of ALS, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target.
The HyVIS project is a four-year European initiative that will develop bionic synapses for retinal prostheses, exploiting residual neuronal functionality to restore sensitivity to light. The approach involves plasmonic nanocannals and intelligent polymers to release neurotransmitters in response to light stimuli.
Researchers from Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia have developed a new precision strategy to hinder coronavirus infection by blocking the ACE2 receptor. The study, published in Pharmacological Research, reveals two anti-K353 aptamers that dose-dependently inhibit viral spike protein binding to human ACE2, preventing cell infection.
A research team led by Barbara Mazzolai has created a soft, biodegradable, and soluble velcro that mimics the micro-hook structure of leaves on the 'catchweed' plant, enabling devices for environmental monitoring and precision farming. The technology reduces pesticide use and promotes sustainable agriculture practices.
The PERSEPHONe project aims to create a novel technological platform for photonics based on metal-halide perovskites. Early stage researchers will be trained in materials design, device development and adaptability.
A study published in Nature Communications identifies a specific form of autism caused by an excessive number of synapses in the cerebral cortex, potentially guiding the development of future treatments. The research found that inhibiting mTOR protein activity can restore synaptic function and connectivity.
A study published in Royal Society Open Science found that 10-year-old children follow social norms and reciprocate consideration from adults. Children of this age tend to behave more like adults, giving weight to adults' opinions if they are credited, whereas younger children trust their own decisions independently of adult behavior.
Researchers develop VICE biosensor to assess toxicity of substances on human cells, providing a non-invasive method for early detection. The technology aims to address limitations of current toxicological assessments, which often fail to detect long-term side effects.
A new study published in Current Biology reveals that visually impaired babies primarily use touch to respond to stimuli, while sighted babies rely more on auditory cues. The research suggests that both senses will be crucial in designing tools to aid their development.
The COgITOR project aims to develop an initial prototype for an autonomous liquid cybernetic system that can be used as an intelligent, active probe in extreme areas. The system will be composed of concentric spheres containing solvents enriched with nanoparticles and a silicon chip in the centre.
A study published in Science Robotics found that mutual gaze with a humanoid robot affects human neural activity and delays decision-making processes. Participants were slower to respond when the robot established mutual gaze during decision making, relative to averted gaze.
The PROTEIN-ID project aims to create a device that can read the fingerprint of proteins and identify their sequence, enabling rapid detection of diseases. The innovative device will use spectroscopic techniques, machine learning, and nanoscale sensors to analyze protein structures.
Researchers simulated the hydrodynamic behavior of deep-sea Venus flower sponge E. aspergillum, revealing its skeletal adaptations optimize flow physics within and beyond its body cavity. The findings improve understanding of mechanical and biological responses to dynamic forces.
The NanED project aims to train 15 PhD students in 3D electron diffraction (3D ED) techniques, with a focus on industrial applications. The program will be led by the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia and unite experts from 8 European research institutions and global companies.
The LIGHT-CAP project aims to develop new nanotechnology-enabled architectures for solar energy conversion and storage. Researchers will apply cutting-edge materials to build systems capable of absorbing sunlight, converting it into electric charges and storing the associated energy in a sustainable way.
A recent study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that children aged 3-5 years old can only recognize happiness and sadness on 40% of occasions when wearing facemasks. This limitation highlights the challenges of social interaction for young children during the pandemic.
A new biomedical implant, microMESH, has been developed to treat glioblastoma multiforme. The device wraps around tumor masses, delivering drugs in a controlled, prolonged manner, increasing therapeutic efficacy.
Arash Ajoudani has made a significant impact on the field of human-robot collaboration and telerobotics with his research. He has contributed to several successful European projects, including ERGO-Lean and SOPHIA, which aim to develop collaborative robotics systems capable of anticipating human behavior.
The Cultural Landscapes Scanner pilot project uses AI to analyze satellite images and detect hidden archaeological sites. Researchers aim to improve detection of cultural heritage sites at risk of looting.
The I-Seed project aims to develop intelligent, biodegradable soft robots that mimic plant seeds' behavior to monitor soil and climate parameters. These innovative robots will be used for detecting pollutants, humidity, CO2 levels, temperature, and water quality.
The CONCERT project aims to develop novel configurable robot platforms for various tasks in unstructured workspaces. Researchers will create powerful collaborative robots that can operate alongside human workers, adapting to their environment and executing high-level commands.
The STREAM project aims to reduce costs and increase worker safety in railway construction, operation, and maintenance by introducing robotic technologies. The project will deliver two methods: a control platform for converting heavy-duty hydraulic machines into autonomous systems, and a modular wearable active exoskeleton to reduce ph...
The DEEPER project develops new photonic technologies to access deep brain regions and reveal molecular and cellular dysfunctions underlying neurological disorders. The project aims to develop minimally invasive tools for treating diseases such as Alzheimer's, addiction, and depression.
Two ERC-funded innovation projects will develop nanometric sensors for brain surgery and flexible X-ray detectors for medical imaging. The projects aim to reduce damages and improve efficiency in healthcare and industrial non-destructive testing.
Researchers Barbara Mazzolai and Andrea Toma at IIT have been awarded ERC grants for their projects on intelligent plant robots and new photosynthesis technologies. The projects aim to create collective behavior in plants and develop nanotechnology devices for storing solar energy in hydrogen.
Scientists have found a correlation between brain activity and attitudes towards humanoid robots, with distinct neural patterns predicting people's bias in attributing intentionality. This study contributes to understanding engagement with robots and can inform the future acceptance of robots in healthcare applications.