Bio
I have a degree in Mechanical Engineering (2003) from University of Pisa. In parallel, I have been a student and got a Diploma in Applied Sciences at Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna (2003). Later, I earned a PhD in Robotics from Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna (2008).
I am now Full Professor at Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna.
- Full Professor of Mechanical Engineering (Mechanics of Machines) at Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna 2024-now.
- Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering (Mechanics of Machines) at Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna 2020-2024.
- Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering (Mechanics of Machines) at University of Trento. 2019-2020
- Assistant Professor Tenure Track in Mechanics of Machines at University of Trento. 2016- 2019
- Assistant Professor in Mechanics of Machines at Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna 2008-2016
- Ph.D. Innovative Technologies (Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna) 2004-2008
- MS Mechanical Engineering (University of Pisa) 1997-2003
- Diploma (Allievo Ordinario), Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna (Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna) 1997-2002
Ricerca
I do research in the development of advanced electromechanical hardware, focusing on the modeling, optimization, control, and experimental characterization of mechatronic devices. My work spans multiple domains, including:
- Smart material transducers – Design and analysis of actuators and sensors based on smart materials for enhanced performance and adaptability.
- Innovative energy harvesting devices – Development of novel mechanisms to efficiently capture and convert ambient energy into usable power.
- Mechanisms and mechatronic systems for robotics – Exploration of novel robotic architectures, actuation principles, and kinematic innovations.
- Haptic technologies – Research on high-fidelity haptic interfaces for improved human-machine interaction.
My approach integrates foundational science and theoretical modeling with practical engineering applications and experimental validation to advance the capabilities of next-generation mechatronic and robotic systems.
Pubblicazioni
SELECTED (see my CV for a complete updated list)
Sîrbu, ID., Preninger, D., D. Danninger, L. Penkner, R. Schwödiauer, G. Moretti, N. Arnold, M. Fontana, M. Kaltenbrunner Electrostatic actuators with constant force at low power loss using matched dielectrics. Nat Electron 6, 888–899 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41928-023-01057-0
Lightweight Human-Friendly Robotic Arm Based on Transparent Hydrostatic Transmissions, Bolignari M.,Rizello G., Zaccarian L., Fontana M., IEEE Transactions on Robotics 39 (5), pp. 4051-4064, 2023 https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=10189211
A multi-mode, multi-frequency dielectric elastomer actuator , Gratz-Kelly S., Rizello G., Fontana M., Seelecke S., Moretti G. Advanced Functional Materials, 32.34 (2022): 2201889. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/adfm.202201889
High-frequency voltage-driven vibrations in dielectric elastomer membranes, Moretti G., Rizello G., Fontana M., Seelecke S. Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing, 168, 2022. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0888327021009997
Electrostatic bellow muscle actuators and energy harvesters that stack up, Sˆırbu I.D., Moretti G., Bortolotti G.,M. Bolignari, S. Dir`e, L. Fambri, R. Vertechy, M. Fontana. Science Robotics 6, eaaz5796 (2021). FULL TEXT
A review on dielectric elastomer generator systems, Moretti G., Rosset S., Vertechy R., Anderson I., Fontana M. Advanced Intelligent System, 2 (10), 2020. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/aisy.202000125
Design and experimental characterization of a high performance hydrostatic transmission for robot actuation, Bolignari M., Fontana M. Meccanica 55, 1169–1179, 2020.
Modelling and field testing of a breakwater-integrated U-OWC wave energy converter with dielectric elastomer generator. Moretti G., Malara G., Scial`o A., Daniele L., Romolo A., Vertechy R., Fontana M., Arena F. Renewable Energy, 146, 2020.
Modelling and testing of a wave energy converter based on dielectric elastomer generators Moretti G., Papini G.P.R., Daniele L., Forehand D., Ingram, D., Vertechy R., Fontana M. Proceedings of the Royal Society A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences, 475 (2222), 2019
Resonant wave energy harvester based on dielectric elastomer generator, Moretti G., Papini Rosati G.P., Righi M, Forehand D., Ingram D., Vertechy R., Fontana M. Smart Materials and Structures 27 (3), 2018
A New Class of Variable Capacitance Generators Based on the Dielectric Fluid Transducer, Duranti M., Righi M, Vertechy R., Fontana M. Smart Materials and Structures, 26 (11), 2017.
Airborne Wind Energy Systems: A review of the technologies. Cherubini A., Papini A., Vertechy R., Fontana M. Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews, 51, 2015.
The Body Extender: A Full-Body Exoskeleton for Transport and Handling of Heavy Loads. Fontana M., Vertechy R., Marcheschi S., Salsedo F., Bergamasco M. Robotics & Automation Magazine, IEEE, 21 (4), 2014
Haptic Hand Exoskeleton for Precision Grasp Simulation. Fontana M., Fabio S., Marcheschi S., Bergamasco M. ASME Journal of Mechanisms and Robotics, 5 (4), 2013.