Spoke 3 RAISE: soft robotics for agri-food at RoboSoft 2025

As part of the activities of Spoke 3 of RAISE, dedicated to the development of bioinspired solutions for sustainability, Chengjin Du, student fellow in the Soft BioRobotics Perception research line at the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), participated as a speaker in the workshop Emerging Paradigms in Soft Manipulation.

The event took place on April 23, 2025, in Lausanne, Switzerland, during the RoboSoft 2025 – 8th IEEE-RAS International Conference on Soft Robotics. In his talk, entitled Sensorizing Soft Actuators Enabling Intelligent Grasping and Fruit Evaluation, Chengjin Du presented the most significant results of the project Soft Gripper for Fruit Monitoring and Sorting, developed within Project 5 of Spoke 3 under the supervision of Lucia Beccai, Principal Investigator of the Soft BioRobotics Perception Lab at IIT.

The project addresses one of the key challenges in the agri-food sector: the automated handling and monitoring of post-harvest fruit and vegetable products using intelligent soft robotic technologies.

The developed system, known as the SoftMag Gripper, is a fully integrated soft end-effector that combines pneumatic actuation with magnetic-based tactile sensors. It enables adaptive grasping and real-time evaluation of fruit firmness. During the presentation, Du illustrated the entire development process of the device, from materials and system design to the integration of sensing and actuation, and the application of machine learning algorithms for tactile data interpretation.

The workshop brought together researchers and industry representatives working to bridge the gap between laboratory-developed experimental solutions and their real-world applications. Special attention was given to identifying best practices for technology transfer in the field of soft robotic manipulation, with a focus on operational efficiency and adaptability to complex production environments.

Chengjin Du’s presentation highlighted how the integrated approach adopted by Spoke 3 of RAISE provides a tangible contribution to the development of intelligent tools for sustainable automation. The ability of the SoftMag Gripper to adapt to deformable objects and provide real-time perceptual data opens new perspectives for the adoption of advanced robotics in agricultural and food processing contexts.

Participation in RoboSoft 2025 reaffirms the active role of RAISE and Spoke 3 in promoting technological innovation by enhancing the expertise of young researchers and fostering dialogue within the international scientific community.

At Euroflora 2025 the VINUM project: robotics and innovation for the viticulture of the future

During the international event Euroflora 2025, held in the regenerated spaces of Genoa’s Waterfront, the VINUM project was presented. It was developed within Spoke 3 of the RAISE ecosystem.

The initiative took place in a highly significant setting focused on biodiversity, sustainability, and enhancing the relationship between humans and nature, in line with the founding principles of the exhibition.

VINUM is the result of a collaboration between the Dynamic Legged Systems (DLS) unit of the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) and the Faculty of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences of the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore – Piacenza Campus.

Its main goal is the development of an advanced robotic solution for automating winter vine pruning, a crucial process for wine production quality, but one that is highly labor-intensive and requires specific skills.

Two events were dedicated to the project, held on April 24 and 27, and curated by Claudio Semini and Angelo Bratta, respectively coordinator and researcher of the IIT DLS unit. On both occasions, a live demonstration of the robot was offered, drawing significant interest from professionals and the general public.

The modular robotic system integrates a mechanical arm and a complex multi-modal artificial vision system – including stereoscopic vision – that enables precise vine recognition and autonomous cutting. A state machine drives the robot through its various operational phases, ensuring continuity and efficiency in the task.

Thanks to the use of technologies such as Detectron2 for image segmentation and visual odometry techniques for building point clouds, the robot is capable of “understanding” its environment and autonomously making decisions on the most suitable pruning points.

VINUM was also conceived to address the growing difficulty in finding skilled labor for complex agricultural tasks, offering a technological alternative that can support human intervention in the most demanding scenarios.

The prototype’s performance will be tested in the upcoming winter season directly in vineyards, with a comparative evaluation against manual pruning. The analysis will include factors such as cutting effectiveness, adaptability to different terrains, and the impact on the plant’s vegetative characteristics.

VINUM’s participation in Euroflora confirmed RAISE’s and its partners’ commitment to promoting cutting-edge technological solutions that can concretely contribute to the digital and sustainable transition of Italian agriculture.

Eco-Robotics and bioinspired innovation: RAISE’s Spoke 3 at RoboSoft 2025

From April 24 to 26, 2025, the eighth edition of the IEEE-RAS International Conference on Soft Robotics (RoboSoft 2025) took place in Lausanne, Switzerland. This globally renowned event is a key reference in the field of soft robotics. This year’s edition focused on interdisciplinarity and expanding the frontiers of research and development in advanced robotic technologies.

During the opening day of the conference, Barbara Mazzolai, Principal Investigator of the Bioinspired Soft Robotics research line at the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) and representative of Spoke 3 of the RAISE project, took the stage. Professor Mazzolai delivered one of the Plenary Talks, titled “Soft Robotics Meets Biodiversity: Nature-Inspired Paths to Innovation”.

In her talk, Mazzolai illustrated how biodiversity can serve as a strategic and sustainable model for the design and creation of soft robots, directly inspired by mechanisms and forms found in nature. She emphasized how biological variety, in both movement and distributed intelligence, offers practical solutions for the development of robotic systems that are more adaptable, efficient, and environmentally friendly.

A key focus of the presentation was eco-robotics, an innovative vision that merges robotic engineering with ecological and biological principles. In this context, several achievements from the RAISE project were showcased, including bioinspired artificial seeds designed for applications in environmental monitoring and reforestation. These robotic devices take inspiration from the plant and animal kingdoms and are capable of responding to environmental stimuli, moving, and adapting autonomously.

RoboSoft 2025 brought together researchers, industry experts, and students from around the world, providing a platform for dialogue and collaboration on emerging technologies. The program featured presentations, workshops, live demonstrations, artistic exhibits, and roundtables on cutting-edge topics.

The participation of RAISE’s Spoke 3 confirmed the prominent role Italian research plays on the international soft robotics stage.
Barbara Mazzolai’s talk highlighted how an interdisciplinary approach is essential not only to develop nature-inspired robots but also to ensure that such technologies actively contribute to environmental conservation.

Eco-robotics, therefore, emerged not just as a promising scientific field but also as a tangible opportunity for a more sustainable future.

Automated grapevine pruning: an application of ecorobotics and precision agriculture within Spoke 3

In March, a field experiment was carried out on winter pruning in the vineyard, with an autonomous robotic system, consisting of a tracked robot surmounted by a robotic arm.

Winter pruning is a crucial intervention in the plant cycle and takes place during the vegetative rest of the vine, between the fall of the leaves and the beginning of the vegetative recovery in spring.

The use of technologies developed in RAISE allows this operation to be made more efficient and precise.

This research and technology transfer activity is part of Spoke 3 and falls within the applications of ecorobotics and precision agriculture.

The test was conducted in an experimental vineyard of the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore of Piacenza, where the integration between the two guidance and recognition subsystems were tested together for the first time, thanks to the synergy between:
The Dynamic Legged Systems lab (DLS) of the Italian Institute of Technology, responsible for the algorithm for identifying cutting points;
Info Solution, which created the system for autonomous navigation of the tracked agricultural robot.

Autonomous driving is based on the use of multi-level LiDAR that is able to detect the distance and shape of objects in a three-dimensional environment, using a series of lasers that emit and receive light pulses. This type of system is particularly useful for creating 3D maps of complex environments or for obtaining detailed information on objects at different heights.

In this vineyard application, the system provides precise mapping of the environment in real time, allowing navigation that can adapt to the morphological changes of the plants.

The algorithm developed by IIT for the identification of cutting points, by the robotic arm, has been validated in the laboratory, on potted plants, and then in the open field, integrated with the on-board system.

This multidisciplinary approach represents a concrete step towards the intelligent automation of viticulture, in line with the mission of Spoke 3: promoting ecorobotics as an integrated approach for sustainable land management.

A special thanks goes to the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore of Piacenza for their availability and hospitality in the vineyard.

Author of the video and frames: Marzio Cardellini, Bluframe
Credits: RAISE

Ecorobotics and earthquakes: new frontiers in the detection of damage to churches

Italy is the country with the highest concentration of UNESCO sites: this immense heritage, consisting of many valuable buildings, represents a cultural and economic resource, but is at significant risk due to earthquakes as demonstrated by many events that have hit our territory. Their high seismic vulnerability makes it essential to invest in research and exploit the potential offered by new technologies.

In this direction, in Spoke 3 of RAISE, ecorobotics is applied with a multidisciplinary approach in a specific project aimed at developing innovative strategies for the detection of seismic damage in churches. The initiative arises from the over thirty-year experience of researchers at the University of Genoa and from the awareness of the importance of these buildings both for society and for the artistic-cultural heritage.

The project focuses on four key objectives:
– Safety, to protect operators during survey operations;
– Protection, to contribute to the safeguarding of monumental assets during seismic emergencies;
– Timeliness, to optimize the damage survey phases and accelerate the acquisition of information (photos, geometric data, etc.);
– Effectiveness, to support subsequent safety and damage reduction actions.

Innovative technologies for seismic damage survey
The Department of Civil, Chemical and Environmental Engineering (DICCA) of the University of Genoa, through the research groups in Seismic Engineering and Geomatics, has developed a methodology based on Laser scanner technology and drone photogrammetry to safely acquire both the internal geometry of churches and the presence and position of lesions, using an Artificial Intelligence model for automatic damage identification.

The system involves the integrated use of a flying drone and a terrestrial robot, addressing the complexity of autonomous navigation in closed environments. The drone takes off from the robot at predefined points mapped autonomously and acquires data from above before landing and continuing the analysis with the terrestrial vehicle.

Info Solution’s contribution with MOLIRIS
A key element of the project is the autonomous navigation system of the terrestrial robot, developed by Info Solution through its MOLIRIS product. The robot, thanks to a sophisticated obstacle detection and advanced mapping technology, is able to move safely among rubble, collapses and damaged pavements, supporting post-seismic inspection and preventive monitoring operations. MOLIRIS guarantees high precision in autonomous navigation, allowing to explore critical areas where human access would be risky or impossible.

An integrated system for safety and conservation
In the first months of 2025, a pilot test of the system was conducted at the Church of San Giovanni Battista in Aggio (Genoa) with the primary objective of verifying in the field the combined use of the flying drone and the Info Solution terrestrial robot and evaluating the effectiveness of the integration between the two platforms. The test gave positive results, providing valuable operational indications for the subsequent phases of research and technology transfer.
Thanks to the collaboration between experts from different sectors, the project presents itself as a model of innovation for the management of seismic risk and the protection of cultural heritage.

Thanks to: Don Matteo Conte, for his availability to carry out the field tests; the Curia of the Archdiocese of Genoa, for the support in identifying some case studies and the availability demonstrated; Eng. Stefano Cunietti (PhD student at the University of Genoa at DICCA) for the support provided in piloting the drone during the field tests.

Proect working group: University of Genoa (DICCA): Prof. Serena Cattari (project leader), Prof. Bianca Federici, Eng. Mohamed Mustafa Omeribrahim Eid (DICCA research fellow until 2024), Eng. Matteo Bozzano (PhD student) – Info Solution: Dr. Marco Penco – IIT: Eng. Claudio Semini (head of the Dynamic Legged Systems (DLS) laboratory) and Eng. Angelo Bratta (Post Doc)

Spoke 3 marine ecorobotics in action with NEPTUNE™: the story of the second mission in the Portofino Marine Protected Area

On February 20, the NEPTUNE™ project achieved an important project advancement, within the “second mission” in Liguria, after a first mission in the summer 2024 in Sicily.
The aim of the activity was to acquire marine data, videos and photos, testing the effectiveness of the instrumentation developed in the field of marine ecorobotics.

The instrumentation used in underwater explorations was entirely produced by Ubica srl ​​and its collaborators, with the aim of generating low-cost equipment for marine environmental monitoring, which returns high-resolution results.

The experimentation not only allowed the acquisition of marine environmental data and images, but also the direct integration with the AIoT platform for U-EaaS (Underwater Equipment as a Service) NEPTUNE™, created by MYWAI, both on board the ship and then in the post-acquisition phase in the laboratory.

Specifically, the activity took place at the Secca dell’Isuela, in the Portofino Marine Protected Area, between 30 and 45 m deep, where there is a dense forest of gorgonians, mainly consisting of the species Paramuricea clavata and Eunicella cavolini.

As the marine biologist of the UBICA team, Ilaria Rossodivita, explained, gorgonians: “(…) are a sort of coral, which give a high biodiversity to the environment and are very characteristic of the Mediterranean area”.

During the field activity, the ROV (Remote Operated Vehicle) equipped with a full-frame 6K resolution camera and a multi-parameter probe, with sensors for environmental variables, were tested: temperature, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen and chlorophyll A (microalgae concentration).

The ROV moved along a defined path before the diving phase and its movement was monitored by the operators on board the vessel.

The surveys were georeferenced using a USBL system for underwater acoustic positioning. The video data and environmental parameters were synchronized via satellite clock together with the vehicle position data during the operations and sent in streaming to the receiving server on the U-EaaS NEPTUNE platform.

As a next step of this second mission, the videos and recorded data will be reprocessed by the software of the lead partner MYWAI, to generate a 5D reconstruction of the seabed.

We start from the 3D environmental format, to then produce a 4D model of the data, on a spatial and temporal basis of the trend of the environmental parameters, and finally an optional 5D integration is added, with the semantic information associated with the reconstruction.

The technical-scientific manager of the project, Fabrizio Cardinali (MYWAI, Spoke 3), commented as follows, at the end of the day: “the next phases of NEPTUNE™ include explorations in Sicily, in Lipari, of archaeological shipwrecks and submersed industrial structures. The project is attracting great interest both at a scientific level and at a market level”.

NEPTUNE™, coordinated by the Ligurian start-up MYWAI, is one of the winners of the cascade call for Industrial Research and Experimental Development projects in the domains of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics of RAISE Spoke 5, and is affiliated with Spoke 3, whose objective is the protection and care of the environment thanks to ecorobotics.

Spoke 3 of RAISE at the “Pontos – Euromediterranean in Dialogue” festival

On January 15, as part of the “Pontos – Euromediterranean in Dialogue” festival, the panel “Protection of the seas and inter-Mediterranean cooperation” took place at Palazzo Ducale in Genoa, in the Sala del Maggior Consiglio, with the following program:
– Monica Montefalcone (UniGe): The changing Mediterranean. A look at marine ecosystems;
– Paolo Prati (UniGe and INFN): A look at atmospheric pollution;
– Marco Faimali (CNR-IAS, coordinator of Spoke 3, RAISE): The Mare nostrum, a great natural capital to be preserved: the technologies of the RAISE project for the protection of the Mediterranean marine environment;
– Nicola Rasore (Coldiretti): Fishing in the Mediterranean Sea: people, sailors and fish. So similar, so different;
– Raffaella Bruzzone (Chamber of Commerce): The role of the chamber system in supporting sustainable development in the Mediterranean.

The director of CNR-IAS and coordinator of Spoke 3, Marco Faimali, with his presentation “The Mare Nostrum, a great natural capital to be preserved: the technologies of the RAISE project for the protection of the Mediterranean marine environment”, introduced the ecorobotics activities of RAISE, starting from an initial question addressed to an intercultural audience, with a majority of young people, and a reflection on the relationship between human beings and the environment.
Faimali then illustrated the concept of “anthropocene”, highlighting the acceleration of the anthropic impact on planet Earth, which has occurred since 1950. This impact includes the exploitation and pollution of air, soil and sea.
The coordinator of Spoke 3 then focused on the fundamental role of the oceans, both as a thermostat (“without oceans, we would have a temperature of 36 degrees”), and as a “blue lung”: 50% of oxygen is produced by the sea.
The Mediterranean, central theme for the Pontos festival, represents 1% of the seas, but is in itself a precious and irreplaceable natural treasure chest: it contains 10% of the planet’s biodiversity.

Lo spoke 3 di RAISE al Festival Pontos Euromediterraneo in dialogo
Marco Faimali (CNR-IAS) a Palazzo Ducale per Pontos | Autore: Nderim Kaceli (Pontos) Crediti: Pontos, foto gentilmente ad uso gratuito di RAISE

The coordinator of Spoke 3 then highlighted some of RAISE’s important results in the field of ecorobotics, showing images of future scenarios, created for Roma Fotografia Future and videos of RAISE projects, with prototypes of robots already built and under development.
Director Faimali commented: “I am grateful and satisfied for this invitation from the Pontos festival, as an opportunity to disseminate the RAISE ecosystem and new meetings for future collaborations, both scientific and artistic”.

The panel was therefore an opportunity to involve a young audience on the themes of RAISE spoke 3 and to dialogue between experts on the themes of biodiversity, monitoring and care of the environment, with a focus on the Mediterranean Sea.

Cover Image
Marco Faimali (CNR-IAS) at the Ducal Palace for Pontos
Author: Nderim Kaceli (Pontos)
Credit: Pontos, photo courtesy of RAISE

Info Solution presents MOLIRIS at NSE 2024: autonomous robots and advanced navigation at NSE 2024

Info Solution participated in the sixth edition of the New Space Economy (NSE) 2024 fair, which took place from December 16 to 18 at Fiera Roma. The event was a strategic opportunity to present MOLIRIS, the fleet of autonomous robots with reliable and versatile autonomous navigation solutions. Info Solution also showcased a specific application developed within the RAISE project, demonstrating how autonomous technologies can adapt to real operational scenarios.

Info Solution brings its expertise in autonomous vehicle technologies with MOLIRIS, a versatile solution that optimizes complex operations such as surveillance, industrial monitoring, fire prevention, and precision agriculture. Thanks to autonomous navigation systems and advanced perception technologies, MOLIRIS ensures high precision, safety, and reliability, improving the efficiency of operations in critical environments. During the fair, a video was also presented showing an application developed within the context of the RAISE project, as an example of the advanced capabilities of our autonomous vehicles.

While automation in agriculture and environmental monitoring are areas of interest, at NSE 2024, Info Solution presented solutions focused on industrial, urban, and security contexts. The versatility of MOLIRIS allows adaptation to various applications, such as monitoring critical infrastructure and the timely detection of anomalies in complex environments.

These technologies, refined within the RAISE project in collaboration with leading research institutions such as the Italian Institute of Technology and the University of Genoa, demonstrate Info Solution’s commitment to innovation and the creation of reliable and secure tools to address real challenges in complex contexts.

Participation in NSE 2024 represented an important opportunity for Info Solution to explore new markets, consolidate strategic collaborations, and contribute to the development of cutting-edge technological applications. This year’s theme, “Our Future, Our Daily Life”, fully reflected the company’s mission: to make technology a useful and accessible tool capable of improving daily life and tackling future challenges.

Info Solution welcomed industry professionals at stand E23, Pavilion 2, presenting MOLIRIS and its innovative autonomous navigation solutions. This system serves as a concrete example of how technology can address the needs of efficiency, safety, and sustainability, improving the management of complex operations across various sectors.

Spoke 3 at the AICAT 2024 Congress: analysis on flexible piezoelectric films

From December 9 to 11, 2024, the 45th National AICAT Congress took place in Caserta, focusing on calorimetry, thermal analysis, and applied thermodynamics.

The event brought together scientists from across Italy and Europe, offering an opportunity to discuss the latest research in the field.

Among the presentations, Marco Fortunato, a researcher at CNR-ICMATE and a member of Spoke 3, delivered a talk titled “The Influence of Preparation Methods on the Properties of Flexible Piezoelectric Composite Films”.

The research presented by Fortunato was conducted as part of Spoke 3 of the RAISE initiative, aimed at developing advanced technological solutions for energy and sustainability.

Marco Fortunato showcased a study on flexible piezoelectric materials capable of converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. These materials hold promise for the development of autonomous energy systems and contribute to reducing fossil fuel consumption. Specifically, the research focused on composites made from polymers such as PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) and inorganic fillers like BaTiO3 (barium titanate). These composites are valued for their flexibility and resistance to high electric fields—key qualities for renewable energy applications.

At the AICAT 2024 Congress Fortunato explained how different preparation methods affect the uniform distribution of filler particles within the polymer and the material’s thermal stability. Through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), the temperature at which PVDF begins to degrade was evaluated, while techniques like differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy were used to identify the crystalline variants of PVDF and their impact on piezoelectric properties.

This research highlighted how the choice of manufacturing technique can enhance material performance, contributing to the development of new solutions for sustainable energy.

Fortunato’s analysis provided a significant technical contribution, sparking discussions among participants about potential applications and future collaborations.

RAISE Spoke 3 at the #EU4Ocean Webinar

On December 12, 2024, the online webinar in the #EU4Ocean series, “Where Ocean Literacy Meets EU Business”, took place, focusing on the role of Ocean Literacy in the development of technologies, data management, and digital solutions.

The event, organized by EurOcean in support of the #EU4Ocean platform, featured two sector experts: Giulia Dapueto from ETT S.p.A. and Arne Johan Hestnes from Kongsberg Discovery.

During her presentation, Dapueto provided an overview of ETT’s activities, emphasizing the company’s contribution to achieving strategic goals in the field. She highlighted the importance of data management and analysis, data harmonization, and their application to models supported by advanced information systems. Among the projects discussed, special attention was given to those aligning with the vision of RAISE Spoke 3, showcasing how innovative technological solutions can support the protection of marine ecosystems.

The webinar offered an opportunity to explore the role of Ocean Literacy in the technology and digital sectors, highlighting the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders, from businesses to NGOs, in promoting innovation and sustainability.

The participation of RAISE Spoke 3 underscored the value of integrated and multidisciplinary approaches to tackling today’s environmental challenges.

The event, which also featured a contribution from the Norwegian representative of Kongsberg Discovery, will be available as a recorded session on the EurOcean YouTube channel, providing an opportunity to delve deeper into the topics covered.

Finaziato dall'Unione Europea Ministero dell'Università e della Ricerca Italia Domani Raise