Sustainable logistics: designing, digitalizing, and optimizing with people in mind
How can engineering help build more efficient, digitalized logistics systems that also prioritize human well-being? This is the central question of a PhD project from the Department of Industrial Engineering, which explored logistics in complex real-world settings with a clear objective: to combine operational efficiency with social sustainability.
Teaching in Motion: the Department of Industrial Engineering takes stock, between flexibility and human skills
The Department of Industrial Engineering at the University of Trento dedicated an entire day to teaching, turning it into a space for listening, dialogue, and shared planning. Faculty members, students, and representatives from industry and the local community came together to discuss challenges, needs, and opportunities for building more flexible, practical, and human-centered educational pathways.
More sustainable tires: a European Project led by DII
Today, Europe is entirely dependent on the import of natural rubber – a raw material classified as ‘critical’ by the EU; only 1.5% of end-of-life tire rubber is actually reused to produce new ones. These challenges are being addressed by NORUBTREET_4_LIFE, a European project funded under the Life Horizon Europe programme.
AI in Space: opportunities and challenges ahead
Bringing artificial intelligence into space is far from straightforward. First and foremost, the extraterrestrial environment is extremely hostile. Without the protective shield of Earth’s atmosphere and magnetic field, both electronics (and, of course, humans) are exposed to vast amounts of radiation (specifically, cosmic rays). To put it in perspective: a round-trip to Mars would damage or destroy nearly half of the cells in the human body due to radiation exposure. Unfortunately, electronic components are even more fragile than biological tissue, and cosmic rays can cause computational errors.
The challenge of lattice structures: balancing lightness and strength
In recent years, engineering has undergone a radical transformation thanks to lattice structures: lightweight yet strong three-dimensional grids inspired by nature. From bone sponges to sea urchin shells, these innovative geometries are revolutionizing the design of materials and mechanical components.
Innovation and metallurgy: Alberto Molinari reflects on a life of research and achievements.
There are teachers who leave a lasting mark on a student’s journey—not just for the knowledge they share, but for how they ignite curiosity and passion for learning. Alberto Molinari has been one of those mentors for many generations of students.
New frontiers of Augmented Reality: a shared experience between patient and therapist
Augmented reality in rehabilitation enables shared experiences between patient and therapist. Personalized, gamified digital content boosts motivation, tracking precision, and engagement. A project with NAIST highlights the power of this innovative approach.
Materials, Robotics, Systems, and Innovation: The PhD Program in “Materials, Mechatronics and Systems Engineering”
The PhD in “Materials, Mechatronics and Systems Engineering” at the University of Trento offers interdisciplinary training and international opportunities in four key areas, preparing researchers to tackle future challenges.
MAKO: The Future of Aeronautical Aluminum Is Inspired by Sharks
MAKO is an Italian research project that combines biomimicry and nanotechnology to develop high-performance aluminum surfaces for aerospace use. Inspired by the mako shark’s skin, known for its aerodynamic microstructures called riblets, the project aims to reduce drag and improve aircraft efficiency.
Collective creativity and job insecurity: what the case study reveals
A recent study investigates how job insecurity affects collective creativity in research settings. Interviews in a major Italian institute reveal how contracts, workloads, and leadership changes influence innovation and team dynamics.
