Smart Spaces with UWB: tracking, cooperation, and perception for a connected world
Global Navigation Satellite Systems have transformed our relationship with space: today, we can precisely locate objects, people, and vehicles, paving the way for innovations in logistics, robotics, and personalized services with unprecedented accuracy.
But what happens when satellites can’t “see” us because their signals are blocked by walls and structures?
Searching for Gravitational Waves with Integrated Photonics and Quantum Technologies
Through integrated photonics and squeezed light, researchers are developing new technologies to detect gravitational waves. These advances aim to make future detectors more compact, stable, and efficient, expanding our ability to listen to the universe.
The Recyclability of packaging materials: the virtuous case of glass
Today the pressure from population growth and global consumption, combined with the planet’s limited capacity to supply resources and absorb waste, calls for a shift in direction: we must transition to a circular economy. This more forward-thinking vision is built around the principles of “repair – reuse – recycle” (the three Rs), where circularity is not only technical, but also cultural and social.
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.
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.
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.
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.
