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Post-Doc Researcher Interdepartmental Research Centre "E. Piaggio" via Diotisalvi, 2 e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it |
Federico Carpi was born in Italy on February 10, 1975. He received from the University of Pisa the Laurea degree in Electronic Engineering in 2001, the Ph.D. degree in Bioengineering in 2005 and a second Laurea (Bachelor) degree in Biomedical Engineering in 2008. Since 2000 he has carried on his research work at the Interdepartmental Research Centre "E. Piaggio", University of Pisa, where he currently serves as a Post-Doc Researcher. Among his scientific functions, he acts as:
- Research Team Coordinator of the ‘Artificial Muscles & Smart Materials' Research Group at the Interdepartmental Research Centre "E. Piaggio", University of Pisa.
- Coordinator of the ‘European Scientific Network for Artificial Muscles'.
- Member of the Scientific Committee of the annual conference series "Smart Structures and Materials: Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices", SPIE, USA.
He is author of several papers, contributions to international conferences and chapters in international books.
Research
His main research activities deal with the following topics
Artificial Muscles & Smart Materials
The fundamental aim of the research activities of Dr. Carpi in this broad field consists in the development of innovative electromechanical actuation systems, based on new electroactive polymer (EAP) materials. These are aimed at realizing ‘pseudo-muscular' systems, i.e. ‘artificial muscles', intended to reproduce the main functional properties of natural muscles. In order to reach such objectives, research activities are aimed at developing new materials, new devices and new applications.
More information: ‘Artificial Muscles & Smart Materials' Research Group
Man-machine Interfaces
The realization of efficient man-machine interfaces represents a relevant research ambit for developing active prostheses and orthoses. The research activities of Dr. Carpi in this field are mainly aimed at developing interface systems between humans and artificial muscle-like systems, controllable by means of electrophysiological signals (such as EMG, EEG, etc.).
Bioinspired and Biomimetic Systems
Interest for biologically-inspired robots is rapidly growing at present. Such machines are conceived to behave in a manner "similar" to living creatures (according to likelihood parameters to be defined opportunely in each specific contest being considered). One of the main ultimate goals is to develop robots capable of acting and reacting in a manner ideally indistinguishable from the biological counterpart. The research activities of Dr. Carpi in this field are mainly aimed at developing bioinspired and biomimetic systems based on electroactive polymer materials.
Non-invasive Diagnostic Systems
1 - System for non-invasive detections of electroretinographic biopotentials for diagnostics of the visual apparatus
Conventional techniques for the detection of bioelectric potentials generated by the retina in response to a light stimulus (electroretinography) rely on highly uncomfortable electrodes, to be arranged in contact with the cornea or the conjunctiva. In order to avoid the use of such electrodes, the research activities of Dr. Carpi led to a system that, in comparison with the conventional techniques, is much more comfortable and, at the same time, improves the stability and the reproducibility of the measurement. The system adopts a physiological conductive solution that acts as a distributed electrical interface between the eye and an external conductor.
2 - System for controlling intrabody navigations of endoscopic video capsules for diagnostics of the digestive apparatus
As an alternative to traditional endoscopic systems for explorations of digestive tube, the use of so-called endoscopic capsules is progressively increasing today. However, this technique is currently limited by the impossibility of controlling the motion of the capsule, which proceeds randomly by means of the visceral peristalsis. In order to solve this problem, the research activities of Dr. Carpi led to the development of a control system that adopts magnetic fields to externally manoeuvre the capsule, previously equipped with a magnetic shell.
Publications
Link to the list of Publications
Didactics
Laurea in Ingegneria Biomedica: Fenomeni Bioelettrici