Organizer: Silvia Logozzo, Department of Engineering, University of Perugia, silvia.logozzo@unipg.it 

Date: October 17th, 2025

Keynote Speakers

Cinzia Amici, Maria Cristina Valigi - Dipartimento di Ingegneria Meccanica e Industriale, University of Brescia and Dipartimento di Ingegneria, University of Perugia

PICO-driven framework for the design and selection of robotic rehabilitation medical devices for the human hand 

The development of new robotic devices for rehabilitation and the selection of the most proper device from those available on the market are independent processes that share much information. Technicians and clinicians have different needs, goals, and languages, which often makes it difficult to obtain the necessary information for each role.

The proposed framework aims to offer a multipurpose method, that could be used by technicians to develop robotic devices and by clinicians to select them. This method acts as a bridge between these two interconnected and complementary worlds by applying a well-established clinical practice method, the PICO approach, to design synthesis.

This PICO-driven framework collects, reorders, and rationalizes the description of device characteristics according to technical specifications, functionality, and unique features. The framework uses a common schematization for engineers and physicians to facilitate knowledge transfer and cross-contamination between areas from an optimization perspective.

Practical examples of use will be presented through the case study of various robotic devices for hand rehabilitation.

Monica Malvezzi - Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell'Informazione e Scienze Matematiche, University of Siena  

Robotic exoskeletons for human hand rehabilitation 

This presentation summarizes recent advancements in robotic exoskeletons for human hand rehabilitation developed at the University of Siena. Hand impairments resulting from neurological conditions such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injury pose significant challenges to mobility and daily functioning. Robotic exoskeletons offer promising solutions to facilitate motor recovery by providing controlled, repetitive movement assistance and promoting neuroplasticity. The talk discusses the design principles, control strategies, and sensor integration that underpin these devices, highlighting innovations aimed at increasing their efficiency, usability, and patient comfort. The presentation addresses in particular current challenges in device customization, user adaptation, and long-term implementation, focusing on the potential of soft robotic structures and actuators. 

Nicola Secciani - Dipartimento di Ingegneria Industriale, University of Firenze   

Enhancing Hand Functions through Wearable Robotics: the MDM Lab Journey 

The Mechatronic and Dynamic Modelling Laboratory (MDM Lab, www.mdmlab.unifi.it) at the University of Florence has been engaged in research on wearable robotics for medical applications for over twelve years, with a focus on assistive and rehabilitative devices for the hand. This presentation will outline the lab’s work over that period, from early prototypes to more recent designs intended for clinical use. The talk will describe the initial functional and clinical requirements that guided the research and the design approaches adopted to meet them. Different versions of hand exoskeletons developed over the years will be shown, illustrating how the designs evolved through iterative development. Attention will be given to challenges such as ergonomics, actuation methods, control strategies, and usability in rehabilitation contexts. Examples will be provided of how some of these challenges were addressed, while noting those that remain unresolved. The presentation will conclude with considerations on ongoing work and possible future directions in wearable robotics for improving hand function.

Monica Tiboni - Dipartimento di Ingegneria Meccanica e Industriale, University of Brescia   

Soft robotic hand rehabilitation devices and therapy strategies

The presentation will describe and analyze robotic solutions for hand rehabilitation based on soft actuators, which therefore fall within the field of soft robotics, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of this approach compared to rigid or hybrid soft-rigid solutions.

Attention will also be given to the possible applications of robotic devices for hand rehabilitation in the context of mirror therapy.