Groundbreaking Innovations and Promising Technologies at Maker Faire Rome

The Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) is returning to Maker Faire Rome with an impressive array of cutting-edge technologies, developed through research at their 16 centres across Italy. These innovations are designed to improve everyday life and ensure personal and infrastructural safety, offering an exciting glimpse of what visitors can experience from October 25th to 27th at the Gazometro Ostiense.

Maker Faire Rome returns

Rehabilitation Exoskeletons
Making its debut at Maker Faire Rome, FloatEVO will be unveiled at the INAIL Central Research Directorate booth the 25 th of October. Developed by Rehab Technologies IIT-INAIL, a joint lab between IIT and INAIL, FloatEVO is the next generation of the previous FLOAT model, co-created with the INAIL Motor Rehabilitation Centre in Volterra. This wearable robotic medical device for upper limbs features an innovative flipping mechanism that allows it to be used for the rehabilitation of both the left and right arms. Designed to accelerate recovery for shoulder and elbow injuries, FloatEVO is aimed at patients recovering from trauma-induced orthopedic or neurological injuries.

TWIN
At the same booth, you can also explore Twin, a lower-limb robotic exoskeleton designed for medical applications and rehabilitation therapies. Twin is a game-changer for individuals with limited or no mobility in their lower limbs, helping them to stand, walk with crutches or walkers, and even sit and stand up again. This exoskeleton was co-developed with the INAIL Prosthetic Centre in Budrio by the Rehab Technologies team at IIT-INAIL.

IIT Softbots
On display at another stand will be the latest robotic and prosthetic innovations developed by the IIT Soft Robotics for Human Cooperation and Rehabilitation unit, in collaboration with the E. Piaggio Centre at the University of Pisa. Among the standout projects is AlterEgo, a humanoid robot designed for remote assistance in hazardous environments. Equipped with robotic hands, AlterEgo can interact with its surroundings and is controlled through wearable sensors and VR headsets.

Also featured is SoftHand Pro, a flexible prosthetic hand with 19 joints, offering intuitive grip and control, along with SoftFoot Pro, an advanced prosthetic foot inspired by human anatomy. SoftFoot Pro is engineered to adapt to uneven surfaces, providing stability and comfort for everyday use.

3D Bioprinting of Human Tissues
3D bioprinting is one of the most exciting technologies in regenerative medicine and pathology research. IIT’s Nanotechnologies for Neurosciences unit, part of the Center for Life Nano- and Neuroscience in Rome, will demonstrate 3D bioprinting techniques capable of replicating specific human tissues. Visitors will have the chance to witness live 3D printing of cells and interact with the freshly printed objects. This hands-on experience is designed to engage younger visitors, allowing them to explore the world of biomaterials in a fun and educational way.

Changing Bodies, Changing Minds
Thanks to augmented virtual reality technologies developed by IIT’s Neuroscience and Society unit, also from the Center for Life Nano- and Neuroscience in Rome, Maker Faire visitors will experience how adopting a virtual body can influence perception and behaviour. Through immersive VR scenarios, attendees will have the opportunity to step into the shoes of a famous world leader, deliver a speech in front of a virtual audience, compete in a dice game while their virtual body gradually disappears, or even experience the sensation of being touched as a different gender.

RINGHIO
Meet RINGHIO (Robot for Inspection and Navigation to Generate Heritage and Infrastructure Observations), a prototype created by the IIT’s Industrial Robotics Unit in Genoa, together with the IIT’s Centre for Cultural Heritage Technology in Venice, the Polytechnic University of Marche, and the University of Macerata. Initially designed to monitor Genoa’s San Giorgio Bridge, in collaboration with several companies, RINGHIO is a versatile autonomous and teleoperated robot with four motorised wheels, capable of reaching speeds of 10 km/h. Weighing 40 kg, it’s equipped with stabilised high-resolution cameras. RINGHIO is intended for the inspection of modern structures like bridges and tunnels, as well as for use in preserving archaeological sites. Beyond simply monitoring structural integrity, it can build a database that tracks and predicts damage, allowing for optimal maintenance planning over time.

Discover the best of Italian research and technology at Maker Faire Rome 2024. Explore the most exciting projects from the Italian Institute of Technology and get your ticket online

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