Humanoids are complex systems needing functionalities and performances that are beyond the present capabilities of current robotics.

The LABS have the aim to develop the humanoid concept and related technologies for the space utilization and to foster all related spin-offs for terrestrial applications. Among all the space robotic humanoid enabling technologies so far identified, the following are proposed as a starting point for the laboratory activities, since they are considered crucial for the space application and synergic to the IIT strategic plan:

• Distributed sensors for humanoid robots (Space Certified Sensing Skin)
• Human Gesture Recognition Systems oriented to space application
• Smart EVA Glove, prototype for a Space Certified product

Space human robotics requirements are playing the role of sophisticated technology driver for next generation MEMS and NEMS.

The activities are focused on the development of space certified micro and nano technologies, the design of space application specific micro and nano sensors and actuators. Moreover, basic investigations on processes and integration technologies that have to be certified or even implemented in space conditions are include, i.e. to take benefit of space environmental conditions for fabrication and “in-situ” preparation and conditioning.

The specific application requirements demand other relevant investigation field regarding how to implement not only “single point” MEMS or NEMS, but linear, surface and volume distributed array of micro and nano sensors and actuators. This requirement becomes of extreme relevance for practical application and implies a system level approach and architecture selection alongside the development of new and dedicated devices.

The research activities of this platform are:

• Micro4Nano bio and human interface MEMS
• MEMS tools for Micro4Nano Lab
• Micro4Nano Lab

The goal is to give a technological answer to the demand for portable, alternative energy sources in space human robotics applications. At the same time very important industrial areas such as automation and robotics, portable electronics and automotive will be considered as possible users of the developed technologies. The LABS will be able to provide technological solutions in all directions using nanostructured materials and devices, developing novel concepts and approaches for storing energy or harvesting it from the surrounding environment.

Both high efficiency and flexible energy harvesting systems are required in automation and robotics, particularly in the outer space environment, as well as in portable electronics and automotive; for this reason the proposed solutions are: photovoltaics (PVs); miniaturized fuel cells and thermoelectrics (TEs);  innovative energy storage devices (e.g. advanced Li-polymer batteries and supercapacitors); advanced artificial photosynthetic system able to split water, producing hydrogen.

The research activities of this platform are:

• Nanostructured thin films for new photovoltaic “all Si” solar cells
• Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells with innovative nanostructured photoanode design
• Nanodesigned electrochemical reactors for H2 production
• Flexible Nanostructured Lithium-polymer thin cells and flexible nanostructured supercapacitors