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About

Daniela Macari is a rising leader in soft robotics and telemedicine, whose work bridges embodied intelligence and real-world healthcare challenges. Her research centers on developing soft, versatile robotic grippers and tactile telemedicine systems that can safely interact with humans and objects. Her most-cited paper (70 citations) introduces a fast, soft electrohydraulic gripper with capacitive object size detection, eliminating bulky air compressors and enabling more adaptive, intelligent grasping. She also pioneered a tactile robotic telemedicine system for safe remote diagnostics during the COVID-19 pandemic (26 citations), demonstrating feasibility and usability in high-risk clinical settings. Her recent work includes a clinical evaluation of a robotic examination system for emergency patients (7 citations), advancing toward practical telemedical diagnostics. Beyond technical contributions, Macari champions diversity and inclusive leadership in robotics (4 citations), arguing that diverse teams accelerate innovation. Her work has been recognized for its potential to transform healthcare delivery and soft robotic design, making her a notable voice in both engineering and equitable research practices.