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About

M. Capurro is a leading researcher in tactile sensing and electronic skin technologies for robotics, with a focus on enabling safe, intuitive physical human-robot interaction. Their work centers on developing and characterizing sensor materials and algorithms that allow robots to “feel” contact, pressure, and shape, much like human skin. A key contribution is the electromechanical characterization of piezoelectric PVDF polymer films for tactile sensors, a foundational study with 146 citations that has guided the design of robust, flexible touch sensors for robotic applications. Capurro also pioneered real-time algorithms for reconstructing contact shapes and force distributions from large-area capacitive robot skin, enabling robots to perceive complex, multi-point touch interactions. Their broader impact is reflected in a highly cited review on electronic skin, which systematically maps achievements, challenges, and future trends in the field. Additional notable work includes the development of tactile data processing methods for reconstructing contact force distributions and the design of sensing systems based on arrays of piezoelectric polymer transducers. Through this combination of materials science, algorithm development, and systems integration, Capurro has advanced the practical realization of tactile sensing as a core technology for next-generation collaborative and humanoid robots.