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About

Marco Fanfani is a leading researcher in the field of marine robotics, with a specific focus on the development of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) for archaeological applications. His work bridges the gap between advanced engineering and cultural heritage preservation, making underwater exploration more accessible and cost-effective. Fanfani’s major contributions include his leadership in the EU-funded ARROWS project, which pioneered the adaptation of low-cost AUV technologies for archaeological campaigns. He was instrumental in designing MARTA (MARine Tool for Archaeology), a modular AUV developed at the University of Florence that significantly reduces the operational costs of underwater surveys. His most cited paper, "The ARROWS project" (2015, 75 citations), outlines a comprehensive methodology for integrating robotics into archaeology, while his follow-up work on MARTA (35 citations) details the system’s innovative modular design. Fanfani’s research has been recognized as a key achievement in applying robotics to cultural heritage, enabling archaeologists to explore and document submerged sites with unprecedented efficiency. His work continues to shape the future of underwater robotics and its role in preserving humanity’s underwater history.