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About

Marco Natalini is a robotics researcher whose work bridges the gap between cutting-edge marine technology and industrial vehicle safety. His primary research areas include autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and the mechatronic design of industrial vehicles. Natalini’s most significant contribution is his leadership in the design of **MARTA (MARine Tool for Archaeology)**, a modular AUV developed for the EU-funded ARROWS project. This vehicle, detailed in his most-cited paper (35 citations), was specifically engineered for underwater archaeological investigations, demonstrating how robotics can be tailored to preserve cultural heritage. He also contributed to the development of the **Nemo ROV**, which was deployed for the critical inspection of the Costa Concordia wreck (8 citations), showcasing the real-world, high-stakes application of his work. Beyond marine robotics, Natalini has advanced industrial safety by developing an anti-capsize strategy for vehicles like forklifts, using scaled AGVs for fast prototyping and testing (4 citations). His work is characterized by a practical, application-oriented approach to mechatronics, making complex robotic systems accessible for both research and teaching.