Michele A. Mandolino

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Michele A. Mandolino is a rising researcher in the field of soft robotics and smart materials, with a primary focus on the design, modeling, and control of continuum robots actuated by Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) wires. Her work addresses a critical bottleneck in continuum robotics—the need for compact, integrated actuation systems that can replace bulky, base-mounted drivers. In her most-cited paper, "Design and Characterization of a Fully Integrated Continuum Robot Actuated by Shape Memory Alloy Wires" (2022, 18 citations), Mandolino presents a novel, self-contained robotic structure that leverages SMA wires for direct, distributed actuation, enabling more dexterous and miniaturized motion for applications in medicine, industry, and security. Her second key contribution, "A Hybrid Dynamical Modeling Framework for Shape Memory Alloy Wire Actuated Structures" (2021, 2 citations), introduces a refined mathematical reformulation of the Müller-Achenbach-Seelecke (MAS) model, providing an accurate, interconnection-oriented description of SMA hysteresis. This hybrid framework is essential for developing robust control strategies for SMA-driven systems. Though early in her career, Mandolino’s work is already shaping the future of compact, intelligent robotic systems.