ROMOTIVE — RObotic Manipulation of deformable Objects Through Integrated Visuo-tactile Exploration, submitted by Mario Selvaggio, Assistant Professor, has been selected for funding within the Starting Grant category of the FIS 3 call 2024–2025 of the Fondo Italiano per la Scienza.

This call is among the most prestigious research competitions in Italy, supporting frontier projects led by junior investigators and aligned with the standards of the European Research Council (ERC). With the Fondo Italiano per la Scienza, the Ministry of University and Research promotes fundamental research of high scientific value, following the model of the ERC Starting Grants for emerging researchers.

ROMOTIVE will receive €1.1 million over 48 months to build a research team of PhD students and postdoctoral researchers in robotic manipulation. The project addresses a central scientific challenge: enabling robots to handle deformable objects with human-like dexterity through the active integration of visual and tactile sensing.

The broader goal is to advance domestic robotics by empowering robots with the autonomy and robustness needed to support older people in complex daily tasks — contributing to greater independence and quality of life.

“This achievement is a powerful recognition of the scientific vision behind ROMOTIVE. It reinforces our commitment to pushing the boundaries of robotic manipulation and developing technologies that can meaningfully improve people’s lives. I am deeply honored by this recognition and grateful for the opportunity to advance such a challenging and impactful line of research."

— Mario Selvaggio

“The FIS programme supports high-impact fundamental research, and the success of ROMOTIVE reflects both the strength of our research group and the continuity of a scientific line we have been advancing for years — from nonprehensile dynamic manipulation to the manipulation of deformable objects.”

— Bruno Siciliano