OVERVIEW

This course provides a perspective on robotic technologies applied to—and inspired by—biomedical research and clinical practice. Applications include sensory–motor system research, advanced surgical and diagnostic techniques, brain–computer and body–machine interfaces, prosthetics, and rehabilitation robotics.
The course aims to strike an appropriate balance between foundational concepts and practical applications. Students will engage in a range of activities, including scientific presentations and the development of research projects, both individually and in teams.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The purpose of this course is to provide a perspective on robotic technologies applied to (and inspired by) themes of biomedical research and practice. The first part of the course is intended to offer a background on biological signals and their applications in human-machine interfaces. The second part is devoted to in-depth analysis of specific applications. These include basic research in sensory-motor systems, advanced surgical and diagnostic techniques, body and brain machine interfaces, robots for assistance and rehabilitation, prosthetics, biomimetic robotics

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Aims

This is an introductory course on the application of robotic technologies across a variety of biomedical research and clinical domains. The first part of the course provides the theoretical and formal foundations required to understand the control of biomedical robotic systems, the principles of biological movement control, and their interrelations. The second part focuses on application-oriented topics, including:

• Brain–computer and body–machine interfaces

• Surgical robotics, teleoperation, and cooperative manipulation

• Robots for biomedical research

• Prosthetics and assistive devices

• Neuro-rehabilitation robotics

• Assistive robotics

• Biomimetic and soft robotics

• Sensory feedback systems for perception enhancement or substitution

 Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Identify and describe different classes of medical and assistive robots and their biomedical applications

• Explain basic principles of kinematics, dynamics, and control relevant to medical robotics

• Analyze and interpret biological signals (e.g., movement, EMG, EEG)

• Control robotic devices using biosignals

• Apply analytical and experimental skills to design and implement robotic assistance systems

• Describe the current state of the art in applied and research-oriented medical robotics

• Understand the multiple roles that robotics can play in healthcare and biomedical research

In addition, students will:

• Demonstrate autonomy, collaborative attitudes, and coordination in group activities

• Communicate technical concepts effectively and constructively in diverse academic or professional contexts

• Develop other transferable skills such as problem-solving and critical thinking

PREREQUISITES

Students are expected to have prior knowledge of mathematics (linear algebra and calculus), physics (mechanics), and control theory. Basic familiarity with dynamic systems modeling and programming is also recommended.

TEACHING METHODS

The course includes lectures on the topics listed in the program, along with discussions led by invited speakers who are experts in the field.

In addition to attending lectures, students will actively participate in various activities, such as software development, small-scale research projects, and—in some cases—short presentations or paper discussions. These tasks may be carried out individually or in teams.

Group work plays an important role: students will collaborate to apply the methods and concepts learned during the course.

These activities are designed to strengthen transversal skills such as problem solving, critical thinking, and collaboration, which are essential in both academic and professional contexts.

Specific learning support strategies can be arranged for students with certified learning disorders (DSA). Students in this condition, or those with special needs such as work commitments, are encouraged to contact the instructor and the relevant UniGe support services to agree on personalized learning paths.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

This course introduces robotic technologies applied to biomedical activities and research.
Topics include:

• Biological movement control

• Robots for biomedical research

• Surgical robotics, teleoperation, cooperative manipulation, and robotic endoscopy

• Brain–computer and body–machine interfaces

• Prosthetics

• Neuro-rehabilitation robotics

• Assistive robotics

• Biomimetic and soft robotics

• Sensory feedback systems for perception enhancement or substitution

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Readings and software materials will be made available through the course website (AulaWeb and/or teams).

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

https://corsi.unige.it/10635/p/studenti-orario

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Assessment Methods
Students will be evaluated based on the following components:

a) Assignments
These will be related to the robotics topics presented during the course and may include simulations or software development.

b) Active participation
During the second part of the course, students will be asked to present research articles on specific robotic applications and/or take part in discussions with invited experts from the field.

c) Final exam
The final written or oral exam will assess the overall understanding of the course contents, including the ability to apply and explain key concepts.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Students will be evaluated based on the following components:

a) Assignments
Students will develop and comment on a computer simulation and/or software project related to the robotics topics presented in the first part of the course. This component assesses the ability to understand, explain, and solve problems using basic robotics concepts.

b) Active participation and/or knowledge of application topics
In the second part of the course, students are asked to present research articles on specific robotic applications and/or engage in technical discussions with the instructor and invited experts. This part evaluates the ability to communicate scientific content, deepen understanding, and apply knowledge in context.

c) Final exam
The final written or oral exam will assess the student’s overall understanding of course content, including the ability to critically explain and apply theoretical and practical knowledge.

Components a) and b) represent ongoing assessments (continuous evaluation), while c) is conducted at the end of the course. Students who do not attend classes are still required to complete both a) and b) prior to the final exam; part b)may be integrated into the exam itself.

In addition to disciplinary knowledge, the assessment will also consider the quality of oral or written presentations, the use of technical language, critical reasoning, and the ability to collaborate effectively and communicate clearly—transferable skills that are relevant across domains.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Ask the professor for other information not included in the teaching schedule