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Simone Astuti

Simone Astuti's picture

Ph.D. candidate in Ingegneria Meccanica , 41st cycle (2025-2028)
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (DIMEAS)

Adjunct lecturer/Adjunct instructor
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (DIMEAS)

Profile

PhD

Research topic

Research, development and prototyping of a teleoperated robotic system for rescue operations in confined spaces, specifically designed for artesian wells.

Tutors

Keywords

Multi-body analysis / Analisi multi-body
Automation and control / Automazione e controllo
Mechatronics and robotics / Meccatronica e robotica
Ergonomics and human-machine interface / Ergonomia e interfaccia uomo-macchina
Mechanism analysis / Analisi dei meccanismi

Biography

I obtained my Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in Automation at the Politecnico di Torino in December 2024 and continued my path as a research fellow between 2025 and 2026. During my master’s thesis, I worked on the prototyping of a rescue robot for extreme environments, following the entire development process: from CAD design and selection of commercial components to detailed drawings, manufacturing, assembly and final testing. During the research fellowship, I led the development of an innovative automated sewing system, managing the project end-to-end, from the initial concept to functional breakdown, prototyping and test planning. These experiences, combined with my academic background, have given me a solid technical foundation in 3D CAD design, functional and structural analysis (multibody and FEM simulations) and manufacturing and prototyping processes. My path also allowed me to develop programming skills in Python and MATLAB, along with experience with embedded platforms (Raspberry Pi, Arduino) and PLC systems (IEC 61131-3 standard). Together with my electronics knowledge, these skills provide me with the tools needed to effectively integrate mechanics with control systems.
My doctoral research project is a continuation of the work started during my master’s thesis and will focus on the development and optimization of teleoperated robotic systems for operations in confined spaces, with a particular emphasis on rescue missions in artesian wells. This research area addresses a real and urgent need: in many geographical regions, artesian wells represent a strategic solution for underground water supply, but they become serious hazards when, once depleted, they are abandoned without proper sealing procedures. These wells are the site of fatal accidents involving mainly children, with traditional rescue operations often failing due to the extreme environmental conditions inside the well and excessively long response times.
My doctoral project, carried out in collaboration with the University of L'Aquila, aims to develop a teleoperated robotic system specifically optimized for rescue in these scenarios. The main goal is the design and implementation of an advanced device capable of assessing environmental conditions, stabilizing the victim to prevent further slipping and performing recovery maneuvers quickly and safely. The research will focus on evolving the existing prototype into a final, integrated, robust and operational system. The work plan will be structured around the following methodological phases:
State-of-the-art review and update: building on the literature already analyzed, a systematic update will be carried out considering recent technological developments in the field. Critical analysis of the current model: assessment of the structural and functional limitations of the existing prototype. Subsystem optimization and validation: the system will be broken down into its main modules and components, each characterized by a specific function. Each module will be redesigned to maximize reliability and validated individually through dedicated testing before integration into the complete system. Mechatronic integration: the optimized modules will be progressively assembled into a single architecture, developing real-time control logic for teleoperation management. Experimental validation and real-scenario testing: the complete system will be tested in several phases. First, laboratory tests will be carried out in a simplified environment, followed by tests in a simulated environment. Finally, if needed, field tests may be performed to verify its effectiveness in real contexts.
Alongside robotic development, the research will explore topics of strong interest in the field of industrial automation, with a particular focus on Soft-PLC architecture. The goal is to investigate the reliability and versatility of platforms based on the IEC 61131-3 standard for the development of low-cost but high-performance control systems, evaluating how these technologies can be used not only for flexible test benches, but also for industrial solutions.
The research activity is also accompanied by attending PhD courses focused on topics closely related to the thesis and the project, which are fundamental to the development of the study. The program also includes a few hours of teaching assistance.

Teaching

Teachings

Master of Science

Publications

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