Through an integrated approach, which combines tools and techniques in design and food chemistry disciplines, new sustainable products have been experimented in cosmetic field. The design tools, acting in multiple and diversified fields, aim at valuing and increasing capabilities by creative training for generating sustainable and reproducible goods, whereas the investigation of the chemical composition of foods and their by-products is one of the main goals in food chemistry research. In this context, agri-food sector by-products are an inexhaustible source of bioactives, whose re-use, as alternative sources of low-cost and bio-sustainable active ingredients, is desirable in the nutraceutical field. Furthermore, the recycling of waste could reduce its environmental impact and the related disposal costs. The collaborative methodology is prompt to convey a new concept of wellness and body care through a new eco-oriented product production in which food winter-wastes are investigated for their cosmeceutical value for the formulation of green-cosmetic products. The paper reports the experience carried out in the design and food chemistry laboratories.

Authors: Severina Pacifico, Simona Piccolella, Rosanna Veneziano

SoftHand is a novel robotic hand combining the principles of soft robotics and postural human synergies to achieve a simple and effective implementation of the human functional and structural anthropomorphism in prosthetics aids. Originally developed for the industry by the Italian Institute of Technology and the “E. Piaggio” Research Center of University of Pisa, the SoftHand is becoming a prosthesis thanks to SoftPro, a H2020 research project. Thirty prosthetic users are currently testing it in 4 academic and rehabilitation centres around the world, to improve design, dexterity, and fitness to myoelectric prosthetic users. The latest design of the hand is smaller and lighter while keeping its merits: simplicity, due to the presence of one only motor; compliance, strength and robustness, thanks to its intrinsic softness and its human-like (19 degrees of freedom) architecture. The team involves a designer - who is also a tester - to improve design by considering also its social and aesthetic impact. Sustainability is a core issue of this research to present the market a robotic prosthetic hand with an affordable price; this goal has important socio-economical aspects. The paper will analyse market scenarios and competitors. The integration of contaminations coming from the Design and Humanities in the research flow is fundamental to explore the relationship between prosthetic appearance and social sustainability, which already achieve novel and unique self-interaction capabilities.

Authors: Maria Rosanna Fossati, Manuel Giuseppe Catalano, Giorgio Grioli, Antonio Bicchi

The paper presents the results of studies on sustainable mobility, conducted by a multidisciplinary research group. The aim of the activity is to design and assemble a totally modular and innovative bus. This vehicle, designed for sustainable mobility in Italian cities and sites of monumental artistic interest, is equipped with the latest generation of electric motors and batteries. It will therefore be made with environmentally friendly materials. The project aligns with the most recent European research lines on the theme "Building an integrated intelligent transport system". The methodological approach used is oriented towards the creation of a "collaborative ecosystem" between researchers and companies for the definition of a working prototype. The work is in line with the European guide on eco-sustainability of products, the reduction of pollution in urban centers and the so-called "circular economy" that minimizes the risk of non-recyclable waste. The project includes the main specialized multidisciplinary sectors.

Authors: Francesco Fittipaldi, Patrizia Ranzo, Rosanna Veneziano