The activities of the MEMS group will develop new advanced sensors/actuators to be embedded either in robots or in-vivo and new technologies for realization of prosthesis and biomimetic advanced devices.

By virtue of their extremely small size, high performances, low power consumption, low cost and possible integration, MEMS technology and devices are being more and more exploited in robotics. Biomimetic and biological inspired systems are being possible because of the possible convergence in MEMS of smart materials, micro and nanoelectronics and energy generation and storage. MEMS technology can therefore enable both the embedding of novel, compact and more and more accurate sensors arrays in-vivo, in humanoid or animal robots and the fabrication of micro and miniature robots at relatively low unit cost. Robots with improved awareness of the external environment through MEMS sensors, will both expand their capabilities and make possible hazardous missions, or duties presently unimaginable.