MCAElab
MCAE-Lab
Mechanical Computer Aided Engineering Laboratory
Department of Mechanical, Energy, Management and Transportation Engineering (DIME)
University of Genova
Design methods and tools for intelligent mechanical systems
The MCAE-Lab develops computer-aided methods for the design, modeling and experimental evaluation of advanced mechanical and mechatronic systems. Our activity combines analytical modeling, integrated CAD/CAE workflows and physical prototyping, with applications ranging from compliant mechanisms and robotic end-effectors to the virtual prototyping of automatic machines and energy-efficient industrial robotics.
Research areas
Compliant Mechanisms & Soft Actuators
Analytical and CAE-based methods for the kinetostatic design of flexure-based mechanisms, compliant joints and smart actuation systems for precision engineering and safe human-machine interaction.
Robotic Grippers & End-Effectors
Design, modeling and experimental evaluation of robot hands, reconfigurable and tendon-driven grippers, and soft end-effectors with integrated mechatronics for industrial and collaborative robotics.
Virtual Prototyping of Automatic Machines
Integrated CAD/CAE frameworks, multibody simulation and digital models supporting the design, optimization and control of automatic machinery and robotic cells.
Energy-Aware Industrial Robotics
Design for energy efficiency in automated industrial plants, including energy-optimal trajectory planning and the eco-design of servo-actuated systems.
Teaching
We teach five courses within the Mechanical Engineering degrees of the University of Genova, from Industrial Technical Drawing and Machine Drawing at the BSc level to Integrated CAD/CAE Design and the Design of Automatic Machines and Robots at the MSc level, with a strong emphasis on project-based learning.
Courses & thesis projectsPeople
The lab is led by Prof. Giovanni Berselli (Full Professor) and Prof. Mario Baggetta (Assistant Professor), together with PhD students, research fellows and MSc thesis students.
Meet the team