Laboratories

A significant part of the research activity concerns basic research, with the aim to increase understanding of fundamental principles. This provides a solid cultural starting point for the development of a number of activities more oriented to the application. A natural bridge in this sense is provided by the presence, within the Department, of a number of Laboratories.

  1. Movement Analysis Laboratory
  2. Bioengineering Lab
  3. Laboratory of Diabetes and metabolism InvestigAtion through Biomedical Engineering, TEchnology and Simulation (DIABETES LAB)
  4. Cardiovascular Bioengineering Lab
  5. Antenna Lab
  6. Electromagnetic Compatibility Laboratory
  7. Microwave Laboratory
  8. Scanning Probe Microscopy Lab
  9. Optics Laboratorya
  10. Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and Computational Intelligence (CI) Laboratory
  11. LoLa Studio Lab
  12. Audio Digital Signal Processing Lab and Semianechoic chamber "E. Mattei" (Audio DSP Lab)
  13. Laboratory of Home Automation and Marine Robotics (DomoLAB)
  14. Laboratory of Modelling, Analysis and Control of dynamical Systems
  15. Automation Laboratory
  16. LISA - Laboratory for Interconnected Systems Supervision and Automation
  17. Laboratory of Artificially Intelligent Robotics (LAIR)
  18. Laboratory of Mechatronic and Robotic Systems
  19. Embedded Systems and Artificial Intelligence Lab
  20. mElab:  microElectronics Laboratory
  21. Didactic Laboratory of Electronics
  22. Electronic CAD laboratory
  23. Micro- and Nano- Electronic Systems Characterization Lab
  24. Electric and Electronic Measurements and Sensors Lab (ME 2 S Lab)
  25. LORA - Lab. of Operations Research Applications
  26. RIOT Lab - sensoR networks and Internet Of Things Laboratory
  27. Information and Communication Technologies Lab
  28. Cybersecurity Lab
  29. Multimedia Assistive Technology (MATeLab)
  30. AIRTLab - Artificial Intelligence & Real-Time Laboratory
  31. Daisy: Co-working Lab in Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence and CyberSecurity
  32. VRAI - Vision, Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory
Movement Analysis Laboratory
 

The Movement Analysis Laboratory is involved in experimental activities aimed at modeling and analysing the behaviour of Central and Peripheral Nervous System in motor control during static and dynamic posture and in projects concerning the use of Inertial Sensors Unit (IMU) for human motion tracking and dead reckoning. Particular attention is devoted to Motion Intent Detection and kinematics estimation of upper limb motion by surface electromyography. Gait, sport, and non-standardized motor tasks are of interest too.

  
Bioingeneering Lab
  The BioEngineering Lab is equipped with instrumentations for the noninvasive acquisition, storage and management of data from various physiological systems (such as the respiratory one, the thermoregulatory one, the nervous one, etc.). Additionally, in the lab are present software applications for modelling, processing and classification, also through advanced computational learning techniques, of biosignals and bioimages for medical, healthcare, wellness and sport applications. 

  
Laboratory of Diabetes and metabolism InvestigAtion through Biomedical Engineering, TEchnology and Simulation (DIABETES LAB)
  The DIABETES LAB is devoted to the development of methodologies in the field of diabetes, metabolism and endocrinology. The main research interests are related to the technologies for diabetes (analysis of data from continuous glucose monitoring and innovative methodologies for the insulin delivery) and the characterization of physiological processes involved in diabetes onset through system models and / or data-driven models.

  
Cardiovascular Bioingeneering Lab
  The Cardiovascular Bioengineering Lab is equipped clinical and wearable instrumentations (Holter ECG and chest strap) for the noninvasive acquisition, storage and management of cardiovascular signals (electrocardiogram, blood pressures, heart rate series, etc.). Additionally, in the lab are present software applications for modelling, processing and classification, also through advanced computational learning techniques, of cardiac signals and images for sport applications and clinical applications in fetus, infant and adult.

  
 Antenna Lab
  The Antenna laboratory activities are aimed at measuring, analyse  and design antennas for industrial or scientific purposes. All structures designed and built are tested in the dedicated spaces within the laboratory whose instrumentation provided operates from hundreds of kHz up to 67 GHz. The instruments within the laboratory enable activities for evaluating the environmental impact of electromagnetic fields, for measuring material characteristics and measuring of the radiative parameters of antennas

  
Electromagnetic Compatibility Laboratory
  The EMC laboratory operates in the field of electromagnetic interference characterization and in the study of their impact on electronic equipment. It is possible to carry out conducted and radiated emission tests on electronic apparatus, also including immunity tests against electromagnetic threats. Recently, the activity has been extended to the functional tests of 5G base station operating in hostile environment, like the reverberation chamber, characterized by a rich multipath, also including interference analysis.

  
Microwave Laboratory
 

The lab is equipped with two VNA’s, with two and four ports  (Agilent 8361 10 MHz-67 GHz and R&S ZNA43 10 MHz-43.5 GHz), and several calibration kits for measurement up to 67GHz.  There are analysis and design tools based on full wave methods, as Comsol, CST, The Mathworks Matlab. activities research, diVi si svolgono attività didattiche,  di ricerca e progettazione che riguardano principalmente:

1)    Modeling of components and antennas for microwaves and mm-waves 
2)    Multimodal measurements
3)    Design of passives
4)    Waveguide/Microstrip Antennas for radar applications
5)    Combiners for SSA.
6)    Microstrip and SIW circuits
7)    Microwave and mm-waves
8)    Microwaves Diagnostic/ remote sensing

The main agencies/companies with which the laboratory has relationships are: European Space Agency, Rheinmetall, Italy, GEM Elettronica, SOMACIS, ST4I

  
Scanning Probe Microscopy Lab
  In this laboratory, we perform experimental development of new microscopy techniques to achieve nanometer and sub-nanometer resolution, tomography, and local quantitative measurement of mechanical and electromagnetic properties. Using both standard and new techniques (AFM, STM, SMM, PFM, KFM, etc.), materials -with a special focus on nanotechnology and biology-oriented materials and samples- are measured, imaged, and characterized.

  
Optics Laboratory
 

The optics lab is aimed at developing of optical interferometric systems which find applications in the realization of  very high sensitive sensors, imaging systems based on optical interference and systems for optical spectroscopy. Most of the developed systems are based on optical fiber technology and devices available from the market. These devices can be potentially integrated with other technologies to work at micro and nano scale.

  
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and Computational Intelligence (CI) Laboratory
  The research activities of the Digital Signal Processing (DSP) & Computational Intelligence (CI) Lab are in the field of techniques and metodologies for signal processing, encompassing advanced computational intelligence and machine learning solutions, mainly based on artificial neural networks and related learning algorithms. Such techniques are applied to diverse engineering domains, with particular reference to Digital Audio (speech processing, environmental audio analysis, design and optimization of audio systems, machine listening) and to complex electrical systems (non-intrusive load monitoring, energy management in smart grid scenarios, analysis and optimization of electrical drives and networks). The Lab equipment includes diverse electrical, electronic and professional audio devices, together with a wide set of nVidia GPU-powered machines for intensive computations, and a didactic workstation for electrical drives analysis. 

  
LoLa Studio Lab
  The lab is built as a recording studio divided in two acoustically insulated spaces: a recording room and a rehearsal room. The connection with the local GARR POP makes it apt to host low latency remote music performances using GARR's LoLa. The rehearsal room is sufficiently large and flexible to be used for courses of music production and embedded systems programming for the realization of audio DSP algorithms.

  
Audio Digital Signal Processing Lab and Semianechoic chamber "E. Mattei" (Audio DSP Lab)
 

The DSP Audio LAB is a research and didactical structure operating in the area of Digital Signal Processing applied to Digital Audio applications. The laboratory is equipped with a Semi-Anechoic Chamber of dimensions 9 m x 7 m x 5 m and qualified ISO 3745 that allows to perform acoustic analysis in free field conditions exploiting professional audio equipment (sound cards, microphones, loudspeakers, amplifiers, pre-amplifiers, mixer, headphone, binaural mannequins, phonometer).

  
Laboratory of Home Automation and Marine Robotics (DomoLAB)
 

DomoLAB studies cyber-physical systems and creates mathematical models through parametric and non-parametric identification strategies. The laboratory, home of the innovative start-up ANcybernetics (www.ancyb.it), develops digital, innovative, and inclusive learning tools. DomoLAB is equipped with test chambers for devices up to 300m in depth, electricity and water consumption estimation, and printers for rapid three-dimensional prototyping of small mechatronic devices.DomoLAB takes part in the research infrastructure of ISME (www.isme.unige.it).

  
Laboratorio di Modellistica, Analisi e Controllo dei Sistemi dinamici (LabMACS)
  LabMACS deals with the study of mechatronic systems and their digitization. There are technologies and robots in the laboratory related to research on underwater systems and educational robotics. The laboratory is active in activities with schools thanks to its national and international projects involving students of all levels. It has marine and submarine robots, sensors for marine biodiversity, and archaeological sites study. It works on theoretical aspects of biomorphic (fish) and humanoid (bipedal) robots implementation.

  
Automation Laboratory
  It is a laboratory for automation, robotics and programming of autonomous dynamic systems and industrial systems. It aims to support design, construction and research activities on intelligent dynamic systems. It deals with design, control and programming problems also embedded or on the edge for automatic systems that include industrial machines, mechatronic systems, cyber physical-systems, robot, mobile vehicles and predictive maintenance systems, up to dealing with topics of artificial intelligence, perception, and systems navigation of autonomous systems.

  
LISA - Laboratory for Interconnected Systems Supervision and Automation  
 

The LISA lab studies complex interconnected systems in the field of automation engineering and control systems. The lab is equipped with stations that implement a small-scale flexible manufacturing system. Students will be able to develop control logics and programming them on a PLC. Research problems are in the contexts of energy transition and Industry 4.0: modeling and analysis of discrete event systems and control algorithms, optimization, fault diagnosis, monitoring and predictive maintenance for industrial/non-industrial processes.                     
  
Laboratory of Artificially Intelligent Robotics (LAIR)
  The main research activities are:
- model-based fault detection and isolation techniques applied to robotic manipulators, mobile robots, industrial and home automation systems;
- model-based fault-tolerant control applied to robotic manipulators, mobile robots, industrial and home automation systems;
- data-driven fault diagnosis applied to rotary machines and industrial systems;
- kinematic control of cooperative robotic manipulators subject
to faults and/or joint constraints;
- development of assistive robots;
- development of home and building automation solutions with assistive features;
- cyber-physical systems.

  
Laboratory of Mechatronic and Robotic Systems
  The activities concern the investigation of theoretical aspects, the development of algorithms and simulation tools and their application to embedded real-time control solutions of industrial dynamical processes. The research interests include the analysis, design and development of advanced methods for control of robotic, electromechanical, electrical systems and drones. Modelling, estimation and system identification of physical system dynamics are also within the research topics to develop model-based and data-driven methods for fault diagnosis and control of mechatronic systems.

  
Embedded Systems and Artificial Intelligence Lab
  The main laboratory activities are related to:
- design of embedded systems,
- implementation of neural networks, specifically designed to be integrated in embedded systems,
- machine learning on microcontrollers (i.e., edge artificial intelligence and tiny machine learning),
- algorithms optimization for edge computing,
- signal processing (image, speech, biosignals),
- biosignal acquisition and analysis for human activities and diseases recognition.
The laboratory is being equipped with several electronic boards for development, testing and prototyping, peripherals (accelerometers, gyroscope, PPG/EMG sensors, RGB and FLIR cameras), as well as some common measurement instruments.

  
mElab:  microElectronics Laboratory
 

the Lab is devoted to:
- System Level Design of  low power Integrated Circuits
- Design and simulation of Wireless Sensors Networks for low power IoT and powered by energy harvesting techniques.
- Modeling and Design of  “Smart Battery”: Battery Management System, V2G Vehicle to grid Connection, Smart Grid.
- Design and Applications of Electronic Smart Systems on : Ambient Assisted Living, Low cost Wireless Networks for Building Structural Health Monitoring

  
Didactic Laboratory of Electronics
 

The laboratory is equipped with basic instrumentations for teaching, experimentation and research relating to the disciplines of electronics.

  
Electronic CAD laboratory
  In the laboratory we carry out electronic design, circuit simulation and development of embedded Artificial Intelligence algorithms. The main fields of application concern the IoT, the monitoring of the person for safety purposes, the development of sensors and algorithms for monitoring patients both in the clinical and at home, the industrial monitoring of processes for preventive and predictive maintenance, the Smart Cities for sustainable mobility and parking management, environmental monitoring for disaster prevention and mitigation.
Micro- and Nano- Electronic Systems Characterization Lab
 

The main activities revolve around the electrical and functional verification of electron devices, such as advanced transistors (e.g., graphene-based, nanomaterials, etc.) and complex electronic systems (sensors, wearable systems, wireless devices, battery- powered devices).
To that end, the lab has dedicated measurement instruments, such as a semiconductor parameter analyzer, a probe-station, and precision instruments such as capacitance meters and picoammeters. Several ad hoc-built measurement boards, suitable for the characterization of specific devices (graphene sensors, microcontroller-based systems) are also available.

  
Electric and Electronic Measurements and Sensors Lab (ME 2 S Lab)
  The Electric and Electronic Measurements and Sensors Lab (ME 2 S Lab) supports teaching and research activities, with available instruments (digital multimeters, waveform generators, power supplies) and FPGA-based devices (RedPitaya, Liquid Instruments) for learning techniques and issues in the measurement of electrical and electronic quantities. In addition, the following items are available: microcontroller boards and multiple interfaceable sensors, for smart sensors rapid prototyping; different types of wearable devices, and a high sample rate physiological signals acquisition board (ProComp InfiniTI).

  
LORA - Lab. of Operations Research Applications
  EN: "Researchers, practitioners and students of the LORA research group are mainly interested in (Discrete) Optimization, a cross domain subject lying between Operations Research, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics and Engineering.  In particular, the members of the LORA research group are engaged in the development of mathematical programming model and discrete optimization algorithms for complex decision-making problems arising in several application domains (software engineering, manufacturing systems, supply chain, transportation and logistics)."

  
RIOT Lab - sensoR networks and Internet Of Things Laboratory
 

Research and didactical structure attended by students, PhD students and researchers in the Telecommunications area and other disciplinary sectors. In this lab, studies, design and performance analysis are carried out about the following research fields: telecommunication protocols, WSNs and WBSNs, IoT, Internet of Medical Things (IoMT), Ambient Assisted Living, Bluetooth and Beacon, 5G/6G, Indoor Localization, Industry 5.0, Smart City and Smart Environment, Seismic and Structural Monitoring, Early Warning Systems, Augmented Reality, Artificial Intelligence.

  
Information and Communication Technologies Lab
 

The LabICT is equipped with tools dedicated to the analysis and generation of RF signals in the frequency and time domain, with Software Defined Radio cards, mmWave Radars, microWave links, RGB-D sensors, IoT and much more. There is an "advanced networking laboratory" for practical activities relating to networks, security and wireless. There is the technology for AAL assisted living environments and for determining the actions of everyday life and the physiological parameters of the person. 

  
Cybersecurity Lab
  The cybersecurity lab hosts activities, tools and skills concerning the security of data, software, networks and digital infrastructures in general. The lab provides hardware and software tools for the design, testing and validation of both defensive and offensive cybersecurity techniques related to the disciplines of cryptography, network security, software security, cyber risk assessment and ethical hacking. In addition, the lab hosts activities and tools inherent to research and testing of distributed ledger technologies (DLT), blockchain and decentralized applications. The cybersecurity lab participates in the activities of the CINI National Cybersecurity Laboratory.
Multimedia Assistive Technology (MATeLab)
  Descrizione ENG: The MATeLab laboratory deals with research in the field of assistive technologies with a focus on multimedia systems (audio-video) supported by artificial intelligence techniques. The synergic integration of the image component (RGB, RGB-D, multi-spectral, hyper-spectral, NIR) and the audio one is the basis of the lab's activities also through collaboration with various companies in order to carry out research/technology transfer projects.

  
AIRTLab - Artificial Intelligence & Real-Time Laboratory
 

The "Artificial Intelligence & Real-Time Systems Laboratory" (AIRTLab) operates in the Department of Information Engineering at Marche Polytechnic University.
Its current activities are oriented toward Artificial Intelligence techniques, specifically, logic-based reasoning, distributed autonomous systems and the use of Deep Learning for signal, image and video processing. But the lab's primary goal is to understand and test the extent to which those algorithms can work within precise time constraints, given the complexity of process scheduling in multiprogrammed systems.

  
Daisy: Co-working Lab in Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence and CyberSecurity
  The laboratory offers computing infrastructures for research activities and the development of software prototypes in the Databases and Information Systems, Social Network Analysis, Big Data Analytics, Process Mining, Natural Language Processing, Cybersecurity, and Software Engineering sectors. The laboratory's resources also support the development of projects and theses for the Degree Courses in Computer and Automation Engineering.

  
VRAI - Vision, Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory
 

VRAI lab researchers are involved in numerous national and international projects in different application areas (e.g. robotics, Industry 4.0, retail, fashion, environment, water monitoring, precision agriculture, e-health, video games, social networks), proposing solutions covering the latest innovative computing technologies (e.g. artificial intelligence, computer vision, deep learning, machine learning, predictive analytics, computer graphics, augmented/virtual/extended reality, cloud computing, internet of things and mobile technology).