RomeCup 2026: laboratories, universities, research centres, businesses and start-ups showcased not only ready-to-use technologies, but also the journey that transforms a question into a solution
Quando osserviamo una tecnologia, tendiamo a concentrarci sul risultato: un When we look at a technology, we tend to focus on the end result: a device, a robot, a platform, a sensor. We rarely see the work that precedes it: the hypotheses, the attempts, the mistakes, the tests, the adjustments and the exchange of expertise across different fields. The exhibition area at RomeCup 2026 offered a glimpse into precisely this dimension. Researchers, innovators and start-ups described projects still in development, demonstrating how research does not proceed in a linear fashion and how a technology only acquires value when it meets a real need.
Technologies to break down barriers
In the projects presented by the Italian Institute of Technology, applied research begins with people’s real-life circumstances. Davide Esposito spoke about a web platform featuring content in Italian Sign Language, designed to make it easier for deaf students to follow lessons: “What we’ve created is a web platform with content in Italian Sign Language that allows students to follow lessons quickly and easily.”
Andrea presented Aby, a system dedicated to the rehabilitation of blind children: “We have created new rehabilitation paradigms that enable children to play in groups and better understand their own bodies and how they move through space.”
In both cases, innovation is not limited to the device itself. It encompasses language, the educational relationship, bodily experience and the opportunity to participate alongside others [watch the video].
Prosthetics: Function, Identity and Personalisation
Federico Mireo, a research engineer at the INAIL Prosthetics Centre in Vigorso di Budrio, presented several projects focused on the evolution of prosthetic devices. With Discover, the Centre produces 3D-printed covers that can be adapted in shape, colour and texture to the various prostheses used by patients. “The covers allow for a high degree of personalisation and the creation of models with two- and three-dimensional colours and textures, adapted to the shape of the various prosthetic devices.” Personalisation concerns not only the aesthetic aspect, but also the person’s relationship with the device and with their own self-image. Technology thus becomes part of a journey in which functionality, comfort and identity must evolve together. Among the other projects presented, Omnia, developed with the Italian Institute of Technology in Genoa, incorporates an active knee and ankle, designed to function as a harmonious whole. AD Joint and Osteocustom, on the other hand, explore osseointegration solutions for the fingers and the lower limb, whilst PALP focuses on the processes involved in manufacturing sockets and covers for upper limb prostheses. The picture that emerges is one of prosthetic research that does not focus on a single component, but on a complex system comprising materials, mechanics, 3D printing, anatomical adaptation and the relationship with the individual.
From customised prostheses to rescue robots
Marica Sperduti, a postdoctoral researcher at the Laboratory of Advanced Robotics and Person-Centred Technologies at the Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, presented a hand prosthesis produced using 3D printing with SLS technology.
“The prosthesis is unique in that it is low-cost and, above all, customised, as it is created following a scan of the healthy limb and reconstructed based on its geometry.” The scan enables a solution to be produced that is similar in shape and proportions to the original limb, with the aim of keeping costs down and improving the fit for the individual.
The same laboratory also brought a robotic dog to RomeCup, designed to navigate hostile environments. Its four-legged structure allows it to tackle uneven surfaces and challenging scenarios, such as those encountered after an earthquake.
Integrated with a robotic arm, it can assist in the rescue of people and the transport of objects.
The two projects address very different needs, but share the same approach: to develop person-centred technologies capable of adapting to real-world contexts, from the customisation of a prosthetic device to rescue operations in hazardous conditions.
Three-dimensional touch-sensitive surfaces
The research also explores new forms of interaction between people and objects. Giampaolo Palma, a researcher at the CNR in the Pisa area, presented a prototype designed to test whether the technologies used to recognise contact points on flat surfaces can be extended to three-dimensional objects of any shape. “Starting from a 3D model of the surface, the system is able to indicate where to position the sensors and to identify the point of contact with an accuracy of approximately one millimetre.” The work is not solely concerned with detection accuracy. The technology also calculates the minimum number of hardware components required to make the entire object touch-sensitive and reduces the number of external cables that need to be connected to the touch sensor. The result stems from the integration of three-dimensional modelling, sensor technology, computational technologies and the study of interaction. It is an effective example of how research simplifies – at least on the surface – what initially requires complex design, verification and optimisation work.
When research becomes business
The start-ups present demonstrated another important step: the transformation of knowledge into sustainable and accessible solutions.
Tiziano Lombardi, from Anostra, spoke about a kit designed to bring autonomous driving to agricultural machinery already in use: “We want to support, above all, those small businesses that cannot afford a new vehicle.” In this case, innovation does not require the complete replacement of existing technologies. It builds on the equipment already available, improving it and making advanced functions accessible even to the smallest farms [watch the video].
Domenico Calviero, from Dropper, presented small sensors for smart buildings, capable of collecting data useful for managing ventilation and heating. Reliable information enables energy wastage to be reduced and more informed decisions to be made. In both cases, the value of the idea depends on the ability to understand the economic, technical and organisational constraints of the target audience [watch the video],
An ecosystem that connects knowledge
The testimonies gathered reveal that research does not proceed in isolation. Behind every project lie scientific, technical, educational, social and entrepreneurial skills that must learn to interact.
This is one of RomeCup’s most important functions: connecting universities, research centres, businesses, start-ups, schools, institutions and citizens. Not merely to present results, but to generate new questions, highlight limitations and open up opportunities for collaboration.
As Paolo Dario observed, the calibre of young Italian researchers is “spectacular”. Their value lies not only in their high level of specialist training, but also in their ability to integrate scientific and humanistic culture, method and creativity, knowledge and responsibility. Research is the least visible infrastructure of innovation. It produces the knowledge from which applications arise, but it also develops the ability to work amidst uncertainty, test hypotheses, learn from mistakes and build solutions together with others.
At RomeCup, this infrastructure becomes visible. Science ceases to appear as a collection of ready-made answers and returns to being what it truly is: a practice that begins with questions and transforms talent into shared value.
