Claudio Germak

Claudio Germak is a Full Professor in the Department of Architecture and Design at the Polytechnic University of Turin, serving as Coordinator of the PhD Program in Design and Technology: People, Environment, Systems. He is also a component of the CARS@PoliTO Interdepartmental Center for Automotive Research and Sustainable Mobility and a Member of the Doctoral School Council. Previously, he served as President of the SID Italian Design Society from 2018 to 2020.

Professor Germak's research spans industrial design, sustainable design, robotics design, public space design, and human-computer interaction. His work bridges traditional design practices with emerging technologies, focusing on how design enhances human experiences in physical and digital environments. He has led numerous research projects exploring design intersections with cultural heritage, sustainable mobility, and social innovation.

His recent publications reveal a strong trend toward human-robot interaction, telepresence robotics, and ethical dimensions of robotic design. He has conducted significant research on public space design, aircraft cabin design, and the economic value of design in regional contexts, particularly in Piedmont, Italy. His work demonstrates a consistent commitment to multidimensional design approaches that integrate technical and humanistic perspectives.

Professor Germak has supervised PhD students including Giulia D'Agostino, Stefano Gabbatore, and Lorenza Abbate, whose research explores co-design for well-being in transportation, social robotics systems, and telepresence experiences. He has secured funding for numerous research projects, including EU-funded initiatives like CULTURALITY and HESTER, as well as commercial collaborations with organizations like Lavazza.

He is actively involved with research centers including the Institute of Mountain Architecture and the Study Center on the History of Design in Piedmont, contributing to both theoretical and applied design research that connects academic inquiry with practical applications in industry and public spaces.