Federico Tessari

Federico Tessari is a Senior Postdoctoral Associate at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Department of Mechanical Engineering. His research focuses on advanced prosthetics, exoskeletons, and robotics with interdisciplinary applications in biomechanics, control systems, and human-machine interaction. He specializes in designing and optimizing assistive devices such as knee prostheses, upper-limb exoskeletons, and robotic systems for rehabilitation and mobility enhancement.

His work emphasizes integrating hydraulic systems, modular designs, and synergy-based approaches to improve the functionality and adaptability of prosthetic limbs. Key areas include gravity compensation in functional movements, impedance control strategies, and the embodiment of prosthetic devices through spatial-augmented training. He also explores mathematical frameworks for multidimensional comparisons and energy-efficient mechanical systems, such as regenerative shock absorbers for automotive applications.

Tessari’s research bridges biomechanical insights with engineering innovation, addressing challenges in prosthetic design, human motor coordination, and the development of intuitive control interfaces. His contributions span from theoretical models of neural control mechanisms to practical implementations in wearable robotics and rehabilitation technologies.

Notable projects include the development of a highly compact swing-assistive knee prosthesis, improving upper-limb exoskeleton kinematics to mimic human shoulder dynamics, and advancing synergy-based complexity indices for dexterous hand manipulation. His work frequently involves collaborations in fluid power systems, metamaterials for noise reduction in prosthetics, and sensorless impedance control methodologies.