STEITR
A different kind of reach.
In orbit. On Earth. Beneath the surface.
Reaching further.
Working beyond Earth.
Nature reaches, bends and adapts. We bring that way of moving to machines.
STEITR is creating metallic continuum robotic systems that bend along their length to reach around obstacles and navigate complex spaces. We bring structural design and robotic control together to make useful work possible where conventional access reaches its limits.
Conventional jointed arms need room to move. In confined or exposed environments, access becomes harder, while radiation, thermal cycling and pressure create additional demands on joints, seals and electronics. Reaching the asset is only part of the task; the machine must also work reliably around it.
STEITR separates the exposed arm from its actuators and electronics, allowing these sensitive components to be protected outside the arm itself. The metallic continuum body bends along its length to reach around obstacles. This approach brings adaptable access to inspection and intervention, with performance evaluated against each application’s requirements.
Industrial inspection, underwater infrastructure and satellite servicing all create tasks beyond conventional automation. In space, investment is moving towards extending the life of existing assets: ESA’s €119 million RISE contract with D-Orbit is one concrete example of this direction.
Source: ESA, RISE mission
Complex equipment leaves little room for conventional access. We are exploring adaptable robotic systems for inspection and manipulation in constrained industrial environments.
Immediate focus: define useful demonstrations with industrial teams, around a clear task and measurable requirements.
The deep ocean asks more of every machine. Our long-term direction includes dexterous access for inspection and intervention around complex underwater infrastructure.
Each environment brings its own engineering and qualification requirements. These application areas describe our direction.
Work with industrial teams to frame difficult access problems and scope useful demonstrations.
Test performance against application requirements and develop systems around customer tasks.
Pursue the qualification and partnerships needed for future space operations.
STEITR grew from research in bio-inspired robotics and advanced structures at Politecnico di Milano.
We bring mechanics, modelling and robotic control together to extend human capability into places that remain difficult to reach. As part of TEF Foundry, we connect technical work with commercial validation.
Doctoral research in robotics at Politecnico di Milano. Focused on robotic movement, control and the needs of demanding applications.
LinkedInDoctoral research in metamaterials and metastructures at Politecnico di Milano. Connecting structural design with physical behaviour.
LinkedInMSc from KU Leuven. Experience across start-ups, scale-ups, investment banking and multinational manufacturing, with experience across six countries.
LinkedInInstitutional marks identify research origins and programme participation. They do not imply endorsement of this website or its claims.
Drawn to hard physical problems?
We want to meet people working across robotics, structures, materials and control. Tell us what you have built and what you want to tackle next. We welcome thoughtful introductions, even when no specific role is listed.
Introduce yourselfBring us a challenging environment.
Let’s explore what robotics could make possible.
