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Oriana Benfatto, a third-year PhD candidate within the NODES program in the PhD course in Electronic, Computer, and Electrical Engineering (Cycle 38), talks to us about her research project, "Sustainable services for agricultural areas: renewable energy communities and micro-grids." The project, supervised by Professor Norma Anglani from the Department of Industrial and Information Engineering at the University of Pavia, is developed within the flagship project FORMIDABILAE. It focuses on integrating renewable energy and energy communities to enhance sustainability in agricultural areas. NB: Renewable energy communities represent an opportunity to make the agricultural sector more sustainable and efficient. In your opinion, what are the main obstacles to their large-scale adoption? OB: Energy communities offer a great opportunity to make agriculture more sustainable, but they also face several challenges. One of the main issues is the stability of the electrical grid: while renewables are essential, they are also variable, requiring storage systems and advanced strategies. Moreover, a lack of awareness among farmers and citizens limits participation, highlighting the need for greater outreach and education. Bureaucratic complexity also slows development, with intricate procedures and uncertainties regarding incentives. Overcoming these challenges requires clearer regulations, targeted incentives, and advanced energy storage and smart management technologies to ensure a sustainable and inclusive transition. *** NB: The FORMIDABILAE project aims to develop innovative solutions to improve energy efficiency in the agri-food sector. What is the specific contribution of your research in this context, and what promising technologies are you working on? OB: Within the FORMIDABILAE project, my research focuses on a case study involving a dairy farm, evaluating electrical loads and converters to make it as self-sufficient as possible and less dependent on the power grid. Specifically, I study the control of grid-forming and grid-following inverters to ensure system stability while optimizing energy flow between renewable sources, battery storage, and critical loads such as milking and milk cooling systems. In parallel, we analyze municipalities served by the same primary substation, assessing the potential for rooftop photovoltaic installations using geospatial analysis techniques and comparing estimated energy production with consumption data from national databases. This allows us to estimate the community's self-sufficiency level and optimize system sizing. The ultimate goal is to develop a replicable model for creating self-sufficient energy communities, promoting the adoption of advanced energy efficiency technologies and renewable energy integration in the agri-food sector. *** NB: Being part of the NODES ecosystem and a flagship project like FORMIDABILAE, has this experience provided you with new perspectives or collaborations that have enriched your research journey? What results have you achieved so far? OB: Being involved in the NODES project has allowed me to collaborate with the AUDE laboratory at the University of Pavia, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue. This experience has enriched my journey, enabling me to analyze energy communities from technical, architectural, and urban planning perspectives. I have visited research centers and agri-food companies, gaining firsthand insight into renewable energy technologies and practical challenges. I developed a simulation model to assess the energy self-sufficiency of a dairy farm and its connected community, combining load analysis with photovoltaic potential evaluation.Additionally, I have deepened my study of grid-forming and grid-following inverter control to enhance local grid stability, proposing scalable solutions for the agri-food sector.

On Wednesday, 18 March 2025, the Spoke Assembly of NODES Spoke 2 took place in Turin. It was an opportunity for all partners, the Spoke 2 team and the RM leaders of the flagship Project GRIP, to meet, catch up and plan together the next steps of the Spoke activities in the coming months. A big thank you to everyone who participated!

Nel quadro delle attività formative promosse nell’ambito dell’Ecosistema dell’Innovazione Nord Ovest Digitale e Sostenibile - Spoke 4 - Montagna digitale e sostenibile, il CAI Torino ed il Politecnico di Torino hanno promosso una sfida (Challenge) per gli studenti di ingegneria e architettura chiedendo di proporre e sviluppare soluzioni innovative per i rifugi alpini. All’invito hanno risposto numerosissimi studenti del Politecnico, molti dei quali già con la passione per la montagna ed altri con la forte volontà di avvicinarsi a questa realtà che in Piemonte ci accompagna da sempre con la splendida cerchia di montagne che ci circonda. Oltre 100 studenti hanno risposto alla call e 30 sono stati selezionati per partecipare alla sfida. Il percorso porterà gli studenti, suddivisi in gruppi di lavoro, a proporre soluzioni, metodi e tecnologie per rispondere alle complessità dettate dal contesto specifico dei rifugi alpini in particolare concentrandosi sull’acqua e sull’energia. Questi temi presentano problemi e sfide sia per l’immagazzinamento sia per l’approvvigionamento, anche nello scenario delineato dai cambiamenti climatici, che sono anche più evidenti in alta montagna. La sfida La proposta di soluzioni ingegneristiche innovative per l’immagazzinamento, il trattamento e il riuso dell’acqua e per la produzione e gestione dell’energia per una gestione dei rifugi più efficiente, sostenibile, e resiliente ai cambiamenti climatici. Il percorso Dopo una fase di formazione/informazione in cui docenti del Politecnico di Torino e esperti del CAI Torino hanno illustrato ed inquadrato le tematiche principali, gli studenti suddivisi in gruppi multidisciplinari e con il supporto di mentor qualificati, proporranno idee e soluzioni per la sfida che è stata lanciata. Nel percorso sono, anche, previste uscite didattiche presso un rifugio di bassa quota e un rifugio di alta quota, pensate e strutturate in modo da consentire agli studenti di prendere visione e “toccare con mano” gli aspetti che sono chiamati ad affrontare.  

Technological innovation, sustainability, and knowledge transfer are the pillars on which the NODES 2025 Spring Roadshow is built: a series of events focused on fostering collaboration between academia, businesses, and local stakeholders. From sustainable industry to healthcare, from aerospace to mobility, including agribusiness, tourism, and culture each stop is dedicated to a strategic sector, with the aim of highlighting the contribution of businesses and research to the digital and sustainable transition.   Organized as part of the NODES – North-West Digital and Sustainable project, the Roadshow offers a unique opportunity to explore the results of projects funded through cascade calls, get an up-close look at the developed Proofs of Concept (PoC), and delve into the solutions that are transforming key sectors for the economic and technological growth of the North-West.      

The energy of innovation filled the 2i3T - Innovative Companies Incubator of the University of Turin in Turin last 5 March, on the occasion of the second stage of the BioInvestIT 2025 Roadshow. An event that confirmed its role as a catalyst for start-ups, innovative SMEs and research projects in the circular bio-economy, offering them a concrete opportunity to get in touch with investors and key players in the sector.

Auguri a tutte le donne dell'Ecosistema NODES! In occasione della Festa della Donna, vogliamo dedicare un pensiero speciale a tutte le donne che fanno parte del nostro Ecosistema e che, con il loro impregno, la loro passione e professionalità contribuiscono a renderlo un progetto innovativo, inclusivo e sostenibile. Siamo convinti che il futuro del Progetto si costruisca giorno per giorno grazie alla creatività, professionalità e determinazione di tutti quelli che ci lavorano, ma oggi, vogliamo sottolineare quanto l'apporto femminile possa dare un contributo fondamentale per affrontare le sfide globali e per costruire un domani migliore per tutti.   Un grazie di cuore quindi a tutte le donne che, con la loro visione, ispirano e rendono possibile il cambiamento.   Buona Festa della Donna da tutto il team NODES!

Si è conclusa il 26 febbraio 2025 la prima edizione del corso di formazione "Cambiamenti climatici e montagna: impatti sulla disponibilità delle risorse idriche e sulla loro gestione", organizzato dall’Università degli Studi di Torino con il supporto di FORMONT. Il corso ha riscosso grande interesse, registrando il tutto esaurito in pochi giorni dall’apertura delle iscrizioni. Trenta professionisti tra ricercatori, tecnici e operatori del settore hanno partecipato al percorso formativo, suddiviso in due fasi: le lezioni teoriche si sono tenute il 24 e 25 febbraio presso l’Aula Zodiaco del Castello del Valentino (Torino), mentre il 26 febbraio i partecipanti hanno potuto mettere in pratica le conoscenze acquisite con un’uscita sul campo presso l’Istituto Scientifico Angelo Mosso (2.901 m s.l.m., Alagna Valsesia – Comprensorio Monterosa Ski). Il corso ha approfondito il tema degli impatti del cambiamento climatico sulle risorse idriche in ambiente montano, con particolare attenzione alla loro gestione sostenibile. La combinazione di teoria e pratica ha permesso ai partecipanti di confrontarsi con esperti del settore e di osservare da vicino le dinamiche di un ecosistema alpino in evoluzione. L’iniziativa si è rivelata un’importante opportunità di formazione e aggiornamento, confermando l’impegno dello Spoke 4 nella divulgazione scientifica e nella preparazione di professionisti capaci di affrontare le sfide ambientali future. In considerazione dell’elevato numero di richieste, è stata programmata una seconda edizione del corso a settembre 2025. Le iscrizioni apriranno a breve.      

How can telemedicine interventions help improve care for patients with heart failure and their caregivers?    Currently, it is estimated that more than 64 million people worldwide are affected by heart failure, a number that continues to grow. This increase is linked both to the aging population and to advances in disease management, which, however, are making the condition increasingly complex. As a result, individuals living with heart failure require daily support from a key figure: the caregiver. This role can be fulfilled by a partner, a child, a relative or someone close to the patient.    The link between patient and caregiver is so close that they become a single unit of analysis, defined as ''dyad'': any significant change - social, economic of health - that affects one of the two members inevitably ah an impact on the other. International guidelines have long emphasized the importance of a dyadic approach in the management of heart failure, a principle that also applies to telemedicine interventions.  In recent years, telemedicine has taken on an increasingly important role, proving to be a valuable ally in providing care and supporting caregivers, even in the context of heart failure. With the rapid development of new devices, delivery methods and field of application, it is essential to take stock of where we are and what scenarios lie ahead.  Within the Research Module 1 of the TINCARE flagship projects, Dr. Cristian Vairo and Dr. Ines Basso, under the supervision of Prof. Alberto Dal Molin, are conducting an in-depth study on the role of remote interventions in supporting the patient-caregiver with heart failure. The aim is to understand how telemedicine can improve disease management, optimise care and reduce caregiver burden.    

Spoke 1 rappresenta la collaborazione ai massimi livelli di diversi enti, che portano al tavolo le proprie importanti, e complementari competenze - Spoke 1 introduce: I3P Fondato nel 1999, l'Incubatore del Politecnico di Torino (I3P) supporta la nascita e lo sviluppo di startup innovative con elevata intensità tecnologica e potenzialità di crescita, fornendo servizi di consulenza, mentoring, supporto al fundraising, spazi di lavoro e occasioni di networking.  

L’Università di Torino, in collaborazione con le aziende SKF e Teoresi, lancia 2 challenge nell’ambito dello Spoke 1 - Aerospazio e mobilità sostenibile. SKF lancia una sfida sulla progettazione di spazi innovativi per il benessere lavorativo e l’hospitality nel settore aerospace. Teoresi vuole affrontare il macro-tema della smart mobility, considerando l’evoluzione tecnologica nel settore e il concetto, ampio, di sostenibilità. L’iniziativa è aperta a studenti e studentesse di laurea triennale, magistrale, a ciclo unico o master di UniTo, con la partecipazione di studenti del Politecnico di Torino, interessati a proporre idee innovative nei rispettivi ambiti. I partecipanti, organizzati in team interdisciplinari e supportati da tutor, affronteranno una challenge di tre settimane (8-29 maggio 2025), con tre eventi principali in presenza, Kick-off, Mentors' Day, Pitch Day. Durante il percorso si terranno incontri con mentor di UniTo, Politecnico, Spoke 1, SKF e Teoresi. Al termine, una commissione premierà l’idea più innovativa. Le Challenge sono un’ottima opportunità per la professionalizzazione, e tutti i partecipanti riceveranno un Open Badge. Le premialità saranno pubblicate a breve. Le iscrizioni sono aperte fino al 21 aprile 2025 Maggiori informazioni, iscrizioni e contatti sulle pagine UniTo: Challenge SKF   Challenge Teoresi  

Spoke 3 - Tourism Industry and Culture participated in the 45th edition of BIT - International Tourism Exchange, attracting great interest among visitors.   During the three days of the fair, researchers and professors from the University of Insubria, the University of Turin, the University of Eastern Piedmont and the University of Valle D'Aosta took turns, who had the task of illustrating to visitors prototypes and innovative research materials in the field of tourism and culture.   At the Spoke 3 stand, it was possible to view several projects that, thanks to the use of augmented reality, will be able to promote tourism and culture in the North West.   The use of new technologies has encouraged the study and development of new applications specifically designed for the construction of itineraries to discover the beauty of the area or to take virtual trips inside museums.   The presence of Spoke 3 at the International Tourism Exchange was preparatory to create new contacts with exhibitors and visitors who welcomed the Nodes project and the positive effects it will have on the territory in terms of valorization and promotion of tourism and culture.  

Prof. Marco Carnevale, coordinator of the research team behind the academic Proof of Concept (POC) DEMETRA and winner of the pitch competition at the first edition of the NODES Academy: Agroindustria Primaria, shares the latest project developments and upcoming steps.   NB: What is the DEMETRA project about? MC: DEMETRA develops a virtual reality (VR) training environment for agricultural operators. The proof of concept focuses on hazelnut pruning, but the system can be extended to other agricultural tasks and machinery use, allowing training without seasonal constraints or the need for a physical field. *** NB: What are the main advantages of virtual reality training? MC: The first is overcoming seasonal limitations—pruning and similar activities can be learned anytime, reducing costs and improving the availability of skilled workers. VR also ensures standardized training, with performance monitoring and evaluation. Additionally, interactive avatars facilitate learning for users with different languages and backgrounds. Digitization in agriculture can also attract younger workers, reinforcing the sector’s image as technologically advanced. *** NB: What disciplines are involved? MC: The project integrates digital modeling, human-machine interaction, and advanced simulation. Our industrial robotics team developed haptic interfaces that simulate the tactile sensation of cutting branches. Initially, we created a sensorized glove with tactile feedback, later replaced with the integration of real tools, such as the Pellenc pruning shears, to enhance realism. The DICAR Laboratory (DAda-LAB) contributed by designing virtual environments and parametric digital prototypes of plants using LIDAR scans and photogrammetry. Data from the experimental field at Università Cattolica di Milano provided accurate digital modeling. The project also integrates Italy’s first Infinadeck omnidirectional treadmill, allowing users to move freely in the virtual scenario, overcoming traditional VR limitations. *** NB: How has the collaboration with NODES and ComoNExT benefited the project? MC: The NODES grant pushed us to develop both the technology and a business model. Through the Academy and ComoNExT facilitators, we gained market analysis skills, identified competitors, and refined our competitive advantages. We realized our system is valuable not only for agricultural businesses but also for agrarian schools and vocational training centers. This experience helped us transform research into an industrially viable solution. *** NB: What are the next steps? MC: We have won 20 additional hours of incubation support, which we are using to deepen market analysis and validate the product. We are strengthening our partnership with Pellenc, integrating their commercial tool into our platform to fully replace the haptic glove and enhance realism. We are also launching collaborations with agrarian institutes and businesses to test the system in real-world conditions. The I.I.S. Galileo Ferraris Technical Agrarian Institute in Vercelli has already expressed interest in participating in validation, which will help refine educational content and adapt the system to users' needs. Additionally, we are co-designing training modules with industry experts. While the platform currently focuses on hazelnut pruning, we aim to expand it to include agronomic knowledge and enhance operators’ decision-making skills. Finally, we are seeking funding to scale the project, making it accessible to schools, agricultural businesses, and training centers. Our goal is to establish DEMETRA as a reference platform for digital agricultural training, improving workforce skills and driving sector innovation.