Dr. Palomba's research activities chiefly concern theoretical and experimental investigations in the fields of mechanics of machines, mechanical vibrations, multibody dynamics, and robotics and automation. Her research interests are focused on the following two main areas:

MODELING AND OPTIMIZATION OF MULTIBODY AND VIBRATING SYSTEMS
- Model reduction for real-time applications and model-based design. This research goal is the finalization of model reduction techniques to obtain models significantly reduced in size and capable of accurately describing the dynamics of vibrating systems with either linear or nonlinear models in a range of frequencies of interest.
- Structural modifications and model updating techniques. This model-based research aims at improving/modifying the dynamic models of vibrating systems so that the model represents more reliably the actual system (model updating) or that the model suggests the proper modifications to design the system with a desired dynamic behavior (structural modification).
- Parametric modal analysis. This research aims at analytically expressing the highly nonlinear dependency of the eigenstructures of flexible-link multibody systems on the system generalized coordinates and velocities, accounting also for damping effects.
- Design of state observers for rigid/flexible mechanisms based on dynamic (full-order, reduced order) or kinematic models. This research activity is aimed at synthesizing state observers (or estimators) for rigid-link and flexible-link multibody systems able to deliver accurate state estimates (and possibly unknowns input force estimates) in real-time while reducing the computational effort.


DESIGN AND OPTIMIZATION OF MECHATRONIC SYSTEMS
- Vibration Energy Harvesting from Raindrops Impacts. This research focuses on the mechanical design of energy harvesting technologies based on piezoelectric devices for optimizing the raindrop impact mechanics and hence the harvester vibrations. A proper mechanical design makes it possible a regular functioning of the harvester and consequently to harvest a higher amount of energy from rain.
- Design of energy efficient robotic systems. Following a multidisciplinary integrated design approach, merging the mechanical domain with the electrical and electronic ones, this research aims at retrofitting a robotic system properly and efficiently with different kinds of energy storing devices (e.g. elastic elements, capacitors, flywheels, batteries) with the final goal of enhancing the energy efficiency of robots performing cycle tasks.
- Robotic grasping systems for soft and fragile bodies. Study and experimentation of innovative available low-cost mechatronic grasping systems able to handle objects of different shape, size and consistency/stiffness, such as fruits or vegetables.
- Design of collaborative assembly workstations. Study, development and prototyping of collaborative workstations based on safety and ergonomics criteria.