Plenary Sessions

Carlo Trigona (University of Catania, DIEEI) is a researcher in the field of instrumentation and measurement, with a strong track record in the development of intelligent sensors, autonomous systems, and low-power technologies. He received his PhD in electronic engineering and has focused his scientific activity on advanced sensing systems, wireless sensor networks, and innovative solutions for complex environments.

Throughout his career, he has been involved in several international research projects addressing challenges related to environmental monitoring, energy efficiency, and the integration of intelligent systems into real-world applications. His contributions include the development of autonomous devices capable of operating in harsh conditions, as well as energy harvesting-based solutions.

His research interests also extend to bio-inspired systems and the integration of electronic technologies with natural systems, exploring new ways to design sustainable solutions. He is the author of numerous scientific publications in instrumentation, sensors, and intelligent systems, and actively contributes to international initiatives focused on the transition toward greener and more efficient technologies.

This talk explores the emerging role of Nature-Based Solutions and living systems in the evolution toward more sustainable, resilient, and environmentally friendly technologies.

It will examine how engineering can draw inspiration from natural mechanisms—such as self-organization, adaptability, and energy efficiency—to design intelligent systems capable of operating in complex and dynamic environments.

The presentation will showcase examples of bio-inspired technologies applied to sensing, autonomous sensor networks, environmental monitoring, and low-power distributed systems, highlighting their potential to address global challenges such as climate change and resource management.

It will also discuss the opportunities and challenges associated with integrating living systems with electronic technologies, as well as future research directions in this interdisciplinary field.

For more information about the plenary, please visit the official page:
🔗 https://ieee-ims.org/presentation/lecture/nature-based-and-living-solutions-evolving-green-more-green-advancing 

In 2015, he was appointed Head of the Power Management and Distribution Section at ESA, where he coordinated technology roadmaps for power conversion and led the development of power systems for satellites.

In 2025, he became Head of the Power Systems, Electromagnetic Compatibility and Space Environments Division, overseeing R&D activities in solar generators, energy storage, electromagnetic compatibility, and space environment effects.

His research interests include high-efficiency switched-mode power supplies, DC/DC converters, converter modeling, and advanced power systems for space applications. He has authored more than 100 publications in the field.

The talk focuses on the power system of the Artemis program and the lessons learned from lunar missions conducted in 2023 and 2026.

The development of power systems for crewed spacecraft is a complex task, where long development cycles and variability in flight configurations significantly impact the energy balance. The high level of redundancy required to ensure reliability also introduces major design challenges.

In this context, simple, scalable, and flexible systems emerge as the most suitable solution. Telemetry and control capabilities play a key role, with data availability and acquisition frequency being critical aspects for future missions.

Finally, the concept of system-level redundancy will be addressed as a more viable alternative to classical double-fault tolerance, highlighting architectures with multiple interconnectable buses for high-reliability missions.