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Engineering · technology · creativity

Hi, I'm Andrea Grassi

IT Teacher - Hardware R&D Engineer, technology enthusiast. I design, build and teach innovative STEM projects.

  • 7+ Years of projects
  • 75+ Students involved
  • 550+ Hours in lab

About me

Bridging engineering, digital fabrication, and teaching to turn complex ideas into working prototypes and solutions.

IT Teacher - Hardware R&D Engineer, educator with an academic background in electronic engineering with a curriculum in computer science and systems. I develop innovative hardware projects and am passionate about teaching and technical training.

Within my dedicated research and development lab (MakeStuff Lab), I combine rapid prototyping, 3D printing, CNC milling, laser cutting, and electronic design. This setup allows me to experiment freely and quickly bridge the gap from concept to a working prototype.

Teaching is at the heart of what I do: I deliver practical workshops, courses, and learning experiences for schools, professionals, and companies covering embedded systems, robotics, digital fabrication, and IoT. The goal is always to make technology tangible, accessible, and inspiring.

I collaborate on prototyping projects, technical consulting, and dedicated training programs for schools, startups, and organizations looking to innovate with a hands-on, creative mindset.

Rapid prototyping & 3D printing Electronic engineering & circuits Embedded systems & IoT CNC machining & CAD/CAM Robotics & mechatronics Microcontrollers (STM32, ESP32, Arduino) Raspberry Pi & single board computers Technical training, STEM & 3D printing Assistive technology & open hardware Rapid prototyping & 3D printing Electronic engineering & circuits Embedded systems & IoT CNC machining & CAD/CAM Robotics & mechatronics Microcontrollers (STM32, ESP32, Arduino) Raspberry Pi & single board computers Technical training, STEM & 3D printing Assistive technology & open hardware

Projects & R&D

A curated selection of mechatronic systems, custom devices, and functional prototypes built with engineering care and precision.

MakeStuff R&D lab & prototyping space

MakeStuff R&D lab & prototyping space

Advanced research and development facility equipped with custom CNC machining, professional 3D printers, and precision laser cutting for rapid hardware prototyping and functional validation.
A hub for applied innovation where prototypes and mechatronic systems are built. Technical designs are also shared on MakerWorld.

#HardwareRD#Prototyping#LaserCut#CNC#3DPrinting#Bambulab#Engineering
High-precision 3-axis CNC machine

High-precision 3-axis CNC milling machine

Designed and built a custom 3-axis CNC milling machine from scratch featuring a 430 × 830 mm working area for precision machining of aluminum, engineering polymers, hardwoods, and composites. The project covered complete structural design, axis kinematics, closed-loop stepper motor drives, control software, and micrometer-level calibration.

#CNC#Mechatronics#CAD/CAM#MechanicalEngineering#PrecisionMilling
Automated mechatronic system

Smart dispenser & embedded fluid control

Smart mechatronic fluid dispensing system powered by custom Raspberry Pi software architecture. Integrates electronically controlled peristaltic metering pumps, liquid level sensors, CNC-machined wooden and aluminum chassis, and dedicated software for parametric recipe management and live telemetry.

#EmbeddedSystems#RaspberryPi#Automation#FluidControl#IoT
DotPress open source Braille printer

DotPress: ethical engineering & assistive tech

DotPress is a low-cost, open-source Braille printer engineered to bridge socioeconomic barriers in assistive technologies. The project was awarded 1st place at the Danieli Group "Fabbricando" innovation award.

Leveraging cartesian kinematics and custom software compiling text directly into high-precision G-Code tactile punching strokes, DotPress demonstrates how open hardware combined with purposeful software delivers high-impact industrial solutions.

#AssistiveTech#EthicalEngineering#OpenHardware#GCode#EmbeddedSystems#AwardWinner
InnovAlgae circular economy

InnovAlgae: industrial sustainability & bioeconomy

Development of an industrial concept for capturing and valorizing steel mill CO₂ emissions and waste heat via photobioreactor cultivation of Spirulina microalgae. Technical feasibility analysis, bio-mechanical cycle sizing, financial modeling, and project management supporting industrial decarbonization.

#CircularEconomy#Sustainability#Biotech#CO2Capture#ProjectManagement#IndustrialInnovation

Training & courses

Practical training programs, hands-on workshops, and applied labs covering digital fabrication, electronics, embedded systems, and robotics.

Additive manufacturing & 3D CAD course

Additive manufacturing & CAD design

Hands-on modules covering the full additive manufacturing workflow: from parametric 3D modeling for machining tolerances to advanced slicing, machine operation, and preventative maintenance for production-grade 3D printers. Ideal for technical teams, educators, and professionals.

#AdditiveManufacturing#ParametricCAD#3DPrinting#RapidPrototyping#TechnicalTraining
Embedded systems and electronics course

Embedded systems, microcontrollers & electronics

Practical workshops for developers, technicians, and students covering schematic design, hardware prototyping, and C/C++ programming. In-depth focus on industrial bus protocols (I2C, SPI, UART, CAN), interrupt routines, sensors, and IoT integration.

#EmbeddedSystems#Electronics#Microcontrollers#Arduino#IoT
Robotics and mechatronics course for automation

Robotics, mechatronics & automation

Specialized training exploring the synthesis of precision mechanics, electronics, and control algorithms. Kinematic design, motor driving, autonomous navigation, and computer vision for automation and applied learning.

#Robotics#Automation#Mechatronics#ComputerVision#STEM

Why Man Creates (1968) — Saul Bass: method & vision

A cinematic milestone that investigates human creative impulse and the drive to invent at the intersection of art, science, and technology. The foundation of my methodology: engineering rigor, empirical curiosity, and passion for education.

#Creativity#Methodology#Innovation#EngineeringMindset#ProblemSolving

Honors & awards

National milestones and distinctions earned in industrial innovation and sustainable engineering.

Baite innovation award NanoValbruna festival

Special mention — Baite Innovation Award

Special distinction at NanoValbruna Festival (Friuli Venezia-Giulia) for the "InnovAlgae" project, recognizing a sustainable microalgae pilot plant adhering to ESG criteria and the UN 2030 Agenda for industrial sustainability.

Explore more on the official NanoValbruna website.

#BaiteInnovationAward#InnovAlgae#NanoValbruna#Sustainability#ESG#IndustrialInnovation
Enactus national competition 2022

2nd place national — Enactus competition 2022

National runner-up in Padua representing the University of Udine team for an industrial decarbonization initiative developed in technical partnership with Danieli Group & ABS Steel.

Press release: Danieli Group — Uniud runner-up at Enactus National Competition.

#Enactus#NationalCompetition#UniUd#DanieliGroup#CircularEconomy#AwardWinner

Let's talk about your project

Looking to build a prototype, organize a training course, or start a technical collaboration?

Connect with me on LinkedIn or reach out on Telegram to discuss your idea or set up a tailored training or prototyping program.