On August 16, the sudden death of Prof. Giuseppe Casalino left speechless all those who knew him either through bonds of friendship or frequentation in the scientific field.

Giuseppe (Pino) Casalino's activity was always characterized by the originality and impact of his contributions at the international and national level, dedicated to the development of the relationship between robotics and control theory.

At the time of his qualification as professor (1984), Casalino chose the teaching of Industrial Robotics, thus turning out to be one of the first professors of the SSD "Automatica" in Italy to show interest in this emerging field.

Already in his early years, Casalino obtained an initial core of important scientific results related to the control of robotic systems concerning iterative learning control for manipulator robots, at the time an absolutely innovative topic at the international level. The "iterative learning" techniques for the control of manipulators with unknown dynamic model were later extended to more complex models capable of representing the interaction of robotic manipulators with their surroundings and the dynamics of modular robotic structures.

Over the years, his research activities have required the development of experimental set ups characterized by increasing engineering complexity gaining increasing relevance and producing an important legacy of advanced components and structures that has enabled not only a prestigious research activity but also the training of generations of students.

After teaching at the University of Calabria and the University of Pisa, with his return to Genoa Casalino focused his interests in the field of Marine and Submarine Robotics. Crucial in this regard was the establishment of the Interuniversity Research Center on Integrated Systems for the Marine Environment (ISME), which Casalino conceived and helped found in 1999 and of which he served as director for several terms. This center is still very active today, especially in terms of participation in international research projects.

Casalino's aptitude for tackling complex and fundamental problems by seeking solutions characterized by methodological clarity and conceptual depth has enabled him to develop excellent teaching skills, appreciated as such by all those who have followed his teachings.

At the same time, Casalino's work has enabled the training of several generations of researchers. In particular, he has been supervisor of numerous PhD students, many of whom have gone on to successful careers, both at our University and at other universities or other national and international research institutions.

His commitment to research and teaching, however, has not prevented Casalino from carrying out important institutional activities as well. In particular, he was director of DIST from 2001 to 2007, Pro-rector of Technology Transfer at the University of Genoa from 2004 to 2007, and, from 1998 to 2001, president of the academic community of Lecturers and Researchers in Automation.

His enthusiasm for academic life was such that, even after retiring, he maintained a constant commitment to both teaching and research.

For his achievements and uninterrupted contribution to scientific and teaching life, he had been awarded the status of Professor Emeritus.

Finally, his great communication skills, energy and enthusiasm, generosity and empathy in human relations, and the natural sympathy he was able to arouse in his interlocutors should be remembered.

He leaves us a teacher, a great researcher and a great friend whose legacy, both scientific and human, will be with us for a long time to come.