Projects & Theses
Below you find a collection of BSc and MSc projects and theses that can be carried out within the MaP community.
Robotic motion planning for active environmental manipulation
Robotic motion planning usually happens in static environments, and we typically do not reason about how we can (or need to) change the environment in order to reach certain places or fulfill certain tasks. In reality, this is an important part that can not be neglected: think of grabbing a chair to reach an object high up, or building a bridge to walk to another place over a gap (see images below, from [1]). Another setting can be found in the construction industry, where we need to build scaffolding to facilitate work higher up. In these cases, the robot intentionally extend its reachable space by building supports (bridges or makeshift staircases). Traditional motion planning techniques requires explicitly representing and enumerating all the different surfaces on which a robot could move, which usually involves case-specific assumptions and engineering heuristics. [1] Atlas Gets a Grip | Boston Dynamics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-e1_QhJ1EhQ
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Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-05-03 , Earliest start: 2025-05-05 , Latest end: 2025-12-31
Organization Computational robotics laboratory (Prof. Stelian Coros)
Hosts Hartmann Valentin
Topics Information, Computing and Communication Sciences
Transcatheter Heart Valve Repair and Replacement Devices at Harvard Medical School
Master thesis on novel devices and tools for both valve repair and replacement at Harvard Medical School
Keywords
Prototyping, Experimental Evaluation, Materials
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Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-05-02
Applications limited to ETH Zurich
Organization Multiscale Robotics Lab
Hosts Gantenbein Valentin
Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology
Autonomous Robotic Cardiac Catheters at Harvard Medical School
We are developing robotic catheters for heart valve repair and for treatment of arrythmias.
Keywords
Autonomous Control, Medical devices, Animal models, Prototyping
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Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-05-02
Applications limited to ETH Zurich
Organization Multiscale Robotics Lab
Hosts Gantenbein Valentin
Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology
Low-Dose CT Phantom for Neonates & Children – Materials, Manufacturing & Clinical Validation
Three-dimensional medical imaging techniques such as Computed Tomography (CT) and MRI are indispensable in modern clinical workflows. CT utilizes X-rays acquired from multiple angles to reconstruct detailed volumetric patient anatomy data. Due to the harmful effects of ionizing radiation, especially in vulnerable populations such as infants, it is critical to minimize radiation exposure while maintaining diagnostic image quality. Optimizing CT parameters requires systematic studies, yet direct experimentation on infants is ethically and medically unacceptable. This project aims to develop a novel infant head phantom that accurately replicates the radiological properties of an infant’s head. The phantom will serve as a testbed for CT imaging studies, enabling the optimization of scan parameters that balance minimal radiation exposure with high-quality image acquisition tailored for pediatric neuroimaging.
Keywords
pediatric CT imaging, child radiation safety, low-dose CT, medical imaging phantom, 3D-printed phantom, biomedical engineering thesis, materials for radiology, imaging dose reduction, ETH Zurich research, clinical radiology innovation
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Semester Project , Master Thesis , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
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Published since: 2025-04-30 , Earliest start: 2025-05-01
Applications limited to ETH Zurich
Organization Multiscale Robotics Lab
Hosts Landers Fabian
Topics Engineering and Technology
Feedback Optimization of Acoustic Patterning in Real Time for Bioprinter
Our project aims to enhance the ultrasound-assisted bioprinting process using real-time feedback and image processing. We have developed a transparent nozzle equipped with multiple cameras for real-time monitoring. The next steps involve integrating advanced image processing techniques, such as template matching, and implementing a feedback system to optimize the printing process. The system will be fully automated, featuring a function generator for wave creation and cooling elements. By analyzing the printing process and acoustic cell patterning with computer vision and leveraging real-time sensor feedback, we aim to dynamically optimize parameters such as frequency and amplitude for accurate and consistent pattern formation, crucial for bio applications.
Keywords
Machine learning, control and automation, 3D Printing, Ultrasound
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Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-04-29 , Earliest start: 2025-02-01 , Latest end: 2025-09-30
Organization Acoustic Robotics for Life Sciences and Healthcare (ARSL)
Hosts Medany Mahmoud
Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Information, Computing and Communication Sciences , Engineering and Technology , Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences
BEV meets Semantic traversability
Enable Birds-Eye-View perception on autonomous mobile robots for human-like navigation.
Keywords
Semantic Traversability, Birds-Eye-View, Localization, SLAM, Object Detection
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Master Thesis , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
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Published since: 2025-04-29 , Earliest start: 2025-01-15 , Latest end: 2025-10-31
Organization Robotic Systems Lab
Hosts Gawel Abel
Topics Information, Computing and Communication Sciences , Engineering and Technology
Scene graphs for robot navigation and reasoning
Elevate semantic scene graphs to a new level and perform semantically-guided navigation and interaction with real robots at The AI Institute.
Keywords
Scene graphs, SLAM, Navigation, Spacial Reasoning, 3D reconstruction, Semantics
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Master Thesis , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
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Published since: 2025-04-29 , Earliest start: 2025-01-15 , Latest end: 2025-10-31
Organization Robotic Systems Lab
Hosts Gawel Abel
Topics Information, Computing and Communication Sciences , Engineering and Technology
Acceleration of Crack Growth Prediction in Metamaterials by Distributed Multi-XPU Computing
Predicting the failure mechanisms of low-density cellular solids, from random fiber networks to periodic architected materials (or metamaterials), remains a challenge for computational mechanics. One fundamental distinction between beam-based architected materials and classical homogeneous solids lies in the nature of their failure. Unlike classical materials, beam-based architected materials fail through the discrete breaking of individual beams. This results in complex patterns of crack initiation and propagation, that are significantly different from those observed in classical materials. As computational models for large-scale, manufacturable metamaterials often involve millions or even billions of unknowns, we are developing an open-source C++ library for scalable finite element simulations. Currently, this library leverages distributed computing on CPUs via Open MPI, utilizing ETH Zurich’s Euler cluster. The goal of this project is to improve simulation performance for predicting failure in large-scale beam networks. A key focus will be integrating Nvidia’s GPU accelerators to achieve significantly enhanced computational efficiency beyond what distributed CPU computing alone can provide. Throughout this project, the student will contribute to an open-source project, conduct in-depth performance studies, and utilize the developed software to predict fracture behavior in novel materials with different (multi-)material properties, including both linear elastic and plastic regimes.
Keywords
Fracture, Metamaterials, GPU, Accelerators, HPC, Distributed Computing
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Semester Project , Master Thesis , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
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Published since: 2025-04-28 , Earliest start: 2025-05-12 , Latest end: 2026-04-01
Organization Mechanics and Materials
Hosts Kraschewski Kevin
Topics Information, Computing and Communication Sciences , Engineering and Technology
Modelling and Optimizing the Power Budget of a Bridge-Mounted Camera System for River Waste Monitoring
In this thesis, you will contribute to the Autonomous River Cleanup (ARC) by helping develop SARA, a bridge-mounted, camera-based system for monitoring river waste. Your focus will be on modeling the system’s power dynamics to determine the ideal battery and solar panel size, and balancing runtime throughout the day with overall the system size and weight. If time allows, you will also validate your findings with tests on the real hardware.
Keywords
system modelling, power electronics, simulations
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Semester Project , Bachelor Thesis
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Published since: 2025-04-27 , Earliest start: 2025-05-05 , Latest end: 2025-09-30
Applications limited to ETH Zurich
Organization Robotic Systems Lab
Hosts Elbir Emre
Topics Engineering and Technology
Domain Adaptation Techniques for Vision Algorithms on a Smartphone for River Waste Monitoring
In this thesis, you will work on SARA, a bridge-mounted, smartphone-based system for detecting and monitoring river waste. The focus will be on selecting lightweight detection and classification models suitable for smartphones and exploring domain adaptation techniques to improve performance across different locations with minimal retraining. Your work will build on previous research at ARC and current literature to develop solutions that balance model robustness and computational efficiency.
Keywords
machine learning, computer vision, domain adaptation techniques
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Semester Project
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Published since: 2025-04-27 , Earliest start: 2025-05-05 , Latest end: 2025-09-30
Applications limited to ETH Zurich
Organization Robotic Systems Lab
Hosts Elbir Emre
Topics Engineering and Technology
Optimal Robot Configuration for Autonomous Waste Sorting in Confined Spaces
In this thesis, you will contribute to the Autonomous River Cleanup (ARC) by helping improve MARC, our robotic platform for autonomous waste sorting. Your work will focus on optimizing the robot arm configuration by simulating different base locations and degrees of freedom to achieve faster and more efficient pick-and-place movements in a confined space. You will build on our existing simulation environment to model and evaluate various setups.
Keywords
modelling and simulations, robotics, robot dynamics
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Semester Project
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Published since: 2025-04-27 , Earliest start: 2025-05-05 , Latest end: 2025-09-30
Applications limited to ETH Zurich
Organization Robotic Systems Lab
Hosts Elbir Emre
Topics Engineering and Technology
Thermal Protection of a Bridge-Mounted Camera System for River Waste Monitoring
The Autonomous River Cleanup (ARC) is developing SARA, the next iteration of a bridge-mounted, camera-based system to detect and measure riverine waste. Smartphones offer a compact, affordable, and powerful core for year-round monitoring but are vulnerable to shutdowns from extreme heat in summer and cold in winter. This thesis focuses on assessing these thermal challenges and designing protective solutions to ensure reliable, continuous operation.
Keywords
thermodynamics, heat transfer, testing
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Semester Project , Bachelor Thesis
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Published since: 2025-04-27 , Earliest start: 2025-05-05 , Latest end: 2025-09-30
Applications limited to ETH Zurich
Organization Robotic Systems Lab
Hosts Elbir Emre
Topics Engineering and Technology
Master Thesis at the Exploration Lab - join an agile innovation task force; find needs, build prototypes, & more (Multiple industry partners!)
ETH Zürich's Feasibility Lab is partnering with leading industry players to offer a unique master's thesis opportunity. You'll have the freedom to choose from a diverse range of real-world projects across multiple companies, based on your individual interests.
Keywords
usability, high-tech, rapid prototyping, sustainability, industrial automation, mechanical design, mechanical engineering, automation, process design, robotics, machine learning, applied AI, food processing, advanced materials
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Master Thesis , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
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Published since: 2025-04-23 , Earliest start: 2025-10-01 , Latest end: 2026-04-05
Applications limited to ETH Zurich , EPFL - Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne , Zurich University of Applied Sciences
Organization pd|z Product Development Group Zurich
Hosts Gisler Daniel , von Hopffgarten Arne
Topics Engineering and Technology
Utilizing human body for ambient electromagnetic energy harvesting
The goal of the project is to develop wearable devices, for use in environmental electromagnetic energy recovery based on human body application.
Keywords
Flexible electronics, electromagnetic energy harvesting
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Semester Project , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-04-23 , Earliest start: 2025-05-31
Organization Biomedical and Mobile Health Technology Lab
Hosts Li Yuanlong
Topics Engineering and Technology
Reinforcement learning for robotic 3D bin packing
Many industrial assembly tasks require high accuracy when manipulating parts, e.g., when inserting an object somewhere, such as a box that we would like to put in a bin. Here, the tolerances that are required can vary wildly. While industrial manipulators are generally accurate in a controlled setting, as soon as the environment is not as structured as we would like it to be, we need to leverage feedback policies to correct for inaccuraies in estimation, and unexpected/unmodeled effects. The setting we are interested in in this work is robotic bin packing, i.e., enabling a robot to pick objects (initially boxes/parcels), and (the focus of this work) placing them in a box, where other previously placed object possibly obstruct the placement.
Keywords
Reinforcement learning, robotics
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Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-04-23 , Earliest start: 2025-05-01 , Latest end: 2026-02-01
Organization Computational robotics laboratory (Prof. Stelian Coros)
Hosts Hartmann Valentin
Topics Engineering and Technology
Mechanophores for advanced wearable strain and pressure sensors
The goal of the project is to synthesize and characterize a number of small molecules capable of acting as mechanophore addition to various polymers. These polymers would then be used as wearable strain or pressure sensors.
Keywords
mechanophore, polymer, wearable, sensor, color, strain, pressure
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Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-04-22 , Earliest start: 2024-09-01 , Latest end: 2025-09-01
Organization Biomedical and Mobile Health Technology Lab
Hosts Shokurov Aleksandr
Topics Engineering and Technology , Chemistry
Point-of-Care Sensor for Urinary Iodine
The goal of the project is to develop a cheap and disposable sensor capable of determination of iodine levels in human urine for early diagnostic purposes.
Keywords
electrochemistry, iodine, nutrition, health, point of care
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Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-04-22 , Earliest start: 2025-01-01 , Latest end: 2025-10-01
Organization Biomedical and Mobile Health Technology Lab
Hosts Shokurov Aleksandr
Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology , Chemistry
Open Position - Hardware Engineer - MedTech Startup
Diaxxo, an innovative ETH Zürich spinoff, is transforming diagnostics with cutting-edge PCR technology that combines lab-grade accuracy with field-ready simplicity. Our mission is to enable faster, affordable, and accessible detection of viral and bacterial infections, driving impact in animal health, food safety, and human diagnostics. We are seeking a motivated Hardware Engineer (electrical / mechatronics) to join our team in Zürich, starting May 2025 (or a mutually agreed date). This role involves contributing to the design and assembly of devices and cartridges and quality control. It’s an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a dynamic startup environment while supporting our mission to revolutionize diagnostics. No specific experience is required—just motivation, commitment, and adaptability.
Keywords
Diagnostics PCR Technology Innovation Start-up Biotechnology Viral Detection Quality Control Device Assembly Healthcare Startup Hardware Electrical
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Collaboration , Internship , Post-Doc Position , Student Assistant / HiWi , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
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Published since: 2025-04-22 , Earliest start: 2025-05-01 , Latest end: 2025-12-31
Organization Functional Materials Laboratory
Hosts Gregorini Michele
Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology , Chemistry
Single-cell Encapsulation for RNA Sequencing
This project focuses on understanding the metabolism of bacteria exposed to an enzymatic inhibitor. By employing microfluidic systems, we aim to perform a single-based encapsulation in hydrogel beads to be exposed to inhibitors. Using FACS-based sorting and bulk sequencing, bacteria in hydrogel beads will be sorted and the RNA from pool or individual beads will be extracted for sequencing. We aim to create an RNA sequencing protocol for sorted hydrogel beads containing bacteria to analyze the total gene expression profiles of our candidates.
Keywords
Keywords: Bacteria, RNA, droplets, microfluidic, high-throughput, hydrogel, gene expression, sequencing
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Semester Project , Internship , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-04-21 , Earliest start: 2024-08-01 , Latest end: 2025-07-31
Organization Complex Materials
Hosts Enrriquez Nadia
Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology , Chemistry , Biology
pH Quantification in Emulsified Droplets for High-Throughput Screening
This project focuses on finding a suitable emulsification system for encapsulating bacteria in water-in-oil droplets. By employing microfluidic systems and versatile pH dyes, we aim to create emulsified droplets with reduced crosstalk rates to screen bacteria based on the pH changes as a result of their metabolic activity.
Keywords
Keywords: Bacteria, pH, droplets, microfluidic, high-throughput.
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Semester Project , Internship , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-04-21 , Earliest start: 2024-08-01 , Latest end: 2025-07-31
Organization Complex Materials
Hosts Enrriquez Nadia
Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology , Biology
Metal oxide-based textile logic electronics
The goal of the project is to develop metal oxide-based logic electronics, for use in rectification and/or memristor application.
Keywords
Metal oxide, smart textile, wearable electronics, logic electronics, electrochemistry
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Semester Project , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-04-21 , Earliest start: 2025-05-31 , Latest end: 2025-11-30
Organization Biomedical and Mobile Health Technology Lab
Hosts Li Yuanlong
Topics Engineering and Technology
Biomineralization of Hydrogels-Based Structures
Currently, the mineralization capacity of S. pasteurii is being exploited in developing construction materials in the form of bio-bricks and bio-cement. These materials are mostly compact structures with different degrees of porosity to increase the diffusion of nutrients through the material. Nevertheless, one recurrent challenge in biomineralized structures is the limited precipitation across the structure.
Keywords
Biomineralization, Hydrogel Scaffolds, Bacteria, 3D Printing
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Semester Project , Internship , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-04-21 , Earliest start: 2024-08-01 , Latest end: 2025-04-01
Organization Complex Materials
Hosts Enrriquez Nadia
Topics Engineering and Technology , Chemistry , Biology
Development of a Compact Wireless Device for Monitoring Electrical Activity of Cardiac Tissues
This project aims to develop a compact wireless device designed to monitor the electrical activity of cardiac tissues. The device will incorporate advanced PCB design, a low-noise amplifier, a transceiver, and efficient power management systems.
Keywords
PCB design, electrical engineering, healthcare, wireless, Bluetooth, low-noise amplifier
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Semester Project , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-04-20 , Earliest start: 2025-05-01
Organization Bio Engineering Laboratory
Hosts Cardes Fernando
Topics Engineering and Technology
Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Direction-Dependent Flow Resistance in Engineered Geometries
Controlling fluid flow is essential in various natural and engineering systems, with geometry playing a fundamental role in shaping fluid behavior. However, the interaction between geometry and flow behavior remains a complex phenomenon, primarily governed by the flow regime and fluid material properties. Certain geometries, whether naturally occurring or engineered, induce direction-dependent flow resistance, causing variations in velocity and flow rate in opposite directions. One well-known example of such engineered geometries is the Tesla valve—a passive device without moving parts, designed to create asymmetric flow resistance, particularly at high Reynolds numbers. This structure acts like a fluidic diode, offering greater resistance to flow in one direction by generating turbulent vortices and flow separations while allowing smoother movement in the opposite direction. This effect is quantified by diodicity, which represents the ratio of pressure drop in the reverse direction to that in the forward direction, providing a measure of the valve's asymmetric resistance. However, this direction dependence is limited at lower velocities. We have designed two sets of geometries that effectively induce directional flow resistance within high and low fluid flow velocities. This Master’s thesis project aims to experimentally investigate the impact of different flow obstruction designs on direction-dependent resistance in rectangular channels and semicircular arc segments. The student will, together with their direct supervisor, design and construct an experimental setup for the reliable measurement of flow and diodicity. This project offers an excellent opportunity to gain expertise in fluid dynamics, experimental testing, numerical modeling, and additive manufacturing, with applications in biomedical systems. Students with a background in mechanical engineering, fluid dynamics, or related fields are encouraged to apply. Prior experience with COMSOL Multiphysics is beneficial but not mandatory.
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Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-04-15 , Earliest start: 2025-06-01 , Latest end: 2025-12-01
Organization Musculoskeletal Biomechanics
Hosts Mosayebi Mahdieh
Topics Engineering and Technology
Microelectronic circuit design for neural interfaces in 0.18um CMOS technology
This project is about the development of integrated circuits to study neurons and neural networks, and may comprise different parts of the design including analog and/or digital microelectronics, PCB design, signal processing and programming.
Keywords
Microelectronics, CMOS, circuit design, electronics, PCB, signal processing, neural interface.
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Semester Project , Internship , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-04-14 , Earliest start: 2022-01-03
Organization Bio Engineering Laboratory
Hosts Cardes Fernando
Topics Engineering and Technology
Embedded systems for neural interfaces
The student will be involved in the development of software applications for in-vitro neural interfaces. The ultimate goal is controlling a complex embedded system, comprising a custom-made CMOS neural interface and two system on a chip.
Keywords
Software development, Python, C++, Linux, Embedded systems, SoC, FPGA, VHDL, Neural interfaces.
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Semester Project , Internship , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-04-14 , Earliest start: 2024-08-01
Organization Bio Engineering Laboratory
Hosts Cardes Fernando
Topics Information, Computing and Communication Sciences , Engineering and Technology
Advanced Robotic In-Situ Tissue Repair
The future of advanced tissue repair lies in precise, minimally invasive techniques that enhance patient outcomes while reducing recovery time. This innovative project aims to revolutionize in-situ tissue repair by designing and implementing a cutting-edge robotic tool, purpose-built for the medical frontier. Combining state-of-the-art robotics, real-time feedback systems, and versatile functionalities, this research will address the complex challenges of advanced tissue repair with a focus on precision and patient safety.
Keywords
Embedded Systems, PCB Design, Robotics, Biomechatronics, CAD, Medical Device Design, Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Python, ROS, Surgery, Biomaterials, Biomedical Device Innovation, 3D Design
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Semester Project , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
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Published since: 2025-04-10 , Earliest start: 2025-05-01
Applications limited to ETH Zurich , EPFL - Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne , Empa , University of Zurich
Organization Nanoparticle Systems Engineering Laboratory
Hosts Balta Nisa
Topics Information, Computing and Communication Sciences , Engineering and Technology
Master Thesis: Developing Functional Inclusion Body Tags
Inclusion bodies are dense protein aggregates formed in the cytoplasm of bacteria like E. coli. While often regarded as problematic, proteins that are sequestered in such inclusion bodies continue to be active and are simple to purify. By tagging proteins of interest with specific “inclusion body tags”, even proteins that would remain soluble can be sequestered into inclusion bodies upon expression. This project aims to design and evaluate novel inclusion body tags with tailored properties for diverse applications. Of special interest are tags that are detectable in electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS).
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Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-04-10 , Earliest start: 2025-05-01 , Latest end: 2026-01-31
Organization Bioprocess Laboratory
Hosts Kocar Berk
Topics Chemistry , Biology
Graph Neural Networks for Structural Engineering: Bridging MPNNs and FEM
Structural design and analysis operations for graph-like discrete systems, such as trusses and frames, typically involve solving systems of equations that enforce equilibrium, compatibility, and force-displacement relationships. Advances in Message-Passing Neural Networks (MPNNs) have demonstrated strong performance across fields ranging from molecular modelling to physics-based simulations. Compellingly, MPNNs naturally operate on graph-structured data, and recent work suggests a mathematical equivalence between MPNNs and classical structural operations. Graph-based methods offer scalability and unlock deep learning applications for structural analysis. However, a unified and effective integration of these approaches has yet to be convincingly demonstrated. This thesis aims to formalise this relationship by developing an MPNN-based framework for forward and inverse structural analysis. The research will investigate the use of MPNNs formulations for structural analysis operations based on Finite Element Analysis (FEM). The proposed research will contribute to the understanding of the underlying mechanisms of MPNNs and help develop more efficient and interpretable MPNNs as alternatives to structural simulators.
Keywords
Message-Passing, Graph Neural Networks, Structural Analysis
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Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-04-09
Organization ETH Competence Center - ETH AI Center
Hosts Duthé Gregory , Duthé Gregory
Topics Information, Computing and Communication Sciences , Engineering and Technology
Smart Microcapsules for Biomedical Advances
This Master's thesis/semester project focuses on the microfluidic fabrication of microcapsules with multi-environmental responsiveness. The aim is to develop microcapsule-based microrobots capable of adapting to various environmental cues. We envision that these microrobots will be used for complex tasks in biomedical applications.
Keywords
Microfluidics, Microcapsules, Microrobotics, Responsive Polymers, Biomedical Engineering
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Semester Project , Internship , Master Thesis , Student Assistant / HiWi , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
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Published since: 2025-04-08 , Earliest start: 2025-07-01
Organization Multiscale Robotics Lab
Hosts Hu Minghan
Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology , Chemistry
Low-Voltage Soft Actuators for Developing Untethered Robotic Systems
We are building the next generation of HALVE (Hydraulically Amplified Low-Voltage Electrostatic) actuators which are flexible, pouch-based electrostatic actuators that operate at voltages 5–10× lower than traditional soft electrostatic systems. You will help us explore novel actuator geometries, ultra-thin functional layers, and new fabrication techniques to unlock scalable, energy-efficient soft robotic systems.
Keywords
soft robotics, low-voltage actuation, dielectric elastomers, electrostatic actuators, fabrication, PVDF-TrFE-CTFE, vapor deposition, CNC sealing, mechatronics, materials science
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Semester Project , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-04-07 , Earliest start: 2025-04-14 , Latest end: 2026-01-31
Applications limited to ETH Zurich , EPFL - Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne , Empa
Organization Soft Robotics Lab
Hosts Albayrak Deniz , Hinchet Ronan
Topics Engineering and Technology
Combined Muscle and Nerve Tissue Engineering
Engineered muscle tissues have applications in regenerative medicine, drug testing, and understanding motion. A key challenge is restoring neuromuscular communication, especially in treating volumetric muscle loss (VML). This project aims to create functional neuromuscular constructs with biomimetic innervation. Scaffolds will be made using electrospun fibers, conductive materials, and drug-loaded graphene. Muscle and nerve cells derived from iPSCs will be seeded into these scaffolds. Constructs will be tested for motion, drug response, and integration in bio-hybrid robotic systems. The platform will advance muscle-nerve regeneration, drug testing, and bio-hybrid robotics.
Keywords
Tissue engineering, innervation, neural tissue, nerve, muscle tissue, scaffold, iPSCs, muscle cells, bioprinting, biofabrication, biohybrid robotics, soft robotics, 3D printing, biomaterials, electrical stimulation, actuation.
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Semester Project , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-04-06 , Earliest start: 2025-04-06 , Latest end: 2025-09-30
Organization Soft Robotics Lab
Hosts Filippi Miriam
Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology , Biology
Data-driven/Machine Learning polymer formulation for drug development
This project aims to leverage machine learning to accelerate the design of polymer-based drug delivery systems with tailored release kinetics. Using a curated dataset of polymer formulations and their drug release profiles, predictive models will be developed, validated, and applied to optimize future formulations. By combining computational tools with explainable AI techniques, the project seeks to uncover key design principles and reduce experimental workloads. The outcome will enable smarter, data-driven reformulation processes, advancing personalized medicine and next-generation drug delivery technologies.
Keywords
Data-driven, machine learning, polymer formulation, drug
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Semester Project , Internship
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Published since: 2025-04-04 , Earliest start: 2025-04-07 , Latest end: 2025-11-30
Organization Macromolecular Engineering Laboratory
Hosts Guzzi Elia
Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology , Chemistry
Open Position - Master Thesis: Synthesis and characterization of doped-tungsten oxides
The project is centered on the sol-gel synthesis of tungsten oxides, the characterization of their plasmonic properties and their application in a nanophotonic device.
Keywords
nanoparticle synthesis, tungsten oxides, plasmonic nanoparticles
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Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-03-28
Applications limited to CERN , ETH Zurich , EPFL - Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne , Empa , University of Zurich , University of Lausanne , Zurich University of Applied Sciences , UCL - University College London , University of Cambridge , University of Oxford , Imperial College London , Universidade de São Paulo , Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Politecnico di Milano , Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia
Organization Multifunctional Materials
Hosts Radaelli Eleonora
Topics Engineering and Technology , Chemistry
Thesis with Planted: image based product characterization
The goal of this project is to develop an image-based analysis method that enables timely evaluations.
Keywords
plant based meat, extrusion, image based analysis, programming, lab tests
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Semester Project , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-03-27 , Earliest start: 2025-03-30 , Latest end: 2025-11-30
Organization pd|z Product Development Group Zurich
Hosts Reikat Maximilian
Topics Information, Computing and Communication Sciences , Engineering and Technology
Thesis with Planted: lab on a chip
The goal of this project is to develop an analytical method that will enable even small material samples to be tested for their suitability for the extrusion process.
Keywords
plant based meat, extrusion, CAD, design, lab test, lab on a chip
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Semester Project , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-03-27 , Earliest start: 2025-03-30 , Latest end: 2025-11-30
Organization pd|z Product Development Group Zurich
Hosts Reikat Maximilian
Topics Engineering and Technology
Thesis with Planted: CAD-design and Experimentation
Based on pre-study, the aim of this new thesis project is to continue the research work and further improve the die design, fabricate new die variants using AM, and experimentally test them onsite at the facilities of Planted.
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plant based meat, extrusion, CAD, design, lab test,
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Semester Project , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-03-27 , Earliest start: 2025-03-30 , Latest end: 2025-11-30
Organization pd|z Product Development Group Zurich
Hosts Reikat Maximilian
Topics Engineering and Technology
How Mechanical Forces Shape Cell Fate – and the Future of Regenerative Medicine
Project Summary We’re developing a powerful new in vitro model to untangle the complex mechanical cues—osmotic pressure and substrate stiffness—that skin cells experience every day. These signals are deeply intertwined in the body, but we’re building a system to decouple and precisely control them, for the first time. Why? Because understanding how cells respond to these forces is crucial for engineering functional tissues, guiding organ regeneration, and tackling mechanobiology-driven diseases like fibrosis.
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Key words: mechanical stresses, cell behavior, fibroblasts, immunostaining.
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Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-03-26 , Earliest start: 2025-06-01 , Latest end: 2026-01-31
Organization Macromolecular Engineering Laboratory
Hosts Cuni Filippo
Topics Engineering and Technology , Biology
PDMS-Based Bioreactor Investigating Cell Behavior in Response to Hydrostatic Pressure and Substrate Stiffness
Introduction and Background Skin cells dynamically respond to mechanical and biochemical stimuli, which influence critical processes such as proliferation, differentiation, and migration. By understanding this interplay, mechanical and biochemical stimuli may be used in the future to facilitate the growth of skin patches, tissue formation, and organ regeneration, enabling new therapies and benefiting patients. The study of these responses, mechanobiology, requires advanced in-vitro systems to emulate physiological conditions. This project utilizes a device designed for controlled manipulation of hydrostatic pressure (0.1–1.5 kPa) and substrate stiffness (0.1–100 kPa). The system facilitates isolated and scalable experiments to analyze how the interplay of these mechanical parameters affects cell behavior. In this thesis, the student will use this system to investigate how different stimuli affect cell behavior.
Keywords
Bioreactor, tissue engineering, organ regeneration
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Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-03-26 , Earliest start: 2025-05-01 , Latest end: 2025-11-30
Organization Macromolecular Engineering Laboratory
Hosts Binz Jonas
Topics Engineering and Technology , Biology
Continual Learning and Domain Adaptation Techniques for a Camera-Based Waste Monitoring System on an Ocean Cleanup Vessel
This thesis, part of the Autonomous River Cleanup (ARC) initiative in collaboration with The SeaCleaners, explores adaptive computer vision methods for automated quantification of oceanic plastic waste on the Mobula 10 vessel. The work focuses on applying continual learning and domain adaptation techniques to improve a baseline detection model’s robustness to changing waste types and environments. The system will be evaluated in real-world conditions to assess its performance and guide future research in environmental monitoring.
Keywords
computer vision, continual learning, field testing, unsupervised domain adaptation, plastic pollution
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Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-03-26 , Earliest start: 2025-05-01 , Latest end: 2025-12-31
Organization Robotic Systems Lab
Hosts Stolle Jonas , Elbir Emre
Topics Engineering and Technology
Hardware / software development in medtech startup (project / thesis)
diaxxo, a start-up from ETH Zürich, is transforming molecular diagnostics with an innovative Point-of-Care Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) device. Designed to accelerate and democratize access to diagnostic testing, our cutting-edge technology can be used across various fields, from human diagnostics to vet and food testing. Our products are also tailored for use in developing countries and resource-limited settings, aiming to bring reliable diagnostics to every corner of the globe. The company offers several projects and thesis opportunities focusing on interfacing computer and camera systems (e.g. controlling Camera Pi from ESP microcontrollers, and integrating hardware and software components to address design and automation challenges.
Keywords
Point-of-Care PCR, Molecular Diagnostics, Embedded Systems, Arducam SPI, Camera Pi ESP Microcontroller, Hardware-Software Integration, Design and Automation Challenges
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Semester Project , Internship , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-03-26 , Earliest start: 2024-07-01 , Latest end: 2025-06-30
Organization Functional Materials Laboratory
Hosts Gregorini Michele
Topics Information, Computing and Communication Sciences , Engineering and Technology
Extending Functional Scene Graphs to Include Articulated Object States
While traditional [1] and functional [2] scene graphs are capable of capturing the spatial relationships and functional interactions between objects and spaces, they encode each object as static, with fixed geometry. In this project, we aim to enable the estimation of the state of articulated objects and include it in the functional scene graph.
Keywords
scene understanding, scene graph, exploration
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Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-03-25 , Earliest start: 2025-03-25
Applications limited to ETH Zurich , EPFL - Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
Organization Computer Vision and Geometry Group
Hosts Bauer Zuria, Dr. , Trisovic Jelena , Zurbrügg René
Topics Information, Computing and Communication Sciences , Engineering and Technology
Development of a Heterocellular Human Bone Organoid for Precision Medicine and Treatment
Our goal is to establish a heterocellular 3D printed bone organoid model comprising all major bone cell types (osteoblasts, osteocytes, osteoclasts) to recapitulate bone remodeling units in an in vitro system. The organoids will be produced with the human cells, as they could represent human pathophysiology better than animal models, and eventually could replace them. These in vitro models could be used in the advancement of next-generation personalised treatment strategies. Our tools are different kinds of 3D bioprinting platforms, bio-ink formulations, hydrogels, mol-bioassays, and time-lapsed image processing of micro-CT scans.
Keywords
3D printing, bone organoids, co-culture, bioreactor, hydrogels, drug testing
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Semester Project , Internship , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
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Published since: 2025-03-24 , Earliest start: 2022-08-01 , Latest end: 2025-11-30
Organization Müller Group / Laboratory for Bone Biomechanics
Hosts Steffi Chris
Topics Engineering and Technology , Biology
Develop Dexterous Humanoid Robotic Hands
Design and build dexterous human-like robotic hands with us at the Soft Robotics Lab and the ETH spin-off mimic. We will explore different possibilities of developing design features and sub-systems. The developed features shall be integrated into a fully functional robotic hand and applied to solve practical manipulation challenges.
Keywords
humanoid, robotics, hand, dexterity, soft robotics, actuation, prototyping, modeling and control, mechatronics, biomimetic, design, 3D printing, silicone casting, electronics, machine learning, control
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Semester Project , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-03-24 , Earliest start: 2025-01-01 , Latest end: 2026-03-31
Organization Soft Robotics Lab
Hosts Weirich Stefan
Topics Engineering and Technology
Motion Imitation and Control for Humanoid Robot using Diffusion
To achieve effective and natural interaction, humanoid robots may need to closely imitate human motion, which encompasses walking, object manipulation, and environmental interactions. Motion capture data, which captures human motion with high precision, serves as an excellent resource for training robotic systems to replicate human movements. Diffusion models are a class of generative models designed to handle multi-modal distributions, making them highly suitable for complex motion generation tasks. Recent state-of-the-art methods use diffusion to produce human like motions for character animation or to imitate human expert data for controlling robotic arms. The goal of this project is to explore diffusion approaches for imitating motion data from humans to obtain control policies for humanoid robots.
Keywords
RL, Imitation Learning, Robotics, Diffusion
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Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-03-23 , Earliest start: 2025-01-15 , Latest end: 2025-09-30
Applications limited to ETH Zurich , EPFL - Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
Organization Computational robotics laboratory (Prof. Stelian Coros)
Hosts Zargarbashi Fatemeh
Topics Information, Computing and Communication Sciences , Engineering and Technology
Exploring the Mechanoregulation of Bone Regeneration
In over 100 years, the remarkable ability of bone to adapt to its mechanical environment has been a source of scientific fascination. Bone regeneration has been shown to be highly dependent on the mechanical environment at the fracture site. It has been demonstrated that mechanical stimuli can either accelerate or impede regeneration. Despite the fundamental importance of the mechanical environment in influencing bone regeneration, the molecular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are complex and poorly understood.
Keywords
Bone, Mechanobiology, Spatial transcriptomics, Gene expression, Finite element modelling, Image processing
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Semester Project , Internship , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-03-23 , Earliest start: 2024-11-01 , Latest end: 2025-08-31
Organization Müller Group / Laboratory for Bone Biomechanics
Hosts Mathavan Neashan
Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology
Intelligent Micromachines Made from Droplet-Based Factory
We invite applications for a Master's thesis / semester project that focuses on the fabrication of microrobots with custom shapes. Using our developed droplet printing technique, this project will explore how different microrobot shapes, created by different magnetic fields and materials, influence their control behaviors in blood vessels. This research aims to advance biomedical technologies, particularly in targeted drug delivery and minimally invasive procedures.
Keywords
Microrobotics, 4D Printing, Soft Materials, Biomedical Devices
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Semester Project , Master Thesis , Student Assistant / HiWi , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
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Published since: 2025-03-18 , Earliest start: 2025-06-02
Organization Multiscale Robotics Lab
Hosts Hu Minghan
Topics Engineering and Technology , Chemistry
Laser Engraving and Coloring of Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) High-Performance Bikes
High-performance bicycle frames made from fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) benefit from low weight but also require attractive finishes. Painting adds weight, so laser-based engraving or color modification offers a paint-free alternative. This project aims to identify suitable laser parameters and assess potential damage mechanisms (e.g., delamination, fiber/matrix degradation). The outcome will enable paint-less customization of FRP bikes, supported by microstructural analysis (microscopy, SEM, Raman). The thesis is carried out in cooperation with the company Scott Sports SA.
Keywords
laser manufacturing, laser ablation, engraving, composite structures, Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP), bicycle frames
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Semester Project , Master Thesis , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
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Published since: 2025-03-18 , Earliest start: 2025-04-01 , Latest end: 2025-12-31
Applications limited to Department of Materials , Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering
Organization Advanced Manufacturing
Hosts Neff Luis
Topics Engineering and Technology
Industrial Design of a Medical Robotic Platform for Autonomous Eye Injections
The purpose of this project is to enhance an existing robotic platform capable of autonomously delivering injections into the human eye. Rather than starting from zero, the student will build upon substantial prior research. The project’s primary focus is on industrial design—making the system both visually appealing and suitable for clinical settings. This includes collaborating with external manufacturers for casting and production, resulting in a polished, user-friendly device for healthcare professionals. In addition, the student will do some coding in Python (specifically for motion planning) to run experiments on porcine and mock-eyes using the updated design.
Keywords
Mechanical design, system integration, industrial design
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ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
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Published since: 2025-03-18
Organization Multiscale Robotics Lab
Hosts Ehmke Claas
Topics Engineering and Technology
Towards Fully 3D-Printed EEG Headsets: Eliminating External Wiring with Embedded Electronics
Multimaterial FDM printing offers exciting potential for directly integrating electronics into structural parts. One promising application is in EEG systems, which monitor brain activity using electrodes. The Ultracortex Mark IV by OpenBCI, for example, uses a 3D-printed frame but relies on external wiring. This thesis aims to redesign the headset to incorporate 3D-printed electronics and test its functionality.
Keywords
3D Printing, 3D Printed Electronics; Design; Testing
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Published since: 2025-03-17 , Earliest start: 2025-01-21 , Latest end: 2026-01-01
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Organization pd|z Product Development Group Zurich
Hosts Vögerl Johannes
Topics Engineering and Technology
Next-Generation Wire Integration: Automating Electrical Routing in 3D-Printed Components
Novel 3D printing processes directly integrate electrical cables into components, solving many challenges of traditional electrical wires like entanglement, high assembly effort, or high system weight. However, the challenge of efficiently designing these integrated wires remains. This thesis aims to automate the design process of these integrated wires enabling fast generation of the integrated electronics in various use cases. Join us in pushing the boundaries for the fast design of complex 3D printing cables.
Keywords
Design Automation, 3D Printing, 3D Printed Electronics, Wiring; Programming
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Semester Project , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
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Published since: 2025-03-17 , Earliest start: 2025-01-21 , Latest end: 2026-01-01
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Organization pd|z Product Development Group Zurich
Hosts Vögerl Johannes
Topics Engineering and Technology
Simulation of Multi Material Ceramic Laser Ablation
Laser ablation is mainly driven by the so-called laser-matter interaction. Especially for hard-to-machine materials like ceramics, which are gaining increasing attention in technical applications, the ablation phenomenon must be fully understood and controlled to achieve precise and selective material removal while maintaining material integrity. These materials have outstanding properties for a plurality of applications in industry; however, one is faced with the issue of finding a suitable manufacturing technique. Brittleness, hardness, and their tendency to crack lead to complications that could be addressed by the implementation of laser technology. However, experimental approaches alone are not expedient to fully handle and understand the complex phenomenon of laser ablation of ceramic multi materials. This is the motivation for introducing the first steps of simulating laser-matter interaction in multi-material ceramics within this project.
Keywords
Laser, simulation, ceramics, ablation, biomimicry
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Semester Project , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-03-17 , Earliest start: 2025-05-01 , Latest end: 2026-01-31
Organization Advanced Manufacturing Laboratory
Hosts Reichel Andreas
Topics Engineering and Technology
Human wearing trial in collaboration with industry partner: Impact of protective coveralls on heat strain dur-ing rest and physical activity in warm conditions
To protect from chemical, biological, radioactive, and nuclear (CBRN) contaminants, disposable coveralls are used as personal protective clothing (PPC). In addition to its protective nature, PPC affects heat dissemination from the body, resulting in increased heat strain, which might result in reduced working performance. Therefore, new clothing material developments aim to reduce thermal load while maintaining a protective nature. We conduct a wearing trial in collaboration with an industrial partner to investigate the impact of different types of protective coveralls on heat strain during exposure to warm conditions, including resting phases and physical activity.
Keywords
Personal protective clothing, heat strain, human subject trials, sweating, sensors, data analysis.
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Semester Project , Internship , Lab Practice , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-03-16 , Earliest start: 2025-05-01 , Latest end: 2026-01-31
Organization Biomimetic Membranes and Textiles
Hosts Annaheim Simon
Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology , Biology
Event-based feature detection for highly dynamic tracking
Event cameras are an exciting new technology enabling sensing of highly dynamic content over a broad range of illumination conditions. The present thesis explores novel, sparse, event-driven paradigms for detecting structure and motion patterns in raw event streams.
Keywords
Event camera, neuromorphic sensing, feature detection, computer vision
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Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-03-13 , Earliest start: 2025-03-17
Organization Robotic Systems Lab
Hosts Kneip Laurent
Topics Engineering and Technology
Fast, change-aware map-based camera tracking
Experiment with Gaussian Splatting based map representations for highly efficient camera tracking and simultaneous change detection and map updating. Apply to different exteroceptive sensing modalities.
Keywords
Localization, Camera Tracking, Gaussian Splatting, Change detection
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Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-03-13 , Earliest start: 2025-03-17
Organization Robotic Systems Lab
Hosts Kneip Laurent
Topics Engineering and Technology
Soft object reconstruction
This project consists of reconstructing soft object along with their appearance, geometry, and physical properties from image data for inclusion in reinforcement learning frameworks for manipulation tasks.
Keywords
Computer Vision, Structure from Motion, Image-based Reconstruction, Physics-based Reconstruction
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Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-03-13 , Earliest start: 2025-03-17
Organization Robotic Systems Lab
Hosts Kneip Laurent
Topics Engineering and Technology
Reconstruction from online videos taken in the wild
Push the limits of arbitrary online video reconstruction by combining the most recent, prior-supported real-time Simultaneous Localization And Mapping (SLAM) methods with automatic supervision techniques.
Keywords
Computer Vision, 3D Reconstruction, SLAM
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Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-03-13 , Earliest start: 2025-03-17
Organization Robotic Systems Lab
Hosts Kneip Laurent
Topics Engineering and Technology
Computationally Efficient Neural Networks
Computing, time, and energy requirements of recent neural networks have demonstrated dramatic increase over time, impacting on their applicability in real-world contexts. The present thesis explores novel ways of implementing neural network implementations that will substantially reduce their computational complexity and thus energy footprint.
Keywords
AI, CNNs, transformers, network implementation
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Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-03-12 , Earliest start: 2025-03-17
Organization Robotic Systems Lab
Hosts Kneip Laurent
Topics Engineering and Technology
Microfabrication and characterization of microelectrodes for neural interfaces
The focus of this project is on the fabrication of microelectrodes for advanced neural interfaces in a cutting-edge cleanroom environment. Our research aims to develop high-resolution neural probes utilizing state-of-the-art microfabrication techniques.
Keywords
Microfabrication; Cleanroom; Neural Interfaces; Microelectrode Arrays; Biomedical Devices; Nanotechnology; Electrochemical Deposition; Neurotechnology; Semiconductor Processing; Bioengineering.
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Semester Project , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-03-12 , Earliest start: 2023-12-01
Organization Bio Engineering Laboratory
Hosts Cardes Fernando
Topics Engineering and Technology
Design of analog front-end for CMOS-based neural interfaces
This project focuses on the design of low-noise, low-power, compact amplifiers for next-generation neural interfaces.
Keywords
Microelectronics, VLSI, CMOS, LNA, electronics, analog integrated circuit design, neural interface.
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Semester Project , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-03-12 , Earliest start: 2024-07-01
Organization Bio Engineering Laboratory
Hosts Cardes Fernando
Topics Engineering and Technology
Improvements of the Detection Block of a Rapid PCR diagnostic device in a medtech startup
diaxxo, a start-up from ETH Zürich, is transforming molecular diagnostics with an innovative Point-of-Care Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) device. This project aims to enhance the detection module of Diaxxo's Point-of-Care Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) system by improving light uniformity to ensure precise and reliable optical detection. The redesigned detection block will be compatible with Diaxxo's existing cartridges and support multiplexing with up to three distinct light channels. High light uniformity across the cartridge will be a key focus to enhance detection accuracy and reliability. Additionally, the project emphasizes cost-effective design, leveraging affordable materials and methods to maintain performance without increasing production costs.
Keywords
Optical Detection Fluorescence-Based Methods Light Uniformity Fiber Optics Multiplexing PCR Diagnostics Thermocycling Cost-Effective Design Point-of-Care Systems Molecular Diagnostics
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Semester Project , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-03-11 , Earliest start: 2025-01-01 , Latest end: 2025-09-01
Organization Functional Materials Laboratory
Hosts Gregorini Michele
Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology , Physics
Generalist Excavator Transformer
We want to develop a generalist digging agent that is able to do multiple tasks, such as digging and moving loose soil, and/or control multiple excavators. We plan to use decision transformers, trained on offline data, to accomplish these tasks.
Keywords
Offline reinforcement learning, transformers, autonomous excavation
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Semester Project , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-03-11 , Earliest start: 2025-03-01 , Latest end: 2025-08-31
Organization Robotic Systems Lab
Hosts Werner Lennart , Egli Pascal Arturo , Terenzi Lorenzo , Nan Fang , Zhang Weixuan
Topics Information, Computing and Communication Sciences
Exploring the 3D Mineralization Behavior in Material-Induced Osteoinduction Through a Multiscale Micro-CT Imaging Approach
The project aims at investigating material-induced osteoinduction using the available mouse model of orthotopic or ectopic bone graft substitute (BGS) application. Through the 3D-3D registration of ex vivo and in vivo multiscale micro-CT images, crucial 3D mineralization behavior of the BGS can be investigated.
Keywords
Femur, Bone Graft Substitute, Critical Size Defect, Osteoinduction, in vivo, micro-CT, 3D-3D Image Registration, Image Analysis, Image Processing, Python, Computational
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Semester Project , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-03-11 , Earliest start: 2025-04-01 , Latest end: 2026-01-31
Organization Müller Group / Laboratory for Bone Biomechanics
Hosts Lindenmann Sara
Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology
Differential Particle Simulation for Robotics
This project focuses on applying differential particle-based simulation to address challenges in simulating real-world robotic tasks involving interactions with fluids, granular materials, and soft objects. Leveraging the differentiability of simulations, the project aims to enhance simulation accuracy with limited real-world data and explore learning robotic control using first-order gradient information.
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Semester Project , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-03-10 , Earliest start: 2025-01-01 , Latest end: 2025-12-31
Applications limited to ETH Zurich , EPFL - Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
Organization Robotic Systems Lab
Hosts Nan Fang , Ma Hao
Topics Engineering and Technology
PCB design for CNT-FET Gas Sensor Array
In our project, the objective is to detect nitrogen dioxide gas (NO2) through Carbon Nanotube (CNT) gas sensor array by repeatedly measuring the transfer characteristics of the CNT-FETs (Field Effect Transistors) in the array. However, achieving sensor recovery poses a challenge, necessitating the application of high voltage pulses at regular intervals to heat the channel and desorb gas molecules (self-heating). Our current measurement mode face challenges in independently controlling and tuning the voltages for each device. This project aims to develop a new PCB design that addresses these challenges.
Keywords
carbon nanotube, CNTFET, PCB design, electronics
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Semester Project , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-03-10 , Earliest start: 2024-11-10 , Latest end: 2025-06-01
Organization Chair of Micro and Nanosystems
Hosts Gentili Cristina
Topics Engineering and Technology
Wearable kirigami antenna for motion monitoring
The aim of the project is to develop a simple method for fabrication of kirigami-inspired laser-cut or molded antennas on flexible substrates. This technology will enable advancements in wearable electronics for wireless communication and sensing applications.
Keywords
wearable, flexible electronics, kirigami, laser cutting, 3D printing, antenna design, conductivity, wireless communication
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Semester Project , Bachelor Thesis
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Published since: 2025-03-09 , Earliest start: 2025-03-24 , Latest end: 2026-08-31
Organization Biomedical and Mobile Health Technology Lab
Hosts Kateb Pierre
Topics Engineering and Technology
Soft Robot Under Ultrasound Actuation
Soft robotics has gained significant attention in recent years due to its ability to perform delicate and adaptive tasks that traditional rigid robots cannot achieve. Among various actuation methods, ultrasound-driven soft robots present a promising avenue for non-contact and precise control in liquid environments. These robots have potential applications in biomedical fields, microfluidics, and underwater exploration. The integration of ultrasound as an actuation mechanism enables efficient propulsion, controlled deformation, and complex locomotion patterns.
Keywords
ultrasound-driven soft robots
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Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-03-07 , Earliest start: 2025-03-10 , Latest end: 2025-09-10
Organization Acoustic Robotics for Life Sciences and Healthcare (ARSL)
Hosts Zhong Chengxi
Topics Engineering and Technology , Physics
Development of intelligent lab-on-a-chip devices for high-throughput cell manipulation and microrobot production
Microfluidic devices can be employed in biological research as lab-on-a-chip (LoC) and organ-on-a-chip (OoC) systems. These platforms enable precise in-situ cell manipulation within a highly controlled environment. In the project, we aim to develop an intelligent LoC/OoC device featuring a flexible smart “switch”, for massive production of biohybrid microrobots and high-throughput cell manipulation and drug testing.
Keywords
Lab-on-a-chip, organ-on-a-chip, magnetic microrobot, cell manipulation
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Semester Project , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-03-05 , Earliest start: 2025-03-10 , Latest end: 2025-12-31
Applications limited to ETH Zurich , Empa , EPFL - Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne , University of Basel , University of Berne , University of Fribourg , University of Geneva , University of Lausanne , University of Lucerne , University of St. Gallen , University of Zurich , Zurich University of Applied Sciences , Zurich University of the Arts , Hochschulmedizin Zürich , Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts
Organization Multiscale Robotics Lab
Hosts Zhu Jiawei
Topics Engineering and Technology , Biology
Novel Winch Control for Robotic Climbing
While legged robots have demonstrated impressive locomotion performance in structured environments, challenges persist in navigating steep natural terrain and loose, granular soil. These challenges extend to extraterrestrial environments and are relevant to future lunar, martian, and asteroidal missions. In order to explore the most extreme terrains, a novel winch system has been developed for the ANYmal robot platform. The winch could potentially be used as a fail-safe device to prevent falls during unassisted traverses of steep terrain, as well as an added driven degree of freedom for assisted ascending and descending of terrain too steep for unassisted traversal. The goal of this project is to develop control policies that utilize this new hardware and enable further climbing robot research.
Keywords
Robot, Space, Climbing, Winch, Control
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Semester Project , Master Thesis , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
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Published since: 2025-03-05 , Earliest start: 2024-10-07
Organization Robotic Systems Lab
Hosts Vogel Dylan
Topics Information, Computing and Communication Sciences , Engineering and Technology
Beyond Value Functions: Stable Robot Learning with Monte-Carlo GRPO
Robotics is dominated by on-policy reinforcement learning: the paradigm of training a robot controller by iteratively interacting with the environment and maximizing some objective. A crucial idea to make this work is the Advantage Function. On each policy update, algorithms typically sum up the gradient log probabilities of all actions taken in the robot simulation. The advantage function increases or decreases the probabilities of these taken actions by comparing their “goodness” versus a baseline. Current advantage estimation methods use a value function to aggregate robot experience and hence decrease variance. This improves sample efficiency at the cost of introducing some bias. Stably training large language models via reinforcement learning is well-known to be a challenging task. A line of recent work [1, 2] has used Group-Relative Policy Optimization (GRPO) to achieve this feat. In GRPO, a series of answers are generated for each query-answer pair. The advantage is calculated based on a given answer being better than the average answer to the query. In this formulation, no value function is required. Can we adapt GRPO towards robot learning? Value Functions are known to cause issues in training stability [3] and a result in biased advantage estimates [4]. We are in the age of GPU-accelerated RL [5], training policies by simulating thousands of robot instances simultaneously. This makes a new monte-carlo (MC) approach towards RL timely, feasible and appealing. In this project, the student will be tasked to investigate the limitations of value-function based advantage estimation. Using GRPO as a starting point, the student will then develop MC-based algorithms that use the GPU’s parallel simulation capabilities for stable RL training for unbiased variance reduction while maintaining a competitive wall-clock time.
Keywords
Robot Learning, Reinforcement Learning, Monte Carlo RL, GRPO, Advantage Estimation
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Semester Project , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-03-05
Organization Robotic Systems Lab
Hosts Klemm Victor
Topics Information, Computing and Communication Sciences , Engineering and Technology , Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences
Magnetic microrobots for targeted therapies
Recent advancements in medical robotics have significantly enhanced precision and innovation in healthcare, indicating a new era of minimally invasive procedures that reduce patient complications and discomfort. In particular, the development of robots constructed from materials with elastic moduli similar to soft biological tissues offers substantial promise for biomedical applications, as their inherent mechanical compliance improves safety during procedures. This project aims to fabricate double-compartment, soft, tether-free magnetic microrobots and to investigate their locomotion strategies. Critical parameters, including shape and magnetic anisotropy, will be examined in detail. Finally, the prototypes will be loaded with a model drug and evaluated in vitro using a silicone model.
Keywords
Nanoparticles, Iron Oxide, Hydrogel, Magnetic Navigation, Anisotropy
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Semester Project , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
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Published since: 2025-03-04 , Earliest start: 2025-03-09 , Latest end: 2025-08-31
Applications limited to ETH Zurich
Organization Multiscale Robotics Lab
Hosts Pustovalov Vitaly
Topics Engineering and Technology , Earth Sciences , Chemistry
Synthesis of a novel monomer for polymeric materials with on-demand degradation and enhanced durability
Plastic waste and the resulting environmental pollution are major challenges of our time. One of the problems is the mismatch of degradability and durability in plastics. Single use plastics like packaging material should be easy to degrade to facilitate recycling after use. However, these single use plastics are often very stable and hard to recycle. Performance plastics need to last during their lifetime without significant decrease in material properties, but aging in these materials eventually leads to material failure and replacement. Both situations generate plastic waste. Therefore, we want to synthesize a material that can degrade on-demand and experiences enhanced durability on longer timescales to satisfy the needs of single use plastics and performance plastics, respectively.
Keywords
Organic and polymer chemistry, novel monomer, degradability and durability
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Semester Project , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-03-04 , Earliest start: 2025-04-01
Organization Macromolecular Engineering Laboratory
Hosts Söll Carolina
Topics Engineering and Technology , Chemistry
Deep Learning-Based Blood Smear Scanning System for Automated White Blood Cell Classification
This project aims to develop a deep learning-powered microscope capable of imaging and classifying various white blood cell (WBC) subtypes from blood smears
Keywords
machine learning, white blood cell classification, deep learning, microscopy, image processing
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Semester Project , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-03-04 , Earliest start: 2025-03-01
Organization Biochemical Engineering (deMello Group)
Hosts Aslan Mahmut
Topics Engineering and Technology
Deep Learning of Residual Physics For Soft Robot Simulation
Incorporating state-of-the-art deep learning approaches to augment conventional soft robotic simulations for a fast, accurate and useful simulation for real soft robots.
Keywords
Soft Robotics, Machine Learning, Physical Modeling, Simulation
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Semester Project , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-03-02 , Earliest start: 2025-03-01 , Latest end: 2026-03-01
Organization Soft Robotics Lab
Hosts Michelis Mike , Katzschmann Robert, Prof. Dr.
Topics Information, Computing and Communication Sciences , Engineering and Technology
Volumetric Bucket-Fill Estimation
Gravis Robotics is an ETH spinoff from the Robotic Systems Lab (RSL) working on the automation of heavy machinery (https://gravisrobotics.com/). In this project, you will be working with the Gravis team to develop a perceptive bucket-fill estimation system. You will conduct your project at Gravis under joint supervision from RSL.
Keywords
Autonomous Excavation
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Semester Project , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-02-28 , Earliest start: 2025-01-01 , Latest end: 2026-01-01
Organization Robotic Systems Lab
Hosts Egli Pascal Arturo
Topics Engineering and Technology
Leveraging Human Motion Data from Videos for Humanoid Robot Motion Learning
The advancement in humanoid robotics has reached a stage where mimicking complex human motions with high accuracy is crucial for tasks ranging from entertainment to human-robot interaction in dynamic environments. Traditional approaches in motion learning, particularly for humanoid robots, rely heavily on motion capture (MoCap) data. However, acquiring large amounts of high-quality MoCap data is both expensive and logistically challenging. In contrast, video footage of human activities, such as sports events or dance performances, is widely available and offers an abundant source of motion data. Building on recent advancements in extracting and utilizing human motion from videos, such as the method proposed in WHAM (refer to the paper "Learning Physically Simulated Tennis Skills from Broadcast Videos"), this project aims to develop a system that extracts human motion from videos and applies it to teach a humanoid robot how to perform similar actions. The primary focus will be on extracting dynamic and expressive motions from videos, such as soccer player celebrations, and using these extracted motions as reference data for reinforcement learning (RL) and imitation learning on a humanoid robot.
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Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-02-25
Applications limited to ETH Zurich , EPFL - Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
Organization ETH Competence Center - ETH AI Center
Hosts Li Chenhao , Kaufmann Manuel , Li Chenhao , Li Chenhao , Kaufmann Manuel , Li Chenhao
Topics Engineering and Technology
Learning Agile Dodgeball Behaviors for Humanoid Robots
Agility and rapid decision-making are vital for humanoid robots to safely and effectively operate in dynamic, unstructured environments. In human contexts—whether in crowded spaces, industrial settings, or collaborative environments—robots must be capable of reacting to fast, unpredictable changes in their surroundings. This includes not only planned navigation around static obstacles but also rapid responses to dynamic threats such as falling objects, sudden human movements, or unexpected collisions. Developing such reactive capabilities in legged robots remains a significant challenge due to the complexity of real-time perception, decision-making under uncertainty, and balance control. Humanoid robots, with their human-like morphology, are uniquely positioned to navigate and interact with human-centered environments. However, achieving fast, dynamic responses—especially while maintaining postural stability—requires advanced control strategies that integrate perception, motion planning, and balance control within tight time constraints. The task of dodging fast-moving objects, such as balls, provides an ideal testbed for studying these capabilities. It encapsulates several core challenges: rapid object detection and trajectory prediction, real-time motion planning, dynamic stability maintenance, and reactive behavior under uncertainty. Moreover, it presents a simplified yet rich framework to investigate more general collision avoidance strategies that could later be extended to complex real-world interactions. In robotics, reactive motion planning for dynamic environments has been widely studied, but primarily in the context of wheeled robots or static obstacle fields. Classical approaches focus on precomputed motion plans or simple reactive strategies, often unsuitable for highly dynamic scenarios where split-second decisions are critical. In the domain of legged robotics, maintaining balance while executing rapid, evasive maneuvers remains a challenging problem. Previous work on dynamic locomotion has addressed agile behaviors like running, jumping, or turning (e.g., Hutter et al., 2016; Kim et al., 2019), but these movements are often planned in advance rather than triggered reactively. More recent efforts have leveraged reinforcement learning (RL) to enable robots to adapt to dynamic environments, demonstrating success in tasks such as obstacle avoidance, perturbation recovery, and agile locomotion (Peng et al., 2017; Hwangbo et al., 2019). However, many of these approaches still struggle with real-time constraints and robustness in high-speed, unpredictable scenarios. Perception-driven control in humanoids, particularly for tasks requiring fast reactions, has seen advances through sensor fusion, visual servoing, and predictive modeling. For example, integrating vision-based object tracking with dynamic motion planning has enabled robots to perform tasks like ball catching or blocking (Ishiguro et al., 2002; Behnke, 2004). Yet, dodging requires a fundamentally different approach: instead of converging toward an object (as in catching), the robot must predict and strategically avoid the object’s trajectory while maintaining balance—often in the presence of limited maneuvering time. Dodgeball-inspired robotics research has been explored in limited contexts, primarily using wheeled robots or simplified agents in simulations. Few studies have addressed the challenges of high-speed evasion combined with the complexities of humanoid balance and multi-joint coordination. This project aims to bridge that gap by developing learning-based methods that enable humanoid robots to reactively avoid fast-approaching objects in real time, while preserving stability and agility.
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Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-02-25
Applications limited to ETH Zurich , EPFL - Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
Organization ETH Competence Center - ETH AI Center
Hosts Li Chenhao , Li Chenhao , Li Chenhao , Li Chenhao
Topics Engineering and Technology
Learning Real-time Human Motion Tracking on a Humanoid Robot
Humanoid robots, designed to mimic the structure and behavior of humans, have seen significant advancements in kinematics, dynamics, and control systems. Teleoperation of humanoid robots involves complex control strategies to manage bipedal locomotion, balance, and interaction with environments. Research in this area has focused on developing robots that can perform tasks in environments designed for humans, from simple object manipulation to navigating complex terrains. Reinforcement learning has emerged as a powerful method for enabling robots to learn from interactions with their environment, improving their performance over time without explicit programming for every possible scenario. In the context of humanoid robotics and teleoperation, RL can be used to optimize control policies, adapt to new tasks, and improve the efficiency and safety of human-robot interactions. Key challenges include the high dimensionality of the action space, the need for safe exploration, and the transfer of learned skills across different tasks and environments. Integrating human motion tracking with reinforcement learning on humanoid robots represents a cutting-edge area of research. This approach involves using human motion data as input to train RL models, enabling the robot to learn more natural and human-like movements. The goal is to develop systems that can not only replicate human actions in real-time but also adapt and improve their responses over time through learning. Challenges in this area include ensuring real-time performance, dealing with the variability of human motion, and maintaining stability and safety of the humanoid robot.
Keywords
real-time, humanoid, reinforcement learning, representation learning
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Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-02-25
Organization ETH Competence Center - ETH AI Center
Hosts Li Chenhao , Li Chenhao , Li Chenhao , Li Chenhao
Topics Information, Computing and Communication Sciences
Acoustic Standing Waves for Particle Manipulation in Air
Acoustic standing waves can be used to manipulate physical objects in both gas and liquid environments. This project investigates their effects on particle flow and selectivity in air, considering various particle sizes and weights. Through modeling, simulations, and experimental validation, we aim to characterize the selectivity of these waves and develop a compact driver circuit for practical implementation. The student will work closely with Honeywell engineers on test setups, electronic designs, and prototyping. A successful outcome may lead to a subsequent R&D phase or PhD project in a collaboration with Honeywellto further develop these findings.
Keywords
Acoustics, Standing Waves, Particle Manipulation, Flow Control, Electronics
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Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-02-25 , Earliest start: 2025-02-25 , Latest end: 2025-09-30
Organization Acoustic Robotics for Life Sciences and Healthcare (ARSL)
Hosts Medany Mahmoud
Topics Engineering and Technology , Physics
Loosely Guided Reinforcement Learning for Humanoid Parkour
Humanoid robots hold the promise of navigating complex, human-centric environments with agility and adaptability. However, training these robots to perform dynamic behaviors such as parkour—jumping, climbing, and traversing obstacles—remains a significant challenge due to the high-dimensional state and action spaces involved. Traditional Reinforcement Learning (RL) struggles in such settings, primarily due to sparse rewards and the extensive exploration needed for complex tasks. This project proposes a novel approach to address these challenges by incorporating loosely guided references into the RL process. Instead of relying solely on task-specific rewards or complex reward shaping, we introduce a simplified reference trajectory that serves as a guide during training. This trajectory, often limited to the robot's base movement, reduces the exploration burden without constraining the policy to strict tracking, allowing the emergence of diverse and adaptable behaviors. Reinforcement Learning has demonstrated remarkable success in training agents for tasks ranging from game playing to robotic manipulation. However, its application to high-dimensional, dynamic tasks like humanoid parkour is hindered by two primary challenges: Exploration Complexity: The vast state-action space of humanoids leads to slow convergence, often requiring millions of training steps. Reward Design: Sparse rewards make it difficult for the agent to discover meaningful behaviors, while dense rewards demand intricate and often brittle design efforts. By introducing a loosely guided reference—a simple trajectory representing the desired flow of the task—we aim to reduce the exploration space while maintaining the flexibility of RL. This approach bridges the gap between pure RL and demonstration-based methods, enabling the learning of complex maneuvers like climbing, jumping, and dynamic obstacle traversal without heavy reliance on reward engineering or exact demonstrations.
Keywords
humanoid, reinforcement learning, loosely guided
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Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-02-25
Organization ETH Competence Center - ETH AI Center
Hosts Li Chenhao , Li Chenhao , Li Chenhao , Li Chenhao
Topics Information, Computing and Communication Sciences
Piezoelectric Atomization: Optimizing Liquid and Gel Dispersion
Piezoelectric elements are widely used for particle manipulation and atomization, with applications in humidification, cooling, and medical aerosol generation. However, temperature and environmental factors can impact the efficiency of vaporization and the properties of the generated droplets. Additionally, the heat generated by piezo elements affects particle size and flux, requiring careful control. This project will investigate the effect of piezoelectric elements on liquid and gel atomization, optimizing power consumption, repeatability, and calibration. A proof-of-concept demonstrator will be developed to study these parameters under controlled conditions. A successful outcome may lead to a subsequent R&D phase or PhD project in collaboration with Honeywell to further develop these findings
Keywords
Piezoelectric Atomization, Liquid/Gel Dispersion, Energy Efficiency, Particle Size Control, Low-Power Electronics
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Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-02-25 , Earliest start: 2025-02-25 , Latest end: 2025-09-30
Organization Acoustic Robotics for Life Sciences and Healthcare (ARSL)
Hosts Medany Mahmoud
Topics Engineering and Technology , Physics
Learning World Models for Legged Locomotion
Model-based reinforcement learning learns a world model from which an optimal control policy can be extracted. Understanding and predicting the forward dynamics of legged systems is crucial for effective control and planning. Forward dynamics involve predicting the next state of the robot given its current state and the applied actions. While traditional physics-based models can provide a baseline understanding, they often struggle with the complexities and non-linearities inherent in real-world scenarios, particularly due to the varying contact patterns of the robot's feet with the ground. The project aims to develop and evaluate neural network-based models for predicting the dynamics of legged environments, focusing on accounting for varying contact patterns and non-linearities. This involves collecting and preprocessing data from various simulation environment experiments, designing neural network architectures that incorporate necessary structures, and exploring hybrid models that combine physics-based predictions with neural network corrections. The models will be trained and evaluated on prediction autoregressive accuracy, with an emphasis on robustness and generalization capabilities across different noise perturbations. By the end of the project, the goal is to achieve an accurate, robust, and generalizable predictive model for the forward dynamics of legged systems.
Keywords
forward dynamics, non-smooth dynamics, neural networks, model-based reinforcement learning
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Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-02-25
Organization Robotic Systems Lab
Hosts Li Chenhao , Li Chenhao , Li Chenhao , Li Chenhao
Topics Engineering and Technology
Developing Multi-Functional Microrobots Using Microfluidic Chips (3M project)
We are looking for a motivated Master’s student to join an exciting interdisciplinary thesis project, collaborating between the Multi-Scale Robotics Lab (D-MAVT) and the deMello group (D-CHAB) at ETH Zurich. This project focuses on creating a novel microfluidic-based bottom-up method to fabricate multifunctional microrobots. This innovative approach seeks to revolutionize microrobot fabrication, opening the door to diverse new applications.
Keywords
Microfluidics, Self-assembly, Microrobots
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Master Thesis , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
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Published since: 2025-02-21 , Earliest start: 2025-02-17
Organization Multiscale Robotics Lab
Hosts Hu Minghan
Topics Engineering and Technology , Chemistry
Refining FEM Models for Predicting Fretting Fatigue Occurrence in Dental Implants
This project investigates fretting fatigue in dental implants, focusing on the impact of small, repeated interfacial movements on fatigue life. By analyzing existing fatigue test data, performing SEM-based failure analysis, and refining computational models, the goal is to better predict fretting mechanisms and reduce the need for extensive experimental testing.
Keywords
Fretting Fatigue Dental Implants Fatigue Testing Computational Modeling SEM Analysis
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Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-02-19 , Earliest start: 2025-04-01 , Latest end: 2025-07-01
Applications limited to ETH Zurich
Organization Experimental Continuum Mechanics
Hosts Hosseini Ehsan
Topics Engineering and Technology
Maturation Platform for Engineered 3D Muscle Tissues
The frontier of research in soft robotics aims at replacing classic soft materials used for actuators with biological ones (muscle) to take advantage of the innate adaptability, energy efficiency, and softness of biological systems. To grow more performant muscle tissues for robotics, we need to engineer a maturation platform for the muscle tissues that can provide the necessary mechanical and electrical cues. Therefore, in this project, we will aim to engineer a maturation platform for skeletal muscle bioactuators. The maturation platform will work as a device that applies cyclic stretch to the growing skeletal muscle tissue by pneumatic actuation. An initial prototype of the maturation platform has already been designed (see image). Your project will start from this prototype and do further optimization to result in a system that can give multiple stretching inputs to different muscle tissues.
Keywords
biohybrid robotics, soft robotics, 3D printing, biomaterials, actuation, material characterization
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Semester Project , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
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Published since: 2025-02-19 , Earliest start: 2025-02-20 , Latest end: 2025-10-31
Applications limited to EPFL - Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne , ETH Zurich , Empa , IBM Research Zurich Lab , University of Zurich
Organization Soft Robotics Lab
Hosts Balciunaite Aiste , Katzschmann Robert, Prof. Dr.
Topics Engineering and Technology
Design and Force-feedback Control of a Robotic Platform for Autonomous Eye Injections
The objective of this project is to advance an existing robotic platform capable of autonomously delivering injections into the human eye. Rather than starting from scratch, the student will build on significant prior research. The primary task is to implement a force-feedback control algorithm that acts as the system’s safety mechanism. Specifically, the student will develop an admittance control algorithm, enabling the robot to adapt to unexpected disturbances by using real-time data from a 6D eye-tracking device and a force sensor.
Keywords
feedback control, admittance control, industrial design
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Semester Project , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-02-19
Organization Multiscale Robotics Lab
Hosts Ehmke Claas
Topics Engineering and Technology
Design and Force-feedback Control of a Robotic Platform for Autonomous Eye Injections
The objective of this project is to advance an existing robotic platform capable of autonomously delivering injections into the human eye. Rather than starting from scratch, the student will build on significant prior research. The primary task is to implement a force-feedback control algorithm that acts as the system’s safety mechanism. Specifically, the student will develop an admittance control algorithm, enabling the robot to adapt to unexpected disturbances by using real-time data from a 6D eye-tracking device and a force sensor.
Keywords
feedback control, compliance control, industrial design
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Semester Project , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-02-19 , Earliest start: 2025-02-20
Organization Multiscale Robotics Lab
Hosts Ehmke Claas
Topics Engineering and Technology
Granular Hydrogels for Chronic Wound Healing: Enhancing Stability, Transport, and Clinical Readiness
The development of biomaterials for chronic wound healing faces significant challenges in achieving shelf-stability, transportability, and compliance with clinical manufacturing standards. To address these hurdles, we aim to integrate a freeze-drying (lyophilization) step into the preparation of our granular hydrogels, facilitating storage and transport without compromising functionality. By validating the post-rehydration performance of lyophilized microgels, we aim to ensure the robustness of our product for clinical use.
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Semester Project , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-02-18 , Earliest start: 2025-04-01 , Latest end: 2025-12-31
Organization Macromolecular Engineering Laboratory
Hosts Emiroglu Börte
Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Chemistry , Biology
Ex vivo evaluation of wound healing using granular biomaterials
Chronic wound care is hindered by the complex and variable proteomic profiles of wound exudates, which limit the efficacy of existing therapies. We aim to validate the effectiveness of our granular hydrogel platform in restoring balance to the wound microenvironment. Utilizing exudates obtained from diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) patients, we will optimize our microgel library to target clinically relevant cytokine profiles.
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Semester Project , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-02-18 , Earliest start: 2025-03-01 , Latest end: 2025-12-31
Organization Macromolecular Engineering Laboratory
Hosts Emiroglu Börte , Singh Apoorv
Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology , Chemistry , Biology
Development of Core@Shell Magnetoelectric Nanoparticles for Targeted Brain Stimulation
Magnetoelectric materials are highly promising in biomedicine with their unique ability to couple magnetic and electric fields. This coupling allows remote and precise control of various biological processes. For instance, in drug delivery, magnetoelectric nanoparticles can be directed to specific locations in the body using an external magnetic field, followed by electrical stimulation to trigger the release of therapeutic agents. The responsiveness and multifunctionality make magnetoelectric nanoparticles versatile tools in advancing non-invasive medical treatments and targeted therapies.
Keywords
Surface engineering, Nanoparticles, Iron oxide, Barium titanate, Brain Stimulation
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Semester Project , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
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Published since: 2025-02-18 , Earliest start: 2025-02-24 , Latest end: 2025-06-01
Applications limited to ETH Zurich
Organization Multiscale Robotics Lab
Hosts Pustovalov Vitaly
Topics Engineering and Technology , Chemistry
Solvothermal Synthesis of Metal Ferrite Nanoparticles for Small-Scale Robotic Applications
Metal ferrite nanoparticles have gathered attention due to their promising characteristics for biomedical applications, such as targeted drug delivery or diagnostics. Nanoparticle properties (e.g., morphology, size, magnetic response) play a critical role to enhance their efficacy during the application. On the other hand, reproducibility is still a considerable challenge in most of the synthesis approaches.
Keywords
Nanoparticles, Magnetism, Microrobotics, Iron oxide
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Semester Project , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
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Published since: 2025-02-18 , Earliest start: 2025-02-24 , Latest end: 2025-06-01
Applications limited to ETH Zurich
Organization Multiscale Robotics Lab
Hosts Pustovalov Vitaly
Topics Engineering and Technology , Chemistry
Functional phenotyping of human brain organoids
Duplication 15q (Dup15q) syndrome is one of the most common forms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In Dup15q, the chromosome region 15q 11.2-13.1 is duplicated. Compared to other types of ASDs, it has been reported that individuals suffering from Dup15q show significantly more impairments in regard to motor- and daily living skills. Many Dup15q patients also have epilepsy, which is correlated to altered cognitive and adaptive functions. Recent studies using whole-cell patch clamp and calcium imaging techniques have demonstrated that Dup15 human neurons demonstrate significant differences in some electrophysiological parameters, indicating a hyperexcitability phenotype. These alterations were mainly attributed to overexpression of the protein UBE3A, but the exact mechanisms leading to this phenotype are not yet fully understood. In this project, we will use cerebral organoids generated from Dup15q patient derived induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines, and isogenic controls, to electrophysiologically characterize and model Dup15q syndrome in vitro. This project will also entail analysis of the electrophysiological data using computational methods such as spike sorting and functional connectivity analysis.
Keywords
Brain organoids, neurodevelopmental disorders, high-density microelectrode arrays
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Semester Project , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-02-17 , Earliest start: 2025-04-01 , Latest end: 2025-12-31
Organization Bio Engineering Laboratory
Hosts Schröter Manuel
Topics Medical and Health Sciences
Can we consider spore as ellipsoid polystyrene particles? – Characterization of ellipsoid polystyrene particles
This research focuses on understanding the colloidal behaviour of bacterial spores through diverse characterization techniques. Your work will focus on characterizing ellipsoid polystyrene particles instead of Bacillus subtilis spores. The same characterization experiments had already been conducted on Bacillus subtilis spores, providing valuable experience with the required procedures.
Keywords
Particle characterization, particle at interface
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Semester Project , Internship , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis , Summer School
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Published since: 2025-02-14 , Earliest start: 2025-03-02
Organization Interfaces, Soft matter and Assembly
Hosts Hu Yiyao
Topics Engineering and Technology
Jellyfish Robot Design and Acoustically Assisted Motion Control Using AI
Jellyfish-inspired robots have gained significant attention in soft robotics and biomimetic engineering due to their energy efficiency, silent propulsion, and adaptability to aquatic environments. The AI-powered Jellyfish robots offer a promising avenue for developing next-generation robotic systems with applications in biomedical research, environmental monitoring, and marine life interaction.
Keywords
AI-powered soft robotics, Jellyfish-inspired locomotion, Acoustically assisted propulsion, Machine learning-based motion control.
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Master Thesis , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
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Published since: 2025-02-14 , Earliest start: 2025-02-17 , Latest end: 2025-07-31
Organization Acoustic Robotics for Life Sciences and Healthcare (ARSL)
Hosts Zhong Chengxi
Topics Engineering and Technology
Ultrasound Transducer Array based Helmet for Transcranial Therapy
Ultrasound-based transcranial therapy is emerging as a non-invasive and highly precise technique for treating neurological disorders, enhancing drug delivery, and promoting brain stimulation. By leveraging an advanced ultrasound transducer array embedded in a wearable helmet, this project aims to develop a novel system for targeted, real-time brain therapy
Keywords
Transcranial ultrasound therapy, Steering ultrasound field, Ultrasound transducer array design.
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Master Thesis , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
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Published since: 2025-02-14 , Earliest start: 2025-02-17 , Latest end: 2025-07-31
Organization Acoustic Robotics for Life Sciences and Healthcare (ARSL)
Hosts Zhong Chengxi
Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology
Development of a linear electrostatic film actuator for a Humanoid Robotic Hand
Development of a linear electrostatic film actuator for soft robotic applications such as the actuation of a humanoid robotic hand.
Keywords
Electrostatic, Linear actuator, Flexible electronics, Soft Robotics, Humanoid Robotic Hands
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Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-02-13 , Earliest start: 2025-02-23 , Latest end: 2025-12-31
Organization Soft Robotics Lab
Hosts Katzschmann Robert, Prof. Dr.
Topics Engineering and Technology
Design and Fabrication of Dexterous, Humanoid Robotic Hand
Design and build dexterous human-like robotic hands with us at the Soft Robotics Lab and the spin-off mimic. We will explore different possibilities of developing design features such as tendon-driven mechanisms, lightweight structures, and complex mechanical joints of the hand. The developed features shall be integrated into a fully functional robotic hand and applied to solve practical manipulation challenges.
Keywords
humanoid, robotics, hand, dexterity, soft robotics, actuation, prototyping, modeling and control, mechatronics, biomimetic, design, 3D printing, silicone casting
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Semester Project , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-02-13 , Earliest start: 2024-09-01 , Latest end: 2025-07-24
Organization Soft Robotics Lab
Hosts Hinchet Ronan , Katzschmann Robert, Prof. Dr. , Weirich Stefan
Topics Engineering and Technology
FPGA-based platform for in-vitro neural interfaces
The student will develop an FPGA-based platform for interacting with in-vitro neuronal cultures, including real-time spike detection and neuron stimulation. The project is focused on VHDL programming, although it could include other software development and/or wet-lab tasks with neurons depending on the interests of the student.
Keywords
VHDL; FPGA; Engineering; Neural interface; In-vitro neuronal culture; CMOS Microelectrode Array; Neuroscience.
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Semester Project , Internship , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-02-12 , Earliest start: 2022-09-01
Organization Bio Engineering Laboratory
Hosts Cardes Fernando
Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology
Living Composite Material
Microorganisms that can be found everywhere in our environment are able to produce a variety of molecules from very simple precursors. Some of the products synthetized by bacteria are materials with fascinating properties such as cellulose with excellent mechanical properties. Materials produced by living cells are attractive because they are produced with minimal energy input and are based on green chemicals. Moreover, if well-designed, these materials still contain the living cells and are thus able to react onto external stimuli. Therefore, they have the potential to repair themselves upon damage or form materials with locally defined microstructures and architectures.
Keywords
Living Materials, Bacteria, Material Science, Master Thesis
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Semester Project , Internship , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis , Master Project (D-MATL)
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Published since: 2025-02-12 , Earliest start: 2024-01-08
Organization Complex Materials
Hosts Steinacher Mathias, Mr.
Topics Engineering and Technology , Chemistry , Biology
Supervised learning for loco-manipulation
To spot arm operations, we propose a multi-phase approach combining supervised learning and reinforcement learning (RL). First, we will employ supervised learning to develop a model for solving inverse kinematics (IK), enabling precise joint angle calculations from desired end-effector pose. Next, we will utilize another supervised learning technique to build a collision avoidance model, trained to predict and avoid self-collisions based on arm configurations and environmental data. With these pre-trained networks, we will then integrate RL to generate dynamic and safe arm-motion plans. The RL agent will leverage the IK and collision avoidance models to optimize arm trajectories, ensuring efficient and collision-free movements. This entire pipeline could be back propagated while promising to enhance the accuracy, safety, and flexibility of robotic arm operations in complex environments.
Keywords
Spot, Supervised learning, loco-manipulation
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Master Thesis , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
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Published since: 2025-02-10 , Earliest start: 2025-02-10 , Latest end: 2026-03-01
Organization Robotic Systems Lab
Hosts Mirrazavi Sina
Topics Information, Computing and Communication Sciences