Student Projects
We offer student projects such as bachelor theses, semester projects or master theses and we are also open for students' own proposals on potential students projects.
Computational Modeling of Muscle Dynamics for Biohybrid Robots
This research aims to advance biohybrid robotics by integrating living biological components with artificial materials. The focus is on developing computational models for artificial muscle cells, a critical element in creating biohybrid robots. Challenges include modeling the complex and nonlinear nature of biological muscles, considering factors like elasticity and muscle fatigue, as well as accounting for fluid-structure interaction in the artificial muscle's environment. The research combines first principle soft body simulation methods and machine learning to improve understanding and control of biohybrid systems.
Keywords
Biohybrid Robotics, Computational Models, Soft Body Simulation, Finite Element Method (FEM), Muscle Dynamics, Soft Robotics
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Semester Project , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis
Description
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Published since: 2025-12-09 , Earliest start: 2026-01-01 , Latest end: 2026-12-31
Organization Soft Robotics Lab
Hosts Mekkattu Manuel , Katzschmann Robert, Prof. Dr.
Topics Mathematical Sciences , Information, Computing and Communication Sciences , Engineering and Technology , Biology , Physics
GPU Acceleration of Soft Robot Modeling: Enhancing Performance with CUDA
We are enhancing soft robot modeling by developing a GPU-accelerated version of our FEM-based framework using CUDA. This research focuses on optimizing parallel computations to significantly speed up simulations, enabling larger problem sizes and real-time control. By improving computational efficiency, we aim to advance soft robotics research and facilitate more detailed, dynamic simulations.
Keywords
Soft Body Simulation, high-performance computing, GPU programming, Parallel Computing, Finite Element Method (FEM), Multiphysics Simulation
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Semester Project , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis
Description
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Published since: 2025-12-09 , Earliest start: 2026-01-01 , Latest end: 2026-12-31
Organization Soft Robotics Lab
Hosts Katzschmann Robert, Prof. Dr. , Mekkattu Manuel
Topics Information, Computing and Communication Sciences , Engineering and Technology
Advancing Soft Robot Modeling: Integrating Physics, Optimization, and Control
We are advancing soft robot simulation with FEM and energy-based methods to model complex, adaptive behaviors. This research entails developing the framework to support diverse designs, integrate new physics models, and optimize performance, enabling enhanced control and real-world applications of soft robots.
Keywords
Soft Robotics, Finite Element Method (FEM), Physical Modeling, Benchmarking, Optimization, Multiphysics Simulation, Sim-to-Real
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Semester Project , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis
Description
Work Packages
Requirements
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Published since: 2025-12-09 , Earliest start: 2026-01-01 , Latest end: 2026-12-31
Organization Soft Robotics Lab
Hosts Mekkattu Manuel , Katzschmann Robert, Prof. Dr.
Topics Information, Computing and Communication Sciences , Engineering and Technology
Tactile Sensing and Model-Based RL for Contact-Aware Control in Soft Robots
Soft robotic manipulators excel in safe, compliant motion, but controlling them during contact-rich interactions remains a major challenge. This project aims to develop contact-aware control for a tendon-driven soft robotic arm by combining vision-based tactile sensing with model-based reinforcement learning (MBRL).
Keywords
soft robotics, tendon-driven actuation, capacitive sensing, model-based RL, contact-rich control
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Master Thesis , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
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Published since: 2025-11-19 , Earliest start: 2026-01-15 , Latest end: 2026-12-31
Organization Soft Robotics Lab
Hosts Zheng Hehui
Topics Information, Computing and Communication Sciences , Engineering and Technology
Mini-muscle gym: Developing a Broad-field Electrical and Mechanical Stimulation Device for Biohybrid Robots
Biohybrid robotics seeks to replace conventional actuator materials with engineered muscle to harness the adaptability and efficiency of biological systems. A major challenge, however, remains the limited force output of engineered skeletal muscle tissues. This project aims to address that limitation through the development of an electrical stimulation system integrated into a muscle-maturation platform ("mini-muscle gym") designed to enhance tissue strength via mechanical and electrical cues. The work will involve circuit and PCB design, implementation within an existing mechanical framework, and close collaboration with tissue engineers to meet biological requirements. The resulting thesis will form an interdisciplinary contribution at the interface of engineering and biology. See attached pdf for further details and references.
Keywords
Biohybrid robotics, soft robotics, circuit design, signal generation, biomaterials, electrical stimulation, mechanical stimulation, actuation, tissue engineering, muscle tissue, muscle cells.
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Semester Project , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-11-17 , Earliest start: 2025-11-24 , Latest end: 2026-07-31
Organization Soft Robotics Lab
Hosts Balciunaite Aiste , Paniagua Pablo
Topics Engineering and Technology
Characterizing the Contraction Dynamics of Tissue Engineered Skeletal Muscle Constructs for Biohybrid Robots
Soft robotics is moving toward the use of biological materials, such as muscle tissue, to create biohybrid actuators that harness the adaptability and efficiency of living systems. However, the lack of accurate computational models for muscle contraction limits rational design, making development heavily reliant on trial and error. This project contributes to a sim-to-real pipeline for biohybrid muscle design, focusing on fabrication and experimental characterization of actuators. Students will gain experience in skeletal muscle culture, confocal microscopy, calcium imaging, and force measurements, resulting in an interdisciplinary thesis bridging mechanical engineering and biology.
Keywords
Biohybrid robotics, soft robotics, 3D printing, biomaterials, tissue engineering, muscle tissue, muscle cells, bioprinting, biofabrication, electrical stimulation, actuation, material characterization.
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Semester Project , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-11-11 , Earliest start: 2025-11-28 , Latest end: 2026-07-31
Organization Soft Robotics Lab
Hosts Balciunaite Aiste , Katzschmann Robert, Prof. Dr.
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: 2025-09-30 , 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
For all projects, please contact the responsible supervisor if you have questions and apply via sirop.org with your cover letter, detailed CV, transcripts, and prior publications (if you have any).
In case you have project ideas related to our research areas or research platforms, take the opportunity and propose your own project!