Biorobotics Laboratory BioRob
Project Database
This page contains the database of possible research projects for master and bachelor students in the Biorobotics Laboratory (BioRob). Visiting students are also welcome to join BioRob, but it should be noted that no funding is offered for those projects. To enroll for a project, please directly contact one of the assistants (directly in his/her office, by phone or by mail). Spontaneous propositions for projects are also welcome, if they are related to the research topics of BioRob, see the BioRob Research pages and the results of previous student projects.
Search filter: only projects matching the keyword Mechanical Construction are shown here. Remove filter
Amphibious robotics
Computational Neuroscience
Dynamical systems
Human-exoskeleton dynamics and control
Humanoid robotics
Miscellaneous
Mobile robotics
Modular robotics
Neuro-muscular modelling
Quadruped robotics
Miscellaneous
| 725 – Development of a waterproof setup to measure ground reaction force during salamander locomotion |
| Category: | semester project | |
| Keywords: | Data Evaluation, Data Processing, Embedded Systems, Experiments, Firmware, Locomotion, Mechanical Construction, Prototyping | |
| Type: | 90% hardware, 10% software | |
| Responsibles: |
(MED 1 1611, phone: 36620)
(MED 1 1626, phone: 38676) | |
| Description: | Locomotion is the result of complex interactions between the environment, the mechanical structure of the body, and the controllers. Measuring the physical interaction between the body and the environment can be very useful in understanding many mechanisms in locomotion, such as the role of force feedback in body coordination, the generation of propulsion in challenging environments, and the benefits of passive mechanics in handling perturbations. This project aims to develop a waterproof setup to measure ground reaction forces during the amphibious locomotion of salamanders. The setup will contain a sensorized top surface that can be configured to different shapes. The surface will be divided into multiple pieces, each connected to a 3-axis force sensor to measure the force applied to it. The student will mainly focus on the mechanical design and manufacturing of the setup, as well as the programming of the electronics to collect and store the data. Students who are interested in this project could send his/her CV, transcripts, and materials that can demonstrate project experience (videos, slides, reports, etc.), if possible, to qiyuan.fu@epfl.ch. Last edited: 23/02/2024 | |
| 730 – Development of an experimental setup to measure salamander body stiffness and damping |
| Category: | semester project, master project (full-time) | |
| Keywords: | Data Evaluation, Data Processing, Embedded Systems, Experiments, Firmware, Locomotion, Mechanical Construction, Prototyping | |
| Type: | 5% theory, 75% hardware, 20% software | |
| Responsibles: |
(MED 1 1611, phone: 36620)
(MED 1 1626, phone: 38676) | |
| Description: | Locomotion is the result of complex interactions between the environment, the mechanical structure of the body, and the controllers. Measuring the physical properties of the musculoskeletal system can be very useful in helping us better understand animal anatomy, reveal the benefits of passive mechanisms in handling perturbation, develop more accurate modeling for simulation, and develop bioinspired robots with higher performance. This project aims to develop a setup to measure the passive stiffness and damping of the trunk and the limbs of salamanders. The setup will simultaneously control a motor to bend euthanized animals while collecting force/torque readings on a transducer. The student will need to design and manufacture the setup following a previous publication, test the setup, and potentially collect data in our collaborators' labs in France/Sweden/Canada. Students who are interested in this project could send his/her CV, transcripts, and materials that can demonstrate project experience (videos, slides, reports, etc.), if possible, to qiyuan.fu@epfl.ch and chuanfang.ning@epfl.ch. Students with a solid background in mechatronics design are preferred. Last edited: 11/01/2024 | |
| 729 – Robotic paleontology: tail strike defense |
| Category: | master project (full-time) | |
| Keywords: | 3D, Biomimicry, Embedded Systems, Experiments, Mechanical Construction, Programming | |
| Type: | 20% theory, 60% hardware, 20% software | |
| Responsible: | (MED 1 1226, phone: 32658) | |
| Description: | We offer an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated graduate student in Mechanical Engineering to undertake a thesis project focusing on designing and constructing a robotic apparatus to test and validate the impact force of a dinosaur tail strike. This project spans approximately 6 months and requires a combination of mechanical design expertise, force plate measurements, innovation in biomimetic structures, and proficiency in data analysis. Project DescriptionThe thesis project revolves around designing, building, and controlling a life-sized robotic tail capable of replicating the striking force of a dinosaur’s club-shaped tail. The aim is to accurately measure impact force and velocity using a bone-like material reproduction sourced from fossils we have at the Palaeontological Institute and Museum of the University of Zurich. This endeavor will involve close collaboration with a multidisciplinary team and conducting experiments at our facilities at Empa Dübendorf by Zurich.
Responsibilities
RequirementsExpected OutcomesIf you are a Master's student passionate about pushing the boundaries of robotics, biomimicry, and mechanical engineering and are looking for an engaging thesis project, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your resume/CV along with a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are excited about this exceptional thesis opportunity to Auke Ijspeert as well as Ardian Jusufi. Last edited: 22/12/2023 | |
3 projects found.