Student Projects

Transcatheter procedures avoid the trauma and risks of open-heart surgery by delivering devices that are intended to replicate surgical repair and replacement. We are creating novel devices and tools for both valve repair and replacement. These projects require innovative design and creative problem-solving skills along with expertise in prototyping and experimental evaluation.

This Master thesis is conducted at the Harvard Medical School, Boston.

Applicants should inquire by email with Prof. Pierre Dupont (Pierre.Dupont@childrens.harvard.edu) with a description of their qualifications, background, and availability.

We are developing robotic catheters for heart valve repair and for treatment of arrythmias. Robotics offers the advantage of reducing the learning curve for complex beating-heart procedures and provides a platform for introducing automation. Important components of these projects can include: (1) developing and implementing autonomous control strategies, (2) integration of therapeutic devices, and (3) testing in anatomical and animal models.

This Master thesis is conducted at the Harvard Medical School, Boston.

Applicants should inquire by email with Prof. Pierre Dupont (Pierre.Dupont@childrens.harvard.edu) with a description of their qualifications, background, and availability.

Why this project matters:

Computed-tomography (CT) phantoms have already helped reduce radiation exposure for adults without sacrificing image quality. Yet the smallest and most vulnerable patients, newborns and young children, still undergo scans with protocols tuned to adult reference objects. By creating the first paediatric-specific phantom, you will enable radiologists to optimise scan parameters that cut dose while preserving diagnostic detail, directly improving long-term safety for thousands of young patients every year.

Project partners & resources:

Multi-Scale Robotics Lab (ETH Zürich) – advanced manufacturing, materials and imaging infrastructure

Kinderspital Zürich, Dept. of Radiology – access to clinical CT scanners, paediatric data sets and expert feedback

Interdisciplinary mentorship spanning robotics, medical imaging and materials science

Work-package

During the project you will move through a sequence of interconnected work packages. You will start with a literature and clinical-needs review, gaining a solid grasp of medical-imaging fundamentals and radiation-dose metrics. Next comes micro-CT and DICOM segmentation, where you will refine 3-D data-processing skills. Material screening and mixing follow, introducing you to polymer processing and radiodensity testing. You will then advance to additive manufacturing, employing FFF or SLA printers, multi-material strategies, and post-processing techniques, to build the phantom components. Experimental imaging rounds out the technical work: you will design scan protocols, compare phantom and patient data, and analyse results statistically. Finally, you will synthesise your findings through scientific writing, with the potential to draft a journal or conference paper for wider dissemination.

Ideal candidate profile

• Master or Semster thesis student in Mechanical / Materials Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Physics or similar

• Hands-on experience with 3-D printing or polymer processing is a plus

• Familiarity with CT / medical imaging concepts welcomed but not mandatory

• Self-driven, organised and excited to work at the interface of engineering, medicine and patient safety

What you gain

• Direct clinical impact, your prototype may become the reference object for paediatric dose optimisation in Switzerland

• Access to cutting-edge facilities and mentorship from world-class researchers and radiologists

• Possibility to co-author a peer-reviewed publication if applicable

• A showcase project that blends advanced manufacturing, materials science and healthcare innovation

Practicalities

Start: Autumn 2025 (flexible)

Duration: 1 semester (Semester thesis) or 6 months (Master thesis)

Location: MSRL at ETH Zürich (CLA building) with scheduled measurement sessions at Kinderspital, remote data work possible

1. Benchmark the gap – analyse current adult phantoms vs. paediatric anatomy & dose requirements
2. Material discovery – identify commercially available or custom-compounded polymers/ceramic blends whose X-ray attenuation mimics infant bone and soft tissue (target HU ranges ≈ −100 to +800)
3. Phantom design & fabrication – develop a modular newborn / 5-year-old skull phantom (CAD, segmentation, high-resolution 3-D printing / casting)
4. Quantitative validation – scan prototypes at Kinderspital, compare HU maps, noise, CNR and achievable dose reduction to ground-truth patient data
5. Iteration to a clinic-ready demonstrator – deliver a robust, documented prototype and a guideline for routine production

We’d be delighted to hear from you! Kindly share a short motivation letter, your CV, and your myStudies performance overview.

Fabian Landers landersf@ethz.ch Pascal Theiler theilepa@ethz.ch

Imagine tiny robots, barely visible to the eye, that can navigate complex environments and perform intricate tasks—all without the bulky brains that bigger robots need! Unlike their larger counterparts, micro- and nanomachines can't pack in heavy computational gear. Instead, they rely on their ingenious designs and smart materials to sense, control, and adapt to their surroundings. In this exciting project, we’re pioneering a microfluidic approach to craft intelligent microrobots with several responsive abilities. The breakthroughs from this research will not only answer key questions in robotics but also propel the use of intelligent micromachines in high-impact areas like sophisticated biomedical devices. Dive into this project with us, and be at the forefront of developing the smart, tiny robots of tomorrow!

The following experience or skills would be ideal but not necessary:

• Knowledge in biomedical engineering.

• Prior experience in chemistry lab.

• Experience or knowledge in microfluidic devices.

References

M. Hu et al. "Self‐Reporting Multiple Microscopic Stresses Through Tunable Microcapsule Arrays." Adv. Mater. 37.3 (2025): 2410945

B. J. Nelson & S. Pané “Delivering drugs with microrobots.” Science 382.6675 (2023): 1120-1122.

• Manipulation of droplet-generation microfluidic systems. (~ 1 month)

• Develop microfabrication process to produce microcapsules from different responsive polymers. (~ 3 months)

• Investigate and test the fabricated intelligent microrobots under different environmental cues. (~ 2 months)

Curious? Please contact minghu@ethz.ch (Dr. Minghan Hu, SNSF Ambizione group leader).

Project background

In recent years, the field of microrobotics has garnered significant attention, particularly for its potential applications in biomedical engineering, such as targeted drug delivery, minimally invasive surgery, and precise medical diagnostics. Traditional microrobot fabrication techniques predominantly rely on top-down methods, such as 3D printing and lithography. While effective, these methods often involve complex, time-consuming processes and face limitations in achieving high precision at the microscale.

Project details

Our approach diverges from these conventional methods by employing a bottom-up fabrication technique, leveraging the principles of self-assembly and droplet manipulation. Specifically, we focus on the innovative use of ferrofluid droplets and magnetic fields to sculpt microrobots with customized shapes. This method allows for greater flexibility and precision in designing microrobots, enabling the creation of complex geometries that would be challenging to achieve with top-down techniques.

The following experience or skills would be ideal but not necessary:

• Know-how in nanoparticles synthesis & self-assembly.

• Prior experience in chemistry lab.

• Prior experience or knowledge in magnetic control systems.

References

M. Hu et al. "Shaping the assembly of superparamagnetic nanoparticles." ACS Nano 13.3 (2019): 3015-3022.

B. J. Nelson & S. Pané “Delivering drugs with microrobots.” Science 382.6675 (2023): 1120-1122.

• Build up a droplet printing fabrication platform towards microrobots fabrications. (~ 1 month)

• Optimize the fabrication process to produce microrobots with tailored structures. (~ 3 months)

• Investigate how different microrobot shapes influence their movement under physiological conditions. (~ 2 months)

Please contact minghu@ethz.ch (Dr. Minghan Hu, SNSF Ambizione group leader).

This project is set to limited visibility by its publisher. To see the project description you need to log in at SiROP. Please follow these instructions:

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This project is set to limited visibility by its publisher. To see the project description you need to log in at SiROP. Please follow these instructions:

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Background

Microrobots have immense potential in fields such as biomedicine and environmental remediation. However, their development has been hindered by limitations in integrating multiple functional components effectively. Current top-down fabrication methods, e.g. photolithography or 3D printing, struggle to combine diverse functional components, restricting the versatility and performance of microrobots.

To overcome these challenges, this project will develop a novel bottom-up microfluidic assembly method, enabling the creation of multifunctional microrobots with unprecedented precision and flexibility. This innovative approach has the potential to redefine microrobot fabrication and expand their applications significantly.

Ideal Skills and Experience (not mandatory):

• Experience or knowledge in microfluidic devices design and operation.

• Prior experience in chemistry lab.

References

M. Hu et al. "Shaping the assembly of superparamagnetic nanoparticles." Mater. Horiz. 9.6 (2022), 1641.

B. J. Nelson & S. Pané “Delivering drugs with microrobots.” Science 382.6675 (2023), 1120.

T. Moragues et al. “Droplet-Based Microfluidics”. Nature Reviews Methods Primers 3.1 (2023), 32.

The goal of this project is to develop a novel bottom-up microfluidic assembly method for creating multi-functional microrobots with enhanced precision and flexibility. This approach aims to overcome current limitations in integrating diverse functional components, paving the way for advanced applications in biomedicine and environmental remediation.

Our project is highly interdisciplinary and embodies a high-impact, high-reward research approach. Your work could lead to pioneering discoveries and applications in microrobotics. If you are interested, please contact Dr. Minghan Hu (minghu@ethz.ch) and Chao Song (chao.song@chem.ethz.ch) for more details about the Master thesis.

Intravitreal therapy involves administering medication directly into the eye to treat chronic ophthalmic conditions. This routine procedure typically requires frequent, time-consuming clinic visits. To improve patient experience and streamline the treatment process, the Multiscale Robotics Lab is developing a robotic system that automates intraocular drug delivery. This system leverages advanced robotics to accommodate the eye’s rapid movements and to ensure safe, direct contact between the robotic actuator and ocular tissues.

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. The second phase of the project focuses on industrial design, ensuring the system is both visually appealing and suitable for clinical use. This phase includes partnering with external manufacturers for casting and production, resulting in a polished, user-friendly device for medical professionals.

Please send your transcripts and CV + (optional) project portfolio to: zjasan@ethz.ch

cehmke@ethz.ch

Intravitreal therapy involves administering medication directly into the eye to treat chronic ophthalmic conditions. This routine procedure typically requires frequent, time-consuming clinic visits. To improve patient experience and streamline the treatment process, the Multiscale Robotics Lab is developing a robotic system that automates intraocular drug delivery. This system leverages advanced robotics to accommodate the eye’s rapid movements and to ensure safe, direct contact between the robotic actuator and ocular tissues.

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. The second phase of the project focuses on industrial design, ensuring the system is both visually appealing and suitable for clinical use. This phase includes partnering with external manufacturers for casting and production, resulting in a polished, user-friendly device for medical professionals.

Please send your CV and transcripts + (optional) project portfolio to: zjasan@ethz.ch

cehmke@ethz.ch

This project is set to limited visibility by its publisher. To see the project description you need to log in at SiROP. Please follow these instructions:

• Click link "Open this project..." below.
• Log in to SiROP using your university login or create an account to see the details.

If your affiliation is not created automatically, please follow these instructions: http://bit.ly/sirop-affiliate

This project is set to limited visibility by its publisher. To see the project description you need to log in at SiROP. Please follow these instructions:

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Depending on the duration and direction of the project, the student will work on the following topics: deposition of oxide thin films using pulsed laser deposition (PLD; Fig. c), characterization of their structural and functional properties using x-ray diffraction and microscopy techniques, fabrication of PLD targets. Further sample testing could include magnetic robot navigation and ex-vivo studies.

cf abstract

Mathieu Mirjolet (mmirjolet@ethz.ch) Minsoo Kim (minkim@ethz.ch)