Student Projects
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: 2026-05-15 , Earliest start: 2026-09-14
Organization Multiscale Robotics Lab
Hosts Hu Minghan
Topics Engineering and Technology , Chemistry
Nature-Derived Microrobots: From Materials to Motion
We invite applications for a Master's thesis / semester project that focuses on the fabrication of microrobots with materials from the nature. Using our developed technique, this project will explore how different shapes influence their control behaviors in bio-fluids. This research aims to advance biomedical technologies, particularly in targeted drug delivery and minimally invasive procedures.
Keywords
Microrobotics, Fluid Dynamics, Biomedical Devices
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Semester Project , Master Thesis , Student Assistant / HiWi , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
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Published since: 2026-05-11 , Earliest start: 2026-09-01
Organization Multiscale Robotics Lab
Hosts Hu Minghan
Topics Engineering and Technology , Chemistry
Microrobots Made from Droplets
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, Inkjet 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: 2026-05-11 , Earliest start: 2026-09-14
Organization Multiscale Robotics Lab
Hosts Hu Minghan
Topics Engineering and Technology , Chemistry
Insights into the Cellular Bio-Interaction and Biological Effects of Metal–Organic Frameworks
Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs) are a versatile class of highly porous materials with tunable structural and functional properties, making them promising candidates for biomedical applications such as drug delivery, imaging, and theranostics.In this project, different MOFs will be synthesized using various metal nodes and organic linkers and their physicochemical properties will be investigated. Based on previous biocompatibility studies performed on different mammalian cell models (immune, epithelial, fibroblast, neural, and cancer cells), the project aims to gain deeper insights into the biological activity of selected MOFs. The interaction between MOFs and cells will be studied through cellular uptake experiments, cytotoxicity evaluation, and analysis of the molecular pathways involved in cell death.
Keywords
Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs), Biocompatibility assays, Material characterization techniques, SDS and WesternBlot analysis
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Semester Project , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2026-05-11 , Earliest start: 2026-05-11 , Latest end: 2027-05-11
Organization Multiscale Robotics Lab
Hosts Accursi Martina
Topics Engineering and Technology , Chemistry , Biology
Programmable Colloidal Crystal Engineering of Magnetoelectric Nanoparticles via DNA Origami
MENPs are an emerging class of multifunctional nanomaterials that exhibit coupled magnetic and electric properties. In this project, MENPs will be synthesized and functionalized with DNA strands to act as programmable building for colloidal crystal assembly. This approach adapts recent advances in DNA-mediated nanoparticle self-assembly, replacing metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with MENPs to explore new functionalities. Their structural organization will be characterized, and their functional behavior will be investigated. Particular attention will be given to how the intrinsic magnetoelectric properties of MENPs influence collective properties in the assembled state. The project aims to provide insight into the relationship between nanoparticle design, assembly architecture, and emergent material properties, potentially enabling applications in catalysis, sensing, and responsive materials.
Keywords
Magnetoelectric Nanoparticles, Cobalt Ferrite, Barium Titanate,Surface engineering, DNA-programmed colloidal crystals
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Semester Project , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2026-05-06 , Earliest start: 2026-06-01 , Latest end: 2027-05-01
Organization Multiscale Robotics Lab
Hosts Accursi Martina
Topics Engineering and Technology
Programmable Magnetic Microrobots for Targeted Therapies
This Master's thesis (or semester project) will focus on engineering magnetic microrobots for controlled dissolution under in vivo conditions. We will develop and characterize magnetic microrobots based on different hydrogels, compositions, and degrees of crosslinking. The main objective is to tailor the dissolution properties of the microrobots to enable controlled drug delivery and safe clearance from the body after completion of a defined task. Validation of microrobot performance in physiologically relevant environments may include an animal study.
Keywords
Magnetic microrobots, hydrogels, dissolution, drug delivery
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Semester Project , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2026-04-29 , Earliest start: 2026-04-13 , Latest end: 2026-12-31
Applications limited to ETH Zurich , EPFL - Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne , Empa , Balgrist Campus , Swiss National Science Foundation , University of Basel , University of Berne , University of Fribourg , University of Lausanne , Wyss Translational Center Zurich , University of Zurich , University of St. Gallen , University of Lucerne , University of Geneva , Sirm Institute for Regenerative Medicine , Institute for Research in Biomedicine
Organization Multiscale Robotics Lab
Hosts Oral Cagatay
Topics Engineering and Technology , Chemistry
Master Thesis: Autonomous Robotic Cardiac Catheters - Project Abroad at Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School
We are developing advanced robotic catheter systems to enable precise heart valve repair and the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. Robotic platforms have the potential to shorten the learning curve for complex beating‑heart procedures and provide a foundation for introducing autonomous functionality. Key elements of this work include the development of autonomous control strategies, integration of therapeutic devices, and comprehensive testing in anatomical and preclinical animal models. Preferred skill sets include experience in robotics, machine learning, control systems, and prototyping.
Keywords
robotic cardiac catheters,valve repair, robotic treatment of arrythmia
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Master Thesis
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Published since: 2026-02-26 , Earliest start: 2026-04-01 , Latest end: 2027-06-01
Organization Multiscale Robotics Lab
Hosts Gantenbein Valentin
Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology
Master Thesis: Transcatheter Heart Valve Repair and Replacement Devices – Project Abroad at Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School
Transcatheter interventions offer a less invasive alternative to open-heart surgery by enabling the delivery of therapeutic devices that mimic traditional surgical repair or replacement of cardiac valves. Our work focuses on developing novel tools and devices for both valve repair and valve replacement procedures. These efforts rely on innovative design approaches, creative problem‑solving, and deep expertise in prototyping and experimental evaluation to advance next‑generation transcatheter therapies.
Keywords
transcatheter procedures, heart valve repair, replacement devices
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Master Thesis
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Published since: 2026-02-26 , Earliest start: 2026-03-01 , Latest end: 2027-01-01
Organization Multiscale Robotics Lab
Hosts Gantenbein Valentin
Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology