Student Projects
Currently, the following student projects are available. Please contact the responsible supervisor and apply with your CV and transcripts.
If you are looking for a Master internship HST/BWS or would like to carry out a Studies on Mechatronics project in our group, please contact the assistant working on, or closest to, the research topic you are interested in.
Master Thesis / Project - SENSEI: Sensor Teaching in Multi-Activity classification from Video and Wearables for Wheelchair Users
In this project, we focus on continuous and quantitative monitoring of activities of daily living (ADL) in SCI individuals with the goal of identifying cardiovascular events and PI-related risk behaviors. ADLs specific to SCI patients and their lifestyles shall be discussed and narrowed down in the scope of this work, therefore an autonomous camera-based system is proposed to classify ADLs. The Current work builds on a previous project where a SlowFast network [1] was trained to identify SCI-specific classes and we aim to further improve the classification and temporal resolution for transferring to wearables' time-series data.
Keywords
Computer vision, activity classification, video processing, Deep Learning, ADL, soft-labelling, probabilistic networks
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Semester Project , Course Project , Internship , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis , ETH for Development (ETH4D) (ETHZ) , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
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Published since: 2025-03-25 , Earliest start: 2025-05-01 , Latest end: 2026-02-28
Applications limited to EPFL - Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne , ETH Zurich , Zurich University of the Arts , Wyss Translational Center Zurich , University of Zurich , Zurich University of Applied Sciences , CERN , CSEM - Centre Suisse d'Electronique et Microtechnique , Department of Quantitative Biomedicine , Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts , Institute for Research in Biomedicine , IBM Research Zurich Lab , University of St. Gallen , University of Lucerne , University of Lausanne , University of Geneva , University of Fribourg , University of Berne , University of Basel , Université de Neuchâtel , Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics , Swiss National Science Foundation , Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research , Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Systems D-MAVT , TU Berlin , TU Darmstadt , TU Dresden , RWTH Aachen University , Technische Universität München , Technische Universität Hamburg , Max Planck Society , University of Oxford , University of Leeds , University of Cambridge , UCL - University College London , National Institute for Medical Research , Imperial College London , Royal College of Art , Empa , Università della Svizzera italiana , Hochschulmedizin Zürich , Hong Kong University of Science and Technology , University of Washington , Tokyo Institute of Technology , The University of Tokyo
Organization Sensory-Motor Systems Lab
Hosts Paez Diego, Dr. , Paez Diego, Dr. , Paez Diego, Dr.
Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Information, Computing and Communication Sciences , Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences
Master Thesis: Development of a Customized Knee Orthosis for Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) presents a significant challenge in healthcare, necessitating innovative solutions to alleviate pain, enhance mobility. This thesis documents the research and development journey of an OA knee orthosis within the Spinal Cord and Artificial Intelligence Lab (SCAI-Lab) at ETH Zurich. This thesis is a close collaboration between the ORTHO-TEAM Group and the SCAI-Lab at ETH Zurich. The collaboration offers a unique exchange of expertise and resources between industry and academia. Together, we aim to make meaningful progress in the field of and empower students to make valuable contributions to their academic pursuits.
Keywords
Osteo Arthritis, Orthosis, Biomechanics, AI, Medical Data, Healthcare
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Master Thesis , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
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Published since: 2025-03-25 , Earliest start: 2025-04-15 , Latest end: 2026-01-31
Applications limited to ETH Zurich , EPFL - Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne , Empa , University of Basel , University of Berne , Zurich University of Applied Sciences , Università della Svizzera italiana , Hochschulmedizin Zürich , Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts , Institute for Research in Biomedicine , CSEM - Centre Suisse d'Electronique et Microtechnique
Organization Spinal Cord Injury & Artificial Intelligence Lab
Hosts Paez Diego, Dr. , Paez Diego, Dr.
Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology
Master Thesis: Contact force evaluation of robotic endoscopic system based on Series Elastic Actuation
In the BIROMED-Lab we have been developing an endoscopic system for safer neurosurgeries with inspiration from human finger anatomy. Its two degrees of freedom allow the endoscope to investigate areas of the brain that would be inaccessible with standard rigid endoscopes. Thanks to springs in the transmission between the motors and the movable endoscope tip, the interaction forces between the instrument and the brain tissue can be reduced. Furthermore the interaction forces can be estimated by measuring the deflection of the spring. To make the telemanipulation of the endoscope safer and more intuitive for the surgeon, force feedback was also implemented.
Keywords
Robotic surgery, Neurosurgery, Telemanipulation, Haptic feedback, Robotic endoscope
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Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-03-06 , Earliest start: 2025-03-01
Organization Bio-Inspired RObots for MEDicine-Laboratory (BIROMED-Lab)
Hosts Ettori Sara Lisa Margherita , Gerig Nicolas, Dr. , Sommerhalder Michael
Topics Engineering and Technology
Master Thesis: Vibro-tactile feedback in ventricle puncturing during External Ventricular Drain (EVD) procedure
EVD is a common procedure in Neurosurgery, nevertheless its placement is non-ideal in up to 40% of the cases because of lack of hands-on experience of residents. To try and solve the issue we propose a medical simulator that will merge haptic feedback with hardware components. Vibro-tactile feedback has been proven useful in medical simulations and could give a more complete and realistic experience to the training surgeon, either as supplementary information to the force feedback or as stand alone information. In order to feed back the vibro-tactile information to the user, the haptic device has to be instrumentalized with appropriate custom-made hardware.
Keywords
Vibro-tactile feedback, Haptic feedback, Medical robotics, Surgical simulators
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Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-02-26 , Earliest start: 2025-03-01
Organization Bio-Inspired RObots for MEDicine-Laboratory (BIROMED-Lab)
Hosts Gerig Nicolas, Dr. , Sommerhalder Michael , Ettori Sara Lisa Margherita
Topics Engineering and Technology
Research Assistant in Biosensing for Robotics Care and Body Simulation (~12 months)
Join a team of scientists improving the long-term prognosis and treatment of Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) through mobile and wearable systems and personalized health monitoring. Joining the SCAI Lab part of the Sensory-Motor Systems Lab at ETH, you will have the unique opportunity of working at one of the largest and most prestigious health providers in Switzerland: Swiss Paraplegic Center (SPZ) in Nottwil (LU).
Keywords
App development, Machine Learning, Data bases, Data engineering, Systems Engineering, Data Modelling
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Internship , Lab Practice , Student Assistant / HiWi , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
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Published since: 2025-02-06 , Earliest start: 2025-03-03 , Latest end: 2026-12-31
Applications limited to ETH Zurich , EPFL - Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne , IBM Research Zurich Lab , Institute for Research in Biomedicine , Hochschulmedizin Zürich , Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics , University of Lucerne , University of Zurich , Zurich University of Applied Sciences , Zurich University of the Arts , Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts , Berner Fachhochschule
Organization Spinal Cord Injury & Artificial Intelligence Lab
Hosts Paez Diego, Dr. , Paez Diego, Dr. , Paez Diego, Dr.
Topics Information, Computing and Communication Sciences
Master's Thesis: AI-powered nap detection from Fitbit data
The uprise of consumer-grade fitness trackers has opened the doors to long-term activity monitoring in the wild in research and clinics. However, Fitbit does not identify napping episodes shorter than 90 minutes. Hence, there is a need to establish a robust algorithm to detect naps.
Keywords
Data analysis, machine learning, signal processing, wearables, Fitbit, naps detection
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Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
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Published since: 2025-02-06 , Earliest start: 2025-02-10 , Latest end: 2025-08-31
Organization Spinal Cord Injury & Artificial Intelligence Lab
Hosts Gnarra Oriella , Gnarra Oriella
Topics Information, Computing and Communication Sciences , Engineering and Technology
A Bayesian sensor fusion and machine learning approach for robust hand gesture decoding with application to stroke rehabilitation.
About the project: This thesis aims to design a framework for robust fine-motor action decoding using multi-modal (sEMG and depth sensing camera) Bayesian sensor fusion and machine learning approach
Keywords
Bayesian inference, sEMG, depth sensing camera, rehabilitation, machine learning, deep transfer learning
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Semester Project , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-02-01 , Earliest start: 2025-03-01 , Latest end: 2025-08-01
Organization Sensory-Motor Systems Lab
Hosts Dash Adyasha
Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Information, Computing and Communication Sciences , Engineering and Technology
Master Thesis: Data Analysis of Wearable and Nearable Sensors Data for Classification of Activities of Daily Living
This project aims to develop a novel algorithm for tracking a person's health condition changes using daily life wearable sensor data, biosignals, and information from nearable sensors. With the Life-long-logging system, we want to provide meaningful data for medical staff and directly engage patients and their caregivers.
Keywords
Data analysis, Machine Learning, Wearable Sensors
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Semester Project , Internship , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
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Published since: 2025-01-22 , Earliest start: 2025-02-03 , Latest end: 2025-09-30
Organization Spinal Cord Injury & Artificial Intelligence Lab
Hosts Gnarra Oriella , Gnarra Oriella
Topics Information, Computing and Communication Sciences , Engineering and Technology
Master Thesis: Data Analysis of Wearable and Nearable Sensors Data within the StrongAge Cohort Study
The StrongAge Dataset, collected over one year, provides a rich data repository from unobtrusive, contactless technologies combined with validated mood and cognition questionnaires. This project aims to uncover digital biomarkers that can transform elderly care, addressing critical research questions related to sleep, cognition, physical activity, and environmental influences.
Keywords
Data analysis, Machine learning, Wearable and Nearable Sensors Data
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Semester Project , Internship , Lab Practice , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis , Student Assistant / HiWi , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
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Published since: 2025-01-22 , Earliest start: 2025-02-03 , Latest end: 2025-09-30
Organization Spinal Cord Injury & Artificial Intelligence Lab
Hosts Gnarra Oriella , Gnarra Oriella
Topics Information, Computing and Communication Sciences , Engineering and Technology
Masters Thesis: Force Sensing with Series Elastic Actuation Component for Surgical Robot
The "in SEA2 SpineBot" Project aims to develop a robotic impedance measurement device capable of assessing the biomechanical properties of the adolescent spine with patient-specific anatomy. This highly interdisciplinary project will be the first of its kind to acquire in vivo data from patients with idiopathic adolescent scoliosis (AIS) during their correction surgery. It is a collaboration with the Children's Hospital of Basel (UKBB) and the Computational Bioengineering Group at ARTOG University of Bern. Ensuring the functionality and reliability of the series elastic actuation (SEA) component of this device is a challenge in sensor development and signal electronics and is paramount to the project's overall success.
Keywords
Series Elastic Actuation Force sensing Surgical Robotics
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Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-01-06 , Earliest start: 2025-02-01 , Latest end: 2025-04-01
Organization Bio-Inspired RObots for MEDicine-Laboratory (BIROMED-Lab)
Hosts Gerig Nicolas, Dr.
Topics Engineering and Technology
Master Thesis: Sterile Locking Interface and Surgical Workflow Development for Surgical Robot
The "in SEA2 SpineBot" Project aims to develop a robotic impedance measurement device capable of assessing the biomechanical properties of the adolescent spine with patient-specific anatomy. This highly interdisciplinary project will be the first of its kind to acquire in vivo data from patients with idiopathic adolescent scoliosis (AIS) during their correction surgery. It is a collaboration with the Children's Hospital of Basel (UKBB) and the Computational Bioengineering Group at ARTOG University of Bern. A 6 DoF parallel robot has been designed for this purpose and attaches to the vertebrae intraoperatively through pre-installed pedicle screws.
Keywords
Surgical Robot User Inteface Surgical Engineering
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Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-01-06 , Earliest start: 2025-02-01 , Latest end: 2025-04-01
Organization Bio-Inspired RObots for MEDicine-Laboratory (BIROMED-Lab)
Hosts Gerig Nicolas, Dr. , Sommerhalder Michael
Topics Engineering and Technology
A generalized sEMG-based gesture recognition framework using deep learning approach
This thesis aims to develop a generalizable (user-invariant and session-invariant) gesture recognition framework using deep neural networks
Keywords
sEMG, deep learning, manifold, gesture decoding
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Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-01-05 , Earliest start: 2025-02-01 , Latest end: 2026-03-01
Organization Sensory-Motor Systems Lab
Hosts Dash Adyasha
Topics Information, Computing and Communication Sciences , Engineering and Technology
VR-based Motor-cognitive rehabilitation with multi-modal sensing
This thesis aims to design a pool of virtual-reality based rehabilitation tasks for simultaneous motor-cognitive rehabilitation for stroke patients
Keywords
virtual reality, sEMG, depth sensing camera, rehabilitation,
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Semester Project , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
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Published since: 2025-01-02 , Earliest start: 2025-03-01 , Latest end: 2025-12-31
Organization Sensory-Motor Systems Lab
Hosts Dash Adyasha
Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Information, Computing and Communication Sciences , Engineering and Technology , Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences
Safe RL for Robot Social Navigation
Developing a constrained RL framework for social navigation, emphasizing explicit safety constraints to reduce reliance on reward tuning.
Keywords
Navigation, Robot Planning, Reinforcement Learning, RL, Social Navigation
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Master Thesis
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Published since: 2024-12-13 , Earliest start: 2025-01-01 , Latest end: 2025-12-31
Applications limited to ETH Zurich
Organization Spinal Cord Injury & Artificial Intelligence Lab
Hosts Alyassi Rashid , Alyassi Rashid , Alyassi Rashid
Topics Engineering and Technology
Your own project ideas?
It is always possible to find a project for motivated students with own ideas in the fields of assistive healthcare technologies , augmented feedback in motor learning, and sports engineering. Please send an email to the indicated contact person of our current research pillars that most closely matches your idea.