2022

Manuel Fujs (SMS robotic engineer) participated in the Startup Campus Business Concept Course and won 1st place in the final pitch competition, beating 20 other Startups ideas. During the course he worked on the business aspects of commercializing the Somnomat bed, which has been a research project in the SMS lab for the last 10 years. Together with Alexander Breuss (SMS doctoral student) they plan to found a spin-off company that helps people to improve their sleep using the Somnomat.

During the Swiss Robotic Days 2022, two former members of the SMS-Lab were awarded with the NCCR Robotics – Equal Opportunities Excellence Award. Laura Marchal-Crespo and Marie Georgarakis were recognised for their commitment to implementing values of equal opportunities, diversity and inclusion in our lab, the consortium and the community.

Akina's founders, Florian Haufe and Michele Xiloyannis, have raised a total of CHF 1.6 million in the pre-seed round, which closed in September. The capital will be used to complete and launch the first product, Akina Care, in 2023.

Congratulations to Anna Knill (SMS master student, together with Hocoma), she wins the 1st prize of the RehabWeek Poster Award! Anna was awarded this prize at the 17th International Conference on Rehabilitation Robotics in Rotterdam, July 25-28, 2022.

Congratulations to Michael Sommerhalder for the 3rd prize ICORR BEST PAPER AWARD! Michael was awarded this prize at the 17th International Conference on Rehabilitation Robotics in Rotterdam, July 25-28, 2022.

Prof. Robert Riener has received the annual prize of the Genesis Association, San Pellegrino Terme, for his outstanding research in the field of neurorehabilitation.

Akina’s digital therapy service for patients with musculoskeletal conditions turns physical therapy at home into an immersive experience. With an AI-driven motion coach and unique entertainment integration, Akina addresses the lack of clinical feedback and motivation that causes four out of five patients to fail during self-care at home today. At an estimated additional cost of CHF 7 billion per year, failing musculoskeletal patient self-care is a key cost driver in the Swiss healthcare system.

Prof. Heike Vallery, former SMS Lab member and close cooperation partner, has received Germany's most highly endowed research award, an Alexander von Humboldt Professorship at RWTH Aachen University.

On his tour through Switzerland, Prime minister of Baden-Würtemberg, Winfried Kretschmann, and a delegation of his ministers visit the SMS Lab and try out some of our developments

Outstanding Master’s and doctoral theses are honoured with the Silver Medal of ETH Zurich and a financial sum.