Chalmers University of Technology

Open Opportunities

Towards a prosthetic face: design a human-machine interfacing strategy for restoring sensorimotor functions in facial paralysis Chalmers University of Technology Biology and Biological Engineering Facial expression plays an important role in human communication, providing a variety of non-verbal cues. Neural stimulation and recording can be used to restore facial functions and improve quality of life of people with facial paralysis. Biomedical Engineering, Peripheral Nervous System, Surgery Master Thesis

Development of biomimetic neural sensory feedback for neuroprosthetic applications Chalmers University of Technology Signals and Systems Peripheral intraneural stimulation can provide tactile information to amputees. However, efforts are still necessary to identify encoding strategy eliciting percepts that are felt as both natural and effective for prosthesis control. Here we want to develop neural modulation strategies able to improve the naturalness and efficacy of stimulation to convey sensory information to trans-femoral amputees implanted with intraneural electrodes. Electrical Engineering, Peripheral Nervous System, Rehabilitation Engineering, Sensory Systems Master Thesis

Restoring motor and sensory functions with a wearable sensorized exoskeleton Chalmers University of Technology Signals and Systems In this project, we propose a real-time sensorized hand-exoskeleton that combines the exosuit and the sensory feedback based on TENS systems. The integrated robotic system will be able to provide the user with assisted grasping force control via exo and with fine grip-force feedback. Peripheral Nervous System, Rehabilitation Engineering, Therapies and Therapeutic Technology Master Thesis

Emulating skin biomechanics through GelSight: neural mechanisms of tactile texture perception Chalmers University of Technology Signals and Systems The project consists in assessing the degree to which our perception of natural texture is shaped by the mechanics of the skin. We have implemented an approach, developed by Ted Adelson at MIT (GelSight), that consists of fabricating a gel whose material properties match those of the skin and then imaging (using a laser profilometer) the pattern of deformation on the surface of the gel that is produced when pressed against the surface. We can then estimate how the skin would be deformed by any given texture using this approach and assess whether we can better predict from these patterns of skin deformation the responses of tactile nerve fibers to that texture and the perception thereof. Biomedical Engineering, Central Nervous System, Sensory Systems Master Thesis

Development of a computational model of the human somatosensory nerves for stimulation and recording Chalmers University of Technology Signals and Systems Our previous studies has identified that the nature of signals recorded with electrodes implanted in the peripheral nervous system strongly depends on the type of electrode and the degree of activity inside the nerve. For this project your aim will be to further explore which dimension of a population activity a given type of electrode can identify. Based on the literature you will identify discharge patterns combination permitting to recreate the main different classes of bio-plausible population activity. You will also complete the existing hybrid model to integrate the main kinds of electrodes used with neural interfaces (use of Solidworks, Matlab, and Comsol). You will then implement your bio-mimetic population activity in the full model and study each electrode’s dynamic selectivity. Your final goal would be to establish rules permitting to classify from the recording alone what “family” of activity is happening in the nerve. Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Modeling and Simulation, Peripheral Nervous System Master Thesis

Biomimetic microstimulation of the human somatosensory cortex Chalmers University of Technology Signals and Systems Sensory feedback based on intracortical microstimulation has been shown to improve subjects’ ability to use brain-controlled bionic hands (Flesher et al., 2021). However, the resulting dexterity is still far from that of natural hands in able-bodied individuals. Efforts to sensitize bionic hands for amputees by electrical stimulation of the nerves have shown that sensory feedback that mimics natural tactile signals (so called biomimetic feedback (Okorokova et al., 2018; Saal and Bensmaia, 2015; Saal et al., 2017) evokes more natural and more intuitive sensations that better support interactions with objects than does non-biomimetic feedback. Despite these successes with amputees, biomimetic feedback has never been applied in the context brain-controlled bionic hands. Biomedical Engineering, Central Nervous System, Electrical Engineering, Sensory Systems Master Thesis

HOT – Healing Our Towns (Politecnico di Milano / RWTH Aachen Summer School) IDEA League IDEA League Other organizations: Delft University of Technology, Politecnico di Milano, Chalmers University of Technology, RWTH Aachen University, ETH Zurich APPLICATION CLOSED - 8 – 13 September 2025 - The 2024 climate crisis, marked by extreme heat in Lombardy and northern Italy, calls for urgent adaptation strategies. This workshop invites students to explore how small and medium-sized towns like Crema can adapt to climate change by focusing on the redesign of public spaces to tackle heat, water scarcity, and new urban questions. Participants will meet experts, engage with local administrations, and experience firsthand the impact of climate change while imagining radical solutions for the future of cities. Engineering and Technology IDEA League Summer School (IDL), Summer School

Geophysical Monitoring in Geothermal Systems (ETH Zurich Summer School) IDEA League IDEA League Other organizations: Delft University of Technology, Geothermal Energy and Geofluids, ETH Zurich, Chalmers University of Technology, Politecnico di Milano, RWTH Aachen University 30 June – 4 July 2025 - The EASYGO-ON Training Week focuses on geophysical monitoring in geothermal systems, teaching students key techniques like seismics and electromagnetics for geothermal exploration and energy production. The program includes theoretical sessions, networking, student presentations, and a field visit. Engineering and Technology IDEA League Summer School (IDL), Summer School

Empowering Decision-Aiding: Evaluation Approaches to Complexity (Politecnico di Milano / TU Delft / ETH Zurich Summer School) IDEA League IDEA League Other organizations: Delft University of Technology, Politecnico di Milano, Chalmers University of Technology, RWTH Aachen University, ETH Zurich APPLICATION CLOSED - 21 – 25 July 2025 - Structured decision-aiding is essential for tackling complex problems that involve conflicting factors, interconnected systems, and externalities. This course explores multidisciplinary evaluation approaches and tools for decision-aiding in areas like urban resilience, sustainability, and climate change, fostering skills to manage complexity effectively. Engineering and Technology IDEA League Summer School (IDL), Summer School

Closing the loop: (Re-)Design for Disassembly and Circular Economy (Chalmers University Summer School) IDEA League IDEA League Other organizations: Delft University of Technology, Chalmers University of Technology, Politecnico di Milano, RWTH Aachen University, ETH Zurich APPLICATION CLOSED - 8 – 13 June 2025 - This summer school aims to analyze the possibilities of designing for disassembly and remanufacturing systems to increase life-spans and circularity of products. Engineering and Technology IDEA League Summer School (IDL), Summer School