Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Systems D-HESTOpen OpportunitiesReinforcement learning (RL) can potentially solve complex problems in a purely data-driven manner. Still, the state-of-the-art in applying RL in robotics, relies heavily on high-fidelity simulators. While learning in simulation allows to circumvent sample complexity challenges that are common in model-free RL, even slight distribution shift ("sim-to-real gap") between simulation and the real system can cause these algorithms to easily fail. Recent advances in model-based reinforcement learning have led to superior sample efficiency, enabling online learning without a simulator. Nonetheless, learning online cannot cause any damage and should adhere to safety requirements (for obvious reasons). The proposed project aims to demonstrate how existing safe model-based RL methods can be used to solve the foregoing challenges. - Engineering and Technology
- Master Thesis
| The objective of this project is to create a comprehensive robotic platform capable of autonomously administering injections into the human eye. The project includes mechanical design, motion planning, and the implementation of a force control algorithm. - Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
- Bachelor Thesis, ETH Zurich (ETHZ), Master Thesis, Semester Project
| Our aim is to create an autonomous racing system capable of swiftly learning optimal racing strategies and navigating tracks more effectively (faster) than traditional methods and human drivers using RL. - Intelligent Robotics
- Master Thesis, Semester Project
| After a neurological injury (such as stroke), many patients suffer from impairment of the hand and finger function. Clinical assessments aim to measure and quantify those impairments for a better understanding and to specifically target those deficits in rehabilitation. One aspect of hand function, that is not truly understood yet is finger individuation: the ability to move one finger independently of the others. In a previously developed assessment device, we use force sensors attached to a hand module to measure this dexterous skill. This individuation device measures finger flexion (pushing) over different force levels, but the individuation ability in extension (pulling) remains unknown. The aim of this project is to implement an extension assessment (by adapting the existing protocol) and compare as well as test it before its implementation into the clinical routine. - Biomedical Engineering, Clinical Sciences, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Human Movement and Sports Science, Interdisciplinary Engineering, Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Neurosciences, Other
- Bachelor Thesis, Internship, Master Thesis, Semester Project
| After a neurological injury (such as stroke), many patients suffer from impairment of the hand and finger function. Clinical assessments aim to measure and quantify those impairments for a better understanding and to specifically target those deficits in rehabilitation. One aspect of hand function, that is not truly understood yet is finger individuation: the ability to move one finger independently of the others. In a previously developed assessment device, we use force sensors attached to a hand module to measure this dexterous skill. This individuation device measures finger flexion (pushing) over different force levels, using a simple user interface. But to facilitate the measurement process and increase comprehension for cognitively impaired patients, we need to improve the assessment visualization and execution. - Computer Software, Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Bachelor Thesis, Internship, Master Thesis, Semester Project
| After a neurological injury (such as stroke), many patients suffer from impairment of the hand and finger function. Clinical assessments aim to measure and quantify those impairments for a better understanding and to specifically target those deficits in rehabilitation. One aspect of hand function, that is not truly understood yet is finger individuation: the ability to move one finger independently of the others. In a previously developed assessment device, we use force sensors attached to a hand module to measure this dexterous skill. This individuation device will be used in a clinical setting to measure neurological patients. But before it can routinely be put into practice, its reliability (in a test-retest setting) and validity must be proven. - Biomedical Engineering, Clinical Sciences, Human Movement and Sports Science, Neurosciences, Other, Public Health and Health Services
- Bachelor Thesis, Internship, Master Thesis, Semester Project
| You will obtain functional constructs of living muscle tissue that can be implemented into robots as bio-actuators. The tissue will be realized via bioprinting or conventional biofabrication in 3D designs at the mm-to-cm scale. The deformation of the constructs will be achieved via electrical stimulation of contractile muscle cells, and integrated sensing elements will monitor the motion of the tissue constructs, improving functionality and autonomy. We will use granular hydrogels to develop sensing components to monitor the state of 3D organoids. - Biology, Composite Materials, Medical and Health Sciences
- Master Thesis, Semester Project
| Ski touring provides a unique and immersive outdoor experience, but the ascent can impose a considerable amount of strain on the body, especially for novices, elderly, or people with disabilities. The objective of this master thesis is to redesign an existing concept and functional model of an electric ski touring device that supports hill ascents, aiming to enhance the ski touring experience for individuals with lower fitness levels by making it less physically demanding and more enjoyable. The current model must be optimized with respect to weight, function, energy consumption, and usability (donning/doffing). After successful fabrication and testing, first steps shall be performed to identify intellectual property and market needs, and finally plan the commercialization of the e-touring ski. - Engineering and Technology
- Master Thesis
| Use Inverse Reinforcement Learning (IRL) to learn reward functions from previous expert drone demonstrations. - Engineering and Technology, Intelligent Robotics
- Master Thesis, Semester Project
| Explore the use of large vision language models to control a drone. - Engineering and Technology, Intelligent Robotics
- Master Thesis, Semester Project
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