Strategic Interactions of Future Mobility Systems | |
Mobility is typically self-optimized for a particular region to accommodate internal travel needs. However, as soon as one considers multiple, interacting regions (e.g., urban areas interacting with agglomerations, and agglomerations interacting with rural areas), important coordination issues occur, including scheduling mismatches, fleet allocations, and congestion peaks. In short, a mobility system composed of self-optimized mobility systems seems to often operate suboptimally. In this project, we will investigate the idea of strategic interactions of future mobility stakeholders across heterogeneous regions, such as urban areas, agglomerations, and rural areas, leveraging techniques from network design, optimization, game theory, and policy making. | |
Advanced formulation and manufacturing of personalized sport supplements for increased absorption and bioavailability | |
Conventional pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products (e.g., sport supplements) provide limited control over the release of bioactive ingredients (AIs) and poor absorption and bioavailability. To grant a proper therapeutic effect and athletic performance, common products need frequent intake at high dosages. This scenario is associated with an increased risk of short and long-term complications that can affect the performance of athletes as well as compromise the health long-term. Recently, novel techniques (e.g., 3D printing) and biomaterial formulation have become available for personalized sport supplements. The high versatility, flexibility, and increase absorption resulting from such products, open the way for increasing performance in sport but also for health benefits to generic people by target physiological characteristics and needs of specific groups. | |
Mid-Range Path Planning Integrating Vision with LLM and Depth Sensing | |
This project aims to advance the field of robotic navigation by focusing on mid-range path planning, a crucial layer that connects the overarching routes designed by global planning and the immediate, reactive maneuvers of local planning. The project will develop a neural network model capable of generating a sequence of waypoints toward a specified 3D goal position by leveraging current RGB images, GPT cost reasoning from large language model (LLM) , and estimated depth images. This integration will facilitate more efficient navigation through complex environments by smoothing transitions between planning layers and optimizing route adjustments in real-time. | |
Brigham and Women's Hospital: Nonviral Gene Delivery | |
Gene therapies have the potential to enable the treatment of multiple currently incurable diseases, but delivery of these therapeutic molecules to the target tissue continues to present a major obstacle to their success and clinical translation. Our lab at Brigham and Women's Hospital has invented multiple novel drug delivery strategies, multiple of which have begun to be evaluated in human clinical trials. We are currently working to develop next-generation gene delivery platforms to accelerate the translation of these potentially transformative therapies to the clinic. | |
Acceptability analysis of wind power | |
In 2021, solar and wind power for the first time provided more than 10% of the world’s electricity [1]. This makes wind a major and strategic part of the mix to achieve the energy transition and a green economy. Despite broad public support for renewables in general, challenges in social acceptance for wind continue to occur regionally and locally. The opposition usually focuses on aspects such as wildlife safety, biodiversi-ty protection, noise, visibility and landscape impacts, and loss in property values [2, 3]. For the effective implementation of wind farms, it is crucial to understand and address these varying facets of social accept-ability. This study aims to assess the perspectives of residents living near wind farms across different Euro-pean regions, employing Multicriteria Satisfaction Analysis (MUSA) [4]. The objective is to devise region-specific strategies to enhance the acceptability of wind energy projects. Additionally, this research will ex-plore the relationship between socio-demographic and geographical characteristics of the residents and their acceptance of wind power, aiming to uncover underlying factors influencing the social acceptability of wind energy. | |
Investigation of long primary linear motor types and topologies for a vacuum transport application | |
In this master thesis, the student will investigate different linear motor types and topologies for the future 3km AlphaTube vacuum transport demonstrator, such as the permanent magnet synchronous motor and the synchronous reluctance motor. | |
Optimal LCL-filter Design Method with Model Predictive Control (MPC) | |
In this project, you will compare conventional LCL-filter design methods and analyze the impact of controllers on the design methods. Then, you will investigate a new design method of LCL filters when MPC is applied. | |
Power System Architecture of Hyperloop Systems | |
In this master thesis, the student will consider the expected power profile of a hyperloop vehicle, and the models relative to the propulsion and levitation systems will be extracted and compared with the corresponding one of high speed railway. After having established the expected performance, the thesis will focus on which power system architecture is most suitable of future Hyperloop systems. | |
Toolbox for Real-time Implementation of MPC for Power Electronic Systems | |
In this project, you will first analyse an implemented quadratic program (QP) solver using Intel high-level-synthesis (HLS) tool and develop an optimization routine to compare the performance considering hardware resource constraints. | |
Investigation of a Counter-Current Solar Particle Receiver | |
An alternative solar particle receiver (SPR) configuration is proposed, in which particles are falling inside a duct against a counter-current air flow. The aim of this work is to investigate the thermal performance of the receiver and to gain a better understanding of the physical phenomena taking place. | |
Design and Implementation of Current Measurement System for Measuring Currents in Strands of Litz Wires | |
In this project, you will search the suitable current measurement methods and design the measurement system for strand current. You will validate your design with simulation tools like FEM. Finally you will implemented and test your design. | |
Implementation, Validation, and Comparison of Switching Loss Models for SiC MOSFETs | |
In this project, you will implement analytical switching loss models from literature in Matlab, simulate switching losses in LTspice, and compare them to the measurement results with an existing PCB. | |
Design of Switching Cell PCBs based on the X3D Format and Evaluation of the Layout in Terms of Parasitics | |
Development of a software tool which visualises the geometry of a basic switching cell based on geometrical parameters derived by converter optimisation procedures | |
Development of Switching Cell Mechanical Models in the X3D Format | |
Development of switching cell mechanical models in the X3D format based on geometrical parameters derived by converter optimisation procedures | |
Implementation and Validation of a Compact Switching Loss Model for GaN HEMTs | |
In this project, you will extend an analytical SiC MOSFET switching loss model to GaN HEMTs in Matlab, simulate switching losses in LTspice, and compare them to the measurement results with an existing PCB. | |
Inverse Reinforcement Learning from Expert Pilots | |
Use Inverse Reinforcement Learning (IRL) to learn reward functions from previous expert drone demonstrations. | |
FEM Based Investigation of the Impact of the Wire Termination on the Current Distribution and the Eddy Current Losses in Litz Wire | |
In this project you will model the 3D geometry of litz wire by a mathematical algorithm. Furthermore, the current density distribution and the eddy current losses should be calculated for different termination strategies and for different litz wire geometries by FEM. The impact of improper terminations should be qualitatively/quantitatively analysed. | |
Design of a Marx Generator for Pulsed-Power Geo-Drilling | |
The project focuses on optimizing the compact Marx generator, which charges capacitors in parallel and discharges in series to produce high-voltage pulses. Through FEM simulations, the objective is to design capacitor arrangements that limit the electrical field, mitigating equipment failures, and extracting parasitic elements. | |
Language-guided Drone Control | |
Explore the use of large vision language models to control a drone. | |
Modeling & Design of a Solid-State Pulse Modulator System with a Damping Network | |
The goal of the project is to develop a system-level design for a particle accelerator. | |
Reinforcement Learning for Drone Maneuvers from Human Preferences | |
Learn complex drone maneuvers from human feedback using Reinforcement Learning (RL). | |
Optimum Operation Point Measurements and Data Postprocessing of a Bearingless Spinfilter | |
In this project, you will conduct measurements of a bearingless spinfilter prototype with state-of-the-art equipment of the industry partner under different conditions. The measurement data will be processed to find the optimum operation point and you will conduct an error caluclation. | |
Device Characterisation for SiC MOSFETs | |
In this project, you will use the power device analyser to measure SiC MOSFET device characteristics at different temperatures. Then you will investigate the gate charge measurement, together with the gate resistance measurement using a Vector Network Analyser. | |
Optimisation and Thermal Model of a Pulse Transformer for a Particle Accelerator | |
The goal of the project is to develop a thermal model of a pulse transformer for a particle accelerator. | |
Improving the Design Process of Magnetic Components through the Use of AI/ML Algorithms | |
xxx | |
Design and Commissioning of an Automated BSA Purification System with Integrated Magnetically Levitated Drives | |
In this project, you will plan, design and commission an automatic System to purity BSA with bearingless motors for mixers, pumps and sensors from the industry partner. | |
Controller Implementation and Commissioning of a three-phase PFC rectifier | |
xxx | |
Regelung eines bistabilen Magnetventils | |
In diesem Projekt wird zuerst das magnetische Ventil modelliert. Danach soll ein Regler für die effizientere Ansteuerung verwendet werden. | |
Development of a tracking algorithm for Brown Swiss and Holstein dairy dairy cows in a free-stall barn environment | |
Monitoring dairy cows is important for evaluating their health and welfare status. This requires the individual identification of cow and their continuous, precise tracking to obtain relevant factors such as lying/standing behaviours on individual level. There's growing interest in developing non-contact, computer vision (CV)-based methods for these tasks. However, recent research on multi-object tracking for cattle has faced challenges, including: (1) Brown Swiss cows appear very similar, making it hard for computer vision algorithms to distinguish between individuals; (2) Cows frequently leave and re-enter the barn for various reasons, such as milking, requiring the re-identification of previously seen individuals when they come back into the camera's field of view. The goal of this project is to design, develop, and implement a CV-based tracking system that can effectively track Brown Swiss and Holstein cows in a free-stall barn environment. This initiative is focused on tackling the challenges previously outlined. We have collected data on Brown Swiss and Holstein cows from the dairy barn at Agro-Vet Strickhof, providing a solid foundation for this work. While there's no expectation to create an entirely new algorithm from scratch, having prior experience with implementing classic CV algorithms, such as YOLO, would be highly advantageous. | |
Impact of Model Predictive Control (MPC) on Optimal Design of an EMI-filter for Boost Converter | |
In this project, you will analyse conventional EMI-filter design methods and investigate the impact of MPC on the optimal filter design. Then, you will further compare other variables. | |
Parasitic Capacitance Modelling of Transformers | |
xxx | |
Design of a modular insulated DC/DC (3kV or 6kV) converter for PV integration | |
The aim of this master thesis is to propose a design of a DC/DC insulated converter integrated with the PV plant into the 3kV DC bus, taking into account the spatial peculiarities of a 3km long linear PV array. | |
Assessment of dairy cow heat stress by behaviour monitoring using computer vision approach | |
Recognizing and managing heat stress in dairy cows is essential for their welfare and the productivity of dairy farms. Heat stress leads to adverse effects such as decreased milk yield, fertility issues, and increased health complications. Current assessment methods, like the temperature-humidity index, cannot accurately capture the comprehensive effects of heat stress. This project is focused on developing a computer vision-based approach to monitor behaviour changes in dairy cow, such as lying and standing patterns, which are indicative of heat stress. By leveraging advanced computer vision techniques, we aim to offer a detailed understanding of how heat stress affects dairy cow behavior in different environmental conditions. Data for this project were collected across different temperature and humidity levels at the Agro-Vet Strickhof dairy barn. While extensive experience in computer vision isn't required, a foundational knowledge in animal science, coupled with an enthusiasm for applying state-of-the-art computer vision algorithms in animal science, would be valuable. | |
MFT Design with Minimised Transient Overvoltages | |
In this thesis the student is provided the opportunity to optimize and build a medium frequency transformer | |
Supporter State Estimation System | |
Implementation of a localization and state estimation system for a special ground robot using IMU and 2D LiDAR. The ground robot is part of a Gravity offload system for testing of spacecraft solar arrays (which are designed for microgravity) on earth. | |
Investigation of Partial Discharge Measurement Methods | |
In this thesis the student will investigate different methods to measure the partial discharge inception of transformer winding geometries. | |
Implementation of segment switching on a long primary segmented linear induction motor | |
In this master thesis, the student will investigate the strategy for the switching of long primary motor segments, the transient effects caused by it, possible mitigation measures (i.e. filters) and propose a hardware setup for the final configuration. | |
Computer Vision and Any-Angle Path Planning Algorithm for a Training App on Sprint Orienteering Maps | |
In this project, you will develop a tool to automatically scan and recognize obstacles in urban orienteering maps. Then, an any-angle path finding algorithm shall find the shortest route choices, which are further analyzed in terms of elevation gain, running speed and amount of turns. | |
Software development for brain tumor ablation | |
Integrate yourself in a cutting-edge project aimed at improving brain tumour cancer treatment. Develop the software, test it in our labs, and bring to the clinics to perform in-vivo experiments in sheep animals performed by neurosurgeons. | |
Development of a gastric delivery system for micronutrient supplementation using advanced manufacturing techniques | |
Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is one of the most widespread nutritional deficiencies worldwide, increasing the risk for disability and death for more than two billion people. Iron supplements are needed for prevention of iron deficiency, especially among infants, children and pregnant women, and for correction of IDA in all affected individuals. Conventional iron supplements, commonly cause nausea, epigastric discomfort and other gastrointestinal side effects that lead many individuals to discontinue and avoid their use. In this project, gastric resident systems (GDSs) will be produced using advanced manufacturing approaches (e.g., 3D printing) and the resulting release kinetic of the bioactive compounds will be characterized. Based on the results, different GDSs 3D design, formulations, and combination of active compounds will be tested. | |
Language-Guided 3D Object Detection | |
The goal of this project is to use language prompts to help find object parts in 3D. | |
Model predictive stability filters for advanced driver assistance systems | |
In this project, we want to explore the application of predictive stability filters for automotive applications. Predictive stability filters allow augmenting human or learning-based controllers such that safety in terms of constraint satisfaction as well as stability of a desired setpoint can be guaranteed. Such algorithms present possible solutions for automotive applications such as, e.g., lane keeping. | |
Semester and Masters Projects in the Optical Nanomaterial Group at ETH | |
We have several projects on integrated and free-space nonlinear optics experiments. This includes expeirments with lithium niobate photonics for frequency conversion and quantum information; analog computing in disordered media; characterization of nonlinear materials. These projects include simulations of nonlinear optical systems, fabrication and analysis techniques, optical characterization and data analysis. | |
Master Thesis / Internship / Semester Project: Digitization of large 12-lead ECG Image database | |
12-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs) are still solely documented on paper in many hospitals, especially in the Global South. These physical paper records provide a multitude of conditions recorded in many different countries. Our lab has access to a dataset with more than 8000 patient’s ECG photos / scans of 12-lead signals printed onto physical paper sheets. The dataset comprises 12-lead ECG image records from more than 35 hospital sites across Europe. The primary objective of this project is to develop an automated digitization pipeline from raw image scan in .png format towards 12 vectorized ECG time series in WFDB format. | |
Semantic Segmentation and Reconstruction of Historical Architecture | |
In the project, students will explore the use of modern AI techniques to digitally analyze and reconstruct historical architecture from scanned point clouds. | |
Enhancing EEG Analysis with AI: Developing a Tailored Foundational Model for EEG Signal Classification | |
This project aims to revolutionize the analysis of electroencephalography (EEG) data by developing a specialized foundational model utilizing the principles of artificial intelligence. Despite the critical role of EEG in diagnosing and treating neurological disorders, challenges such as low signal-to-noise ratios and complex signal patterns hinder practical analysis. By adapting strategies from successful domains like natural language processing and computer vision, this project will build a machine learning model tailored for EEG signals. The model will undergo extensive pre-training on diverse EEG datasets to establish a robust understanding of neural activities, followed by fine-tuning for specific clinical tasks such as seizure detection and sleep stage classification. Our approach promises to enhance the accuracy, efficiency, and accessibility of EEG diagnostics, paving the way for improved patient outcomes. Validation and testing using standard performance metrics will measure the model's efficacy, setting a new standard in EEG analysis. | |
Metric Relative Pose Estimation | |
The objective of this project is to determine the metric relative pose between two images using object-to-object matches. | |
Master Thesis / Internship: Automated Time Series Analysis in Urinary Tract Assessment in Spinal Cord Injury | |
The primary objective of this project is to develop an automated pipeline for the identification and recognition of patterns within urodynamic recordings, utilizing urodynamic recording data in conjunction with annotated patterns provided by experts. This endeavor seeks to reduce the susceptibility of interpreting urodynamic recordings to potential errors arising from human judgment and inaccuracies, thereby improving the management of urinary tract complications in patients with spinal cord injury. By implementing a systematic approach to pattern recognition in Bladder Valomue/Pressure Time Series Measurements of urodynamic data, the potential for error in decision-making can be significantly reduced. | |
Biomineralization of Hydrogels-Based Structures | |
Currently, the mineralization capacity of S. pasteurii is being exploited in developing construction materials in the form of bio-bricks and bio-cement. These materials are mostly compact structures with different degrees of porosity to increase the diffusion of nutrients through the material. Nevertheless, one recurrent challenge in biomineralized structures is the limited precipitation across the structure. | |
Optimal Site selection for Hydrogen Storage using GIS | |
To achieve net zero emission targets replacement of fossil fuels is inevitable. In grand scheme of things Hydrogen plays a grand role in taking a major part of new fuel economy [1]. Techno economic analysis of hydrogen energy systems presents a very bright outlook [2]. The energy transport cost will also play an important role for the ultimate energy pricing. Therefore, it becomes imperative to search for the optimal installation locations for the large/small scale hydrogen storage systems considering the environmental, geological and accidental risk factors. A Multi criteria decision making analysis coupled with GIS data would provide the most economical and safe installation sites [3]. | |
Experimental Evaluation of 3D Printed Electronics Using Multimaterial FDM Printing | |
Multimaterial FDM printing is one of the most prominent ways of directly printing electronics into structural parts. However, so far, there is no comprehensive data on the relationship between different print settings and the resulting electrical properties. The goal of this thesis is to experimentally evaluate the properties to open up the use of the process for 3D printed electronics. | |
Explorative Study of 3D-Printed Potentiometer Designs | |
Explore the cutting-edge world of 3D-printed potentiometers, integrating electrical components directly into parts using new conductive filaments. This thesis focuses on developing and experimentally testing various 3D-printed potentiometer designs, aiming to identify optimal designs and general design guidelines. Join this exciting project at the intersection of 3D printing and electronics integration, contributing to the evolution of potentiometer design. | |
Development of a 3D Printing Slicer for 3D Printed Electrical Wires | |
This thesis examines the importance of electrical wiring in engineering, highlighting issues like entanglement, labor-intensive assembly, and added weight. It proposes integrating wiring directly into components using 3D printing. Previous projects have explored 3D printing electronics, including an autonomous design tool with Rhino Grasshopper. However, the layer-by-layer approach in 3D printing introduces variations in electrical properties. The thesis aims to develop a slicing tool to improve material properties. Depending on the thesis type and personal interests, the project may include experimental characterization of 3D-printed samples, integrating findings into the slicing tool. | |
Deep learning based 3D segmentation of X-ray microtomographic volumes from the human middle ear | |
The aim of the project is to develop a deep learning model capable of performing 3D semantic segmentation of the different features of the middle ear, from synchrotron-based X-ray microtomography 3D volumes. Challenges include developing a high-performance algorithm for handling large data sizes (20 GB per volume). The project consists in a first phase about dataset generation followed by a second phase of development/selection of the most appropriate DL model and metrics. | |
Single-Cell Multispectral data science Project | |
In our lab we are analysing droplet-microfluidic generated multi-spectral images of single-cell secreting multiple protein simultaneously. As multifunctionalities of immune cells are understudied we are aiming at developing further data science tools for image analysis, cell detection, multi-functionality read-out and data visualization. This student project aims at building on previous data science and software development projects which have developed a comprehensive pipeline to analyse large fluorescent imaging files from single-cell secretion experiments inside droplets. The software includes droplet detection and tracking, cell identification and scoring, protein secretion read-out and classification, grouping and subpopulation data analysis together with plotting of visualisation tools. The image analysis includes Matlab, machine learning algorithms and Python Data Science tools. | |
Open Vocabulary Video Semantic Segmentation (master thesis) | |
Open vocabulary video semantic segmentation (OV-VSS) aims to assign a semantic label to each pixel of each frame of the video given an arbitrary set of open-vocabulary category names. There are a number of attempts on open vocabulary image semantic segmentation (OV-ISS). However, OV-VSS does not get enough attention due to the difficulty of video understanding tasks in modeling local redundancy and global correlation. In this master thesis project, we plan to fill the gap by extending existing OV-ISS methods to OV-VSS. Specifically, we aim to develop a OV-VSS method which achieves high accuracy by using temporal information and keeps high efficiency. | |
Interpret Health with Wearable Measures | |
The widespread adoption of wearable technology enables continuous monitoring of physiological parameters like activity levels, heart rate, and sleep patterns. This study investigates the relationship between wearable measures and well-being, focusing on physical and mental health as well as overall quality of life. | |
Voice Pathology Detection Using Deep Learning | |
This study aims to detect voice pathologies distinguishing homophonic from dysphonic labels. | |
Cough and Health Status in Heart Failure Patients | |
This study aims to investigate the relationship between cough and health status among heart failure patients, recognizing cough as a potential indicator of underlying health status and symptom severity. | |
Product Development in Industry | |
Bühler, a leading industry manufacturer in Uzwil, is partnering with ETH Zürich's Feasibility Lab to offer a unique master thesis opportunity. Throughout your thesis, you'll work hand-in-hand with a team of like-minded peers, following the principles of cross-functional teamwork and agile project planning. You can explore your interests in AI/Machine Learning, Robotics, UX, Additive Manufacturing, Food Science and more and actively define your own project scope. | |
Deep-learning based automatic localization and tracking of anatomical landmarks from cardiac magnetic resonange images | |
This project aims at developing a machine learning approach (for example, using convolutional neural networks) for localizing and tracking anatomical landmarks from cardiac MR images. | |
Development of Next Generation Sustainable Food Drying Technology | |
Drying (e.g. Pasta drying) is the most energy intensive process step, sometimes taking up more than 50% of the total energy consumption of a plant. Superheated steam drying could present an energy efficient alternative to classical hot-air drying systems used today. This new technology could have a massive impact on the carbon-footprint and sustainability of food-drying; making it a highly future-oriented and potentially impactful innovation. | |
Control strategy development for energy exchange in a decentralized heating systems | |
The goal of this project is 1) to explore potential control strategies to manage the energy exchange for a decentralized, bidirectional district heating network and 2) to implement the most promising controller, in terms of complexity and effectiveness, in a simulation environment | |
Sustainability and Energy Efficiency in Industry | |
Drying (e.g. Pasta drying) is the most energy intensive process step, sometimes taking up more than 50% of the total energy consumption of a plant. Superheated steam drying could present an energy efficient alternative to classical hot-air drying systems used today. This new technology could have a massive impact on the carbon-footprint and sustainability of food-drying; making it a highly future-oriented and potentially impactful innovation. | |
Co-Axial extrusion for biocementation | |
The project investigates the development of a co-axial extrusion methods for large-scale 3D printing bio-cementation structures. The extruded paste will host microorganisms such as S.Pasteurii, capable of precipitating calcite (MICP) to create bio-concrete structures. A robotic paste 3D printing platform will be used for the fabrication process; the bio-paste will be precipitated and calcified by the bacterial activity reinforcing the material. | |
Making Novel Porous Bacterial Cellulose Hydrogels for Sustainable Applications | |
Pressing challenges in climate change require the development of the next generation of renewable materials addressing cooling, CO2 capture and energy production. Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a very promising material to be used in a sustainable future as it is purer than plant-extracted cellulose and most importantly, it is produced in a sustainable and scalable way [1]. To exploit the use of BC as a functional material, such as heat insulators or filters, we need to develop robust methods to control their macrostructure. In this project, you will explore the combination of phase separation techniques [2,3] in bacterial cellulose hydrogels to tune the morphology of the phase. And study the optical and mechanical properties of the resulting novel materials. [1] Z. Wu, et al. ‘Insights into hierarchical structure–property–application relationships of advanced bacterial cellulose materials’, Advanced Functional Materials 33, 2214327 (2023). [2] Fernandez-Rico et al, ‘Putting the Squeeze on Phase separation’, JACS Au (2021). [3] Fernandez-Rico et al, ‘Elastic microphase separation produced robust bicontinuous materials’, Nature Materials (2023). | |
Direct data-driven control of linear systems: SOS, please | |
Sum-of-Squares (SOS) relaxation is a beautiful technique to solve nonconvex optimization problems. As computational capabilities continue to increase, so is the scope of engineering challenges that can be tackled with this method. The goal of this project is to exploit the flexibility of SOS relaxations to design new data-driven control methods for linear dynamics, that can more efficiently incorporate prior knowledge on the system and cope with noisy input-output data. | |
Development of a smart sock for plantar pressure monitoring | |
The goal of the project is to develop and test a smart sock prototype for plantar pressure measurements. The smart sock contains textile based pressure sensors and a readout module. This technology can be used for plantar pressure monitoring in diverse wearable applications ranging from healthcare to sports. | |
Image Based Robust Pose Estimation for General Excavator Buckets | |
The efficient operation of excavators in construction environments necessitates precise pose estimation of their buckets. Current methods rely on IMUs placed on the excavator arm which require tedious calibration and can be damaged during construction operations. This project aims to leverage computer vision and machine learning to enhance pose estimation, thereby enabling VR overlays for teleoperation and facilitating automation tasks. | |
Modelling, Designing, and Optimizing Pasta | |
The Traverso Lab at Brigham & Women's Hospital (Harvard Medical School) is focused on the development of commercializable products and technologies. One of our current interests is in leveraging computational and experimental methods to develop novel food products. We are seeking motivated and independent students to join our lab for their master's thesis. Students will be expected to develop competent physical models, simulate fluidics and mechanics, perform rheological tests, and validate theoretical models with experiments. Experience in these areas is beneficial but not necessary. We aim to recruit students with creativity, a willingness to learn, and the ability to work collaboratively on a team of interdisciplinary scientists and engineers. | |
Battery Engineering Internship/Working student (paid) | |
About 8inks: Lithium-ion batteries have revolutionized the world we live in today by enabling applications in mobile electronics ranging from laptops, smart phones, to smart watches. Today, electrification of large industries such as electric passenger vehicles, trucks, grid energy storage, and aviation is inhibited as conventional lithium-ion batteries approach the limits of their performance. NextGen batteries are considered to bring the required performance improvements but lack a low-cost, scalable manufacturing solution for market breakthrough. At eightinks, we develop a revolutionary manufacturing solution of NextGen batteries: multilayer curtain coating. Our technology allows high battery energy density, charging speed, and safety, all combined with lower production costs. It is material agnostic and can serve as a platform solution for various segments of the battery market. To develop our technology to the earliest possible market entry, we are working on all relevant aspects of NextGen battery design, production, assembly, and testing. | |
Analysis of paraglacial landslides using a global velocity dataset | |
Landslides are a dangerous natural hazard affecting the lives of people all over the world. This thesis will focus on the detection of paraglacial landslides from a global glacier-velocity dataset. The behavior of these sites throughout time will be analyzed and compared to an existing landslide database. | |
Object Slippage Detection for a Miniature Force-Sensitive Gripper | |
We are developing a teleoperated micro-assembly system. A core component is a force-sensitive micro-gripper. A first gripper prototype has been realized and evaluated. Your task will be to review and improve the current design and to implement automated object slippage detection. | |
Development Of A Test Bed For Ultrasonic Transducer Characterization (1 S/B) | |
The main goal of this work is to develop a modular system for the characterization and tuning of ultrasonic transducers both in hard- and software Due to the intended modularity of the system in soft- and hardware, we can guarantee a high flexibility of the setup. This means that the system can be adapted in operation for a wide variety of transducer types and setups. | |
Safe guaranteed domain exploration with autonomous robots | |
In many autonomous navigation applications, the robot must interact with the environment to learn and complete tasks. Furthermore, these applications are safety-critical, and crashes cannot be afforded. This necessitates the safe learning of the unknown environment in order to achieve the task objective (e.g., detecting a leak or mapping an area). For example, consider an application of safe exploration in a warehouse with a wheeled robot to identify the source of a gas leak. | |
Assessing the innovation potential of electrochemical direct air capture | |
Rapid emission reductions are needed so that the Paris Agreement's target to limit global warming to well below 2°C remains attainable. Pathways in line with this target presume a swift transition to low-carbon energy sources and – on top – the deployment of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies to remove historic emissions and compensate for emissions that cannot be completely eliminated. Direct air capture (DAC) with carbon storage offers a scalable, permanent, and relatively easily measurable, reportable, and verifiable CDR method. However, DAC technologies are still in their infancy and high costs have hindered large-scale deployment of DAC. While there are advantages to DAC in its potential to address emissions from distributed sources, the development and deployment of DAC systems has been limited by their high cost and energy requirements.[1] Most research and development has focused on solid sorbent and liquid solvent DAC, both of which use thermal and electrical energy. To overcome the high energy requirements of DAC systems using thermal energy, electrochemical DAC systems have been recognized as a promising alternative due to their potentially lower energy consumption at lower temperatures and pressures. [2] However, the technological maturity of electrochemical DAC systems is low, with most systems still at laboratory scale. It remains to be assessed how they compare with DAC systems using thermal energy. References: [1] doi.org/10.1016/j.joule.2024.02.005 [2] doi.org/10.1039/D0EE03382K | |
Wearable Magnetic Field System For Social Distancing and Pose Reconstruction With Deep Regression | |
Advanced wearable motion capturing platforms (like Xsense, Optitrack) are emerging fast in recent years to innovate everyday life in entertainment, sports, rehabilitation, etc. However, to address the constraints of the current IMU- and Vision-based motion capturing system, a more robust approach is needed for long-term, in-the-wild motion tracking. From this point, the wearable magnetic field system shows excellent potential benefitting from its resistance to environmental objects and field-form sensing modality. | |
West Antarctic Ice Sheet subglacial drainage and grounding zone seismicity | |
Antarctic ice sheets contribute significant uncertainty to sea level rise projections due to processes occurring deep beneath the ice. This project will use existing data from two passive seismic deployments to investigate the ice sheet – ice shelf transition of Kamb Ice Stream in West Antarctica. | |
The role of englacial meltwater in the collapse of the Gorner-Grenzgletscher junction | |
The project will investigate the retreat and collapse of the Gorner-Grenzgletscher junction and quantify the role of englacial melt in the overall ice-loss budget. | |
The impact of a gold mine on Sary-Tor glacier in Central Asia | |
The surface mass balance of a glacier is critical in determining its long-term evolution. This thesis will explore the effect that the activities of a gold-mine operating next to a glacier has on the glacier mass balance. The area of interest is located in Kyrgyzstan and the project will make use of both numerical modelling and data collected in situ. | |
Student Research Assistance for App development in Biosensing and Healthcare Data (~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). | |
Lifelong Learning in the Context of Long-Term Mapping and Localization | |
This project explores how to best combine and update visual-inertial maps captured over multiple days despite changes in the environment. Project supervised by and conducted at Magic Leap Zurich. | |
Submodular optimization for scenario sampling in autonomous vehicles safety testing | |
A key barrier hindering the swift introduction of autonomous vehicles (AVs) in real-world contexts is the challenge in establishing clear safety benchmarks. Specifically, the issue of systematically assessing both performance and safety remains a significant stumbling block within the industry. This challenge is mainly twofold: Firstly, how can we identify an ideal scenario set to evaluate the vehicle's performance within a targeted Operational Design Domain (ODD) and what criteria would be useful in amplifying or paring down this set? Secondly, how do we determine a substantial stopping criteria for the evaluation campaign, and what level of confidence should be attached to the observed performances? | |
Practical Rod and Wire Production Techniques for Advanced Alloys and Composites | |
Meeting the demands of evolving manufacturing and environmental landscapes frequently entails the development of pioneering processes and materials. Yet, generating innovative materials presents its own set of challenges. This project necessitates the establishment of a methodology for producing rods and wires, facilitating the production of powder for novel alloys. To accomplish this task, a forging machine known as a round swage will be employed. The created rods and wires will be used to produce powder using Ultrasonic Plasma Atomizer (UPA) and the wires will be used as is for Directed Energy Deposition (DED), an additive manufacturing technology. | |
Intelligent machines for production in space | |
see attachment | |
Assay development for cancer diagnostics | |
You will develop a diagnostic test for testicular cancer. The focus of the project will be on creating the biochemical protocols for the test. The project is in collaboration with a prelaunch startup and a hospital (USZ). Therefore, it is ideal for motivated students who want to have a direct impact | |
Computational design optimization of a motion preserving spinal implant | |
Following trauma or due to degeneration it can be necessary to replace one or more intervertebral discs with an implant, a so-called Total Disc Replacement (TDR). Such devices enable motion though surfaces articulating against each other. While this treatment is clinically successful, it is connected to considerable complication and reoperation rates. Therefore, we are optimizing the design of such an implant to address these issues. While many different designs and design types have been proposed and are used in clinical practice, there is no consensus on what design or design type is the most beneficial. However, it is hypothesized, that replicating the situation that is present in healthy (asymptomatic) subjects as closely as possible, is optimal. Since the motions of the cervical spine are coupled (coupling of rotation and translation as well as multiple rotations) the optimal design of the articulating surfaces is not obvious. Therefore, this master’s thesis project aims at designing the implants articulating surfaces using parametric design optimization in LS-OPT based on finite element simulations. | |
Wearable blood pressure monitoring | |
Blood Pressure is an essential vital sign that is necessary for monitoring patients in various disease scenarios: hypertension, diabetes, autonomic dysregulation, cardiovascular disease and sepsis, to name a few. Continuous low-power blood pressure monitoring would pave the way for developing algorithms for predicting patient health deterioration. This project aims to develop compact low power, accurate sensing of blood pressure non-invasively using novel sensing paradigms for wearable technologies. | |
Develop microfluidics for at-home blood testing | |
Collaborating with a dynamic startup, you will work on designing, manufacturing, and testing microfluidic devices to quantify biomolecules associated with chronic inflammation, heart attacks, and tropical diseases. | |
Revolutionize at-home diagnostics | |
Join our interdisciplinary student project to transform at-home diagnostics! Work on cutting-edge technology, boost sensitivity, engineer tests for seamless home use, and develop targeted disease detection. Help us to shape the future of healthcare. | |
Electronic epidermal system | |
Design and development of flexible/ hybrid multisensory patch for vital sign monitoring with a multisensory electronic epidermal system. Flexible, lightweight, body conformal wireless devices with soft form factors that enable measurements with high signal to noise ratio (SNR) continuously over a long duration of use from any location of the body are the need of the hour. This requires development of bio-compatible, high performance materials appropriate for implementation in clinical settings. Body conformal flexible sensors have been used to monitor motion, mechano-acoustic sensing, radial artery pulse waves, biomarkers in sweat and electrocardiography (ECG) signals. The conformal nature of the systems lead to increased adherence to the skin and subsequently render a high fidelity system with high signal to noise ratio. | |
Personalized algorithms for prediction of sepsis onset | |
Development and implementation of personalized algorithms for personalized prediction algorithms for the detection of sepsis in different population groups. | |
Smart sensor fusion for sepsis onset identification | |
Algorithm development for extracting multiple vital signs and developing a sensor fusion model from a few sensor nodes to evaluate the organ functionality of patients at risk of sepsis | |
Develop the electronics for a new medical sensor | |
You will work on bringing medical tests to peoples home. You will further develop the hardware and software for a readout device that can perform a variety of diagnostic tests in a reliable but simple fashion. | |
Non-Invasive monitoring of the bladder volume for paraplegic population | |
In patients of spinal chord injury, the urinary condition is particularly complicated because they generally lack control over urinary function and cannot voluntarily discharge the bladder. Depending on the severity of the spinal cord injury, micturition reflexes are often blocked and patients with impaired or destroyed nervous pathways may exhibit bladder-sphincter dyssynergia, which causes functional outlet obstruction. Typically, these patients have no natural desire to urinate. To discharge their bladder, paraplegic patients have to manually activate spinal micturition reflexes or use intermittent catheterization which (on the long- term) can cause injury, infection or kidney damage, in addition to other complication in health. Particularly for this paraplegic population, proper monitoring of the bladder volume is very important. At present, no optimum solution present commercially or in published research that can provide a method for accurate, long term, non-invasive and unobtrusive bladder monitoring. In this project, the student will develop a multi-sensor system based on novel sensors and incorporate state of the art, sensor fusion algorithms to enable non-invasive bladder volume measurements for the paraplegic population | |
[Fully Funded PhD Scholarship in NTU Singapore] Research in AI for Drug Discovery and Multi-Modal Large Language Models in Medicine | |
Fully Funded PhD Scholarship (Fall 2024/Spring 2025) at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore: AI for Drug Discovery and Multi-Modal Large Language Models in Medicine | |
Masters project at PSI (SCD/LMS): Systematic correction of electronic self-interaction with Koopmans functionals | |
Investigate how best to unite Koopmans and Perdew-Zunger self-interaction corrections for electronic structure calculations. | |
Masters project at PSI (SCD/LMS): Combining Koopmans and Hubbard corrections for accurate band structures of materials | |
Investigate how best to unite Koopmans and Hubbard corrections for electronic structure calculations. | |
Leveraging Neural Scene Representations for Large-Scale Localization | |
Project supervised by and conducted at Magic Leap Zurich. This project explores how recent neural scene representations like NeRFs could be useful for visual localization. | |
Self-grown meat analogue | |
Materials made with fungal mycelium have recently gained popularity as novel material in various industries, among others to produce meat analogues. So far, we successfully devised a straightforward technique for producing foamed hydrogel scaffolds that facilitate the growth of fungal mycelium. Our next objective involves refining the design of the 3D food matrix to serve as a host material, allowing us to guide the growth of mycelium and create an anisotropic material with fibrous texture similar to meat fibers. This will be achieved by employing a variety of triggers known to influence the direction of fungal mycelial growth. |
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