Project proposals

When you contact us, please provide information on your background, and send your resume and transcript.

Microengineering of a dexterous probe for neural interventions (Masters thesis)

Description: Traditional rigid instruments, while accurate, remain restricted in their ability to navigate delicate and structurally complex soft tissues such as the brain. Steerable devices have made strides in maneuverability, yet their motion capabilities within cerebral regions remain constrained. We have recently introduced a novel ribbon-shaped soft robotic device that can autonomously penetrate and navigate soft tissues. The project involves further miniaturisation of the device using cleanroom microfabrication techniques and the integration of various sensors for measuring tissue mechanics as a means to diagnose various pathologies.

Keywords: design, microfabrication, mechanical testing

Workload: 100% experimental
Contact: Mehdi Gadiri

Bioengineering living machines (Masters thesis)

Description: Thanks to progress in tissue engineering, all organic machines are in reach. The objective of this project is to optimize tissue culture protocols to obtain epithelial coated tissues with stable, reproducible shapes for the biomachine assembly. Tasks will mainly include experimental work (cell culture, microscopy) and image analysis (Python or MATLAB).

Keywords: cell culture, tissue engineering, microscopy, image analysis

Workload: 70% experimental, 30% computer vision
Contact: Selman Sakar

Controller for a medical robotic navigation system (Masters thesis)

Description: Magnetic catheters are long and flexible tubes that are inserted inside the brain vessels and steered using external magnetic fields. The objective of this project is to synchronize visual tracking of the catheter (RGB/Xray) and the custom magnetic control system. Tasks will mainly include programming (python) of the CV tracking algorithm and the custom magnetic system, and ultimately validating the performances in laboratory and clinical settings.

Keywords: Imaging, Computer Vision, Navigation, Robotics, Surgery

Workload: 80% programming, 20% experiments
Contact: Artur Banach

Closed-Loop Navigation of a Ribbon-Shaped Robotic Device in Brain Tissue (Master Thesis)

Description: This project focuses on developing an advanced closed-loop control system to navigate a robotically actuated ribbon-shaped device within brain tissue. The system integrates a custom path planning algorithm with real-time 3D pose estimation to enable precise, adaptive navigation. By continuously monitoring and adjusting the device’s trajectory based on real-time feedback, the closed-loop system enhances robustness and accuracy, essential for safe operation within brain tissue’s intricate structures. The code will be implemented in C++/Python using OpenCV for vision processing.

Keywords: real-time navigation, closed-loop control, path planning, 3D pose estimation, brain tissue robotics, software development

Workload: 50% programming, 30% experimental, 20% design
Contact: Lorenzo Noseda

Microfabrication of endovascular microcatheters (Masters thesis)

Description: Catheters are long and flexible tubes that are navigated inside the brain vessels. The objective of this project is to manufacture the smallest microcatheters (size of human hair) that are navigated in microscopic arteries. Tasks will include microfabrication in laboratory, validation and characterization of the devices, and ultimately tests in in vitro and clinical settings.

Keywords: manufacturing, design, mechanical testing

Workload: 100% experimental
Contact: Mehdi Gadiri

Design Optimization of Acoustic Actuators (Master thesis or Semester project)

Description: In this project, the student will develop a design and manufacturing framework for acoustic actuators with an emphasis on the study of fundamental mechanics principles. Theoretical analysis and computational simulations will be performed on multi-physics phenomena that involve mechanical vibrations, fluid dynamics, solid mechanics, and acoustics. 

Keywords:  mechanical design, acoustics, vibrations, fluid dynamics

Workload: 60% experimental, 40% modelling

Contact: Junsun Hwang

Finite Element Simulations in Cardiovascular Environments (Masters thesis)

Description: Measuring the hydrodynamic properties of blood flow in the arteries presents significant challenges. This project aims to develop patient-specific computational models and perform cardiovascular flow simulations. The simulations will be validated through laboratory experiments. This work is particularly relevant for testing medical instruments, such as catheters and wires, currently under development in our lab.

Keywords: CFD, biomechanics, medical instruments

Workload: 80% simulations, 20% experiments
Contact: Artur Banach

Optimization of MEMS Pressure Sensors for Endovascular Applications (Masters thesis)

Description: The integration of microfabrication techniques in medical devices has been transformative, yet the challenge of creating highly sensitive, miniaturized sensors for endovascular applications remains. The development of these sensors is pivotal in advancing the diagnosis and treatment of coronary artery disease. At our lab, we have initiated a project to optimize MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) pressure sensors, focusing on their application in endovascular guidewires. The project aims to refine various aspects of sensor design to enhance sensitivity and reliability. As a part of our team, you will work closely with experts in microfabrication and biomedical engineering. Your primary responsibility will be to develop and implement strategies for optimizing sensor components. This will involve extensive work in cleanroom environments (CMi), conducting experiments to tweak and test different sensor configurations, and performing rigorous characterization to assess performance improvements.

Keywords: MEMS, pressure sensor, microfabrication, biomedical engineering

Workload: 100% experimental
Contact: Mehdi Gadiri

3D Printing of Flexible Microstructures for Acoustic Microrobots (Master thesis or Semester project)

Description: In this project, the student will work in the cleanroom to fabricate acoustically responsive structures and test the fabricated structures using our unique acoustic actuation platform. A large design space will be explored, which will allow the student to gain first-hand experience on advanced manufacturing and soft microrobotics. Students who already have access to CMi will be given priority.

Keywords: acoustics, 3D printing, microfabrication

Workload: 100% experimental

Contact: Junsun Hwang

Development of an In-vitro Fluidic Test Platform for Endovascular Instruments (Masters thesis)

Description: The evolution of medical diagnostics is heavily reliant on the precision and reliability of testing platforms. In the realm of endovascular sensor development, the creation of an in-vitro fluidic test platform is crucial for simulating coronary artery conditions and evaluating sensor performance. You will engage in the hands-on assembly of the platform, followed by a series of calibration and optimization processes. Your role will be instrumental in establishing a robust test environment, including phantom fabrication,  the development of control systems for flow and pressure, and sensors integration.

Keywords: fluid dynamics, mechatronics, biomedical engineering

Workload: 100% experimental
Contact: Mehdi Gadiri