EPFL Robotics News

EPFL and ETH Zurich join forces and funded the Swiss National AI Institute © iStock

EPFL and ETH Zurich enhance collaboration to boost AI in Switzerland

— EPFL and ETH Zurich are intensifying their collaboration in artificial intelligence (AI). They have founded the Swiss National AI Institute (SNAI) with the aim of addressing challenges in AI by leveraging their broad scientific expertise. Funding for the related research programs has been secured.

Josie Hughes (center) with MassRobotics cofounder Joyce Sidopoulos (left) and Ingmar Posner of the University of Oxford (right) © MassRobotics

Josie Hughes wins MassRobotics Rising Star Award

— Josie Hughes, head of the Computational Robot Design and Fabrication Lab (CREATE Lab) in the School of Engineering, has received the 2024 Rising Star Award from the independent robotics innovation hub MassRobotics. 

Researchers from EPFL have developed a next-generation miniaturized brain-machine interface - 2024 EPFL / Lundi13 - CC-BY-SA 4.0

An entire brain-machine interface on a chip

— Researchers from EPFL have developed a next-generation miniaturized brain-machine interface capable of direct brain-to-text communication on tiny silicon chips.

The flapping microrobot takes flight with passive deploying-retracting wings - 2024 EPFL/Hoang-Vu Phan - CC-BY-SA 4.0

Flying like a beetle

— In a new study, EPFL scientists found that rhinoceros beetles use passive mechanisms to deploy and retract wings instead of muscles. The findings inspired them to develop a new microrobot, demonstrating a simple, yet effective, approach to the design of insect-like flying micromachines.

A modified table soccer for children with cerebral palsy. © 2024 EPFL / Hillary Sanctuary

Making a difference with the MAKE Assistive Technologies Challenge

— Thanks to the dedication of EPFL students, all motivated by the potential to make a difference in someone’s life, six MAKE prototypes were built last semester with the aim of assisting the mentally or physically challenged.

Martin Vetterli, Reymond Clavel and Marc-Olivier Demaurex © Titouan Veuillet

Reymond Clavel receives Joseph F. Engelberger Robotics Award

— EPFL Emeritus Professor Reymond Clavel has received the world’s most prestigious robotics honor from the Association for Advancing Automation for the invention of the Delta robot.

© 2024 EPFL

Robots au chocolat for dessert?

— A fully edible robot could soon end up on our plate if we overcome some technical hurdles, say EPFL scientists involved in RoboFood – an EU-funded project which aims to marry robots and food.

Reverse-engineering the fruit fly brain. Credit: EPFL Neuroengineering Laboratory and FlyWire

Fruit fly brain shows how simple commands turn into complex behaviors

— Researchers at EPFL have discovered how networks of neurons in fruit flies transform simple brain signals into coordinated actions. This sheds light on the neural mechanisms underlying complex behaviors for potential application in robotics.

Nana Obayashi in the CREATE lab © Nana Obayashi

Nana Obayashi wins prestigious Amelia Earhart Fellowship

— Nana Obayashi, a PhD student at EPFL’s School of Engineering, has been granted the highly esteemed Amelia Earhart Fellowship for her achievements in mechanical engineering.

Josie Hughes, at right, receiving her award on May 16 © Josie Hughes

Josie Hughes receives IEEE RAS Early Academic Career Award

— Josie Hughes, head of the Computational Robot Design and Fabrication Lab in the School of Engineering, has received the 2024 Early Academic Career Award in Robotics and Automation from the IEEE Robotics and Automation Society.