INSTRUCTIONS FOR MASTER AND SEMESTER PROJECTS
Please find below the links towards the instructions for the master or semester projects.
Note : the registration to the Instant-Lab secretary has to be done 3 weeks prior to the semester beginning
and the model sheet for the project resume
All the student projects of the section SGM are available in this link
Instant-Lab available projects:
BICStable – Reverse engineering of an existing bistable mechanism (PDS or PDM)
Instant-Lab is exploring new ways to design flexure-based mechanisms. Broad theoretical knowledge, practical experiences, and a touch of instinct nourish the innovation process. This recipe has permitted the recent development of a new bistable mechanism that can be used for a wide range of applications. Although this prototype is functional, it is unclear why it works. The objective of this project is first to develop a MATLAB model of this prototype (a kind of digital twin) to numerically reproduce the observed mechanical behavior, and then to use this model to optimize the performance of this bistable mechanism.
The project consists of:
- Mechanical modeling: Developed a MATLAB script that solves the mechanical models of the bistable mechanism. Strong support will be provided to the student in formulating the mathematical problem
- Optimization: Based on the developed model, a numerical optimization process will be implemented in MATLAB to identify the optimal design parameters
- Prototyping: Manufacture the optimal mechanism
- Characterization: Conduct measurements to quantify the actual performance of the optimal prototype.
Required background:
- Interest in applied mathematics and mechanical modeling
- Interest in numerical optimization processes
- Interest in flexure-based mechanisms (commonly used in the lab)
- Interest in prototyping
- Self-directed and inventive
Location: EPFL Associated campus of Neuchâtel
Section: SGM or other interested
Contact email: [email protected]
Rotoprinter – Improvement of a cylindrical FDM 3D printer (PDS or PDM)
Additive manufacturing methods have significantly advanced over the last decade, opening new possibilities for creating flexure-based mechanisms. Among these machines, the popular Cartesian Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) printers have become essential for many prototyping processes because of their ability to produce polymer-based prototypes quickly and at low cost. Although the latest FDM machines are highly efficient, some limitations still restrict the design possibilities. One such limitation is the improper orientation of print layers relative to the deformation directions of flexible elements. For example, when bending a beam, failure occurs faster in a transverse-layered beam than in an axial-layered one. Since the Instant-Lab is currently exploring cylindrical flexure-based mechanisms, a solution has been to replace the printer’s planar bed with a cylindrical one. A functional prototype, based on a Creality CR10, has been developed in the Lab, but it still requires some improvements. The objective of this project is to design and commission an upgraded version of the existing machine.
The project consists of:
- Mechanical design: Based on the existing machine, improve the printer frames (including adjustment and position-holding solution) and the printer cylindrical bed (which needs to be removable after the printing)
- Materials exploration: Experimentally compare different materials for the material of the printer’s cylindrical bed
- Prototyping: Manufacture, assemble the designed components, and commission the new printer version
- Software improvement: Improve the current MATLAB G-Code post-processing algorithm used to accommodate this non-standard printing configuration
- Characterization: Quantify the impact of the cylindrical FDM process (relative to the Cartesian one) on the cylindrical flexure-based mechanisms’ performances
Required background:
- Interest in additive manufacturing
- Interest in mechanical design and robotics
- Interest in flexure-based mechanisms (commonly used in the lab)
- Interest in CAD drawing
- Self-directed and inventive
Location: EPFL Associated campus of Neuchâtel
Section: SGM or other interested
Contact email: [email protected]
Master’s project in industry (CSEM): Innovative flexures produced by Additive Manufacturing (AM)
Compliant mechanisms minimize wear, backlash, and lubrication needs, making them ideal for space applications like optical device positioning or satellite thruster alignment. Additive Manufacturing (AM) now allows the creation of innovative compliant elements, such as lattices and curved blades, that go beyond the design limits of wire EDM or micro water jet cutting, enabling improved mechanism performance. Nevertheless, compliant mechanisms are sensitive to the historical limitation of AM such as warpage, minimal thickness and elongation ratio. This project aims to explore new design paradigms, taking advantage of AM, while ensuring that the new concepts can be manufactured.
Project consists of:
- Performing a State-of-the-Art review of the current design of compliant mechanisms building blocks, focusing on innovative design geometries such as curved blades, lattice elements, and blades with varying cross-sections
- Identifying use cases suited to innovative geometric flexure elements
- Designing and model (FEM) a selection of innovative flexure elements
- Studying the manufacturability based on a use case including one or several innovative building blocks
Required background :
- Solid education in Microengineering or Mechanical Engineering
- Competence in CAD (familiarity with commercial software such as Solidworks appreciated)
- Competence in FEM (COMSOL)
- Knowledge of Additive Manufacturing
Type of project: Master’s thesis (PDM)
Location: CSEM, Neuchâtel
Sections: SGM, SMT or other interested
Contact email: [email protected]
Mechanical Design of a Monolithic Continuum Robot for Minimally Invasive Surgery (Master’s thesis) (Already taken)
Continuum robots are fantastic solutions for robotic interventions in narrow and torturous environments such as minimally invasive surgery. They are thin, slender, and flexible structures whose shape can be actively controlled using flexible transmission mechanisms that allow actuators to be moved to the base of the robot. Various types of robots have been developed over the past decades, expanding the range of surgical procedures while enhancing safety for patients. A nice video illustrating the concept of continuum robots is available at this link: https://www.tunyaluxlangsub.ca/portfolio/mrp. The objective of this project is to develop a new flexible architecture for continuum robots based on compliant linkages.
The project consists of:
- Drawing up specifications: Based on an analysis of the literature and existing systems, draft specifications for the targeted performance.
- Creative mechanical design: Develop a catalog of potential solutions with different levels of complexity, compare them, and select the most promising one.
- Design optimization: Refine the design of the chosen solution.
- Prototyping: Manufacture a large-scale prototype, including a manual actuation system.
- Experimental characterization: Conduct measurements to quantify the actual performance of the designed prototype.
Required background:
- Interest in mechanical design, robotics and their application in medicine
- Interest in flexure mechanisms (commonly used in the lab)
- Interest in CAD drawing and FEM simulations
- Interest in prototyping using laser cutters, 3D printers or any other means
- Self-directed and inventive
Location: EPFL Associated campus of Neuchâtel
Section: SGM or other interested
Contact email: [email protected]
Mechanical analog computation with flexures mechanisms
Recent technological developments in micro-manufacturing reopen the possibility of fully mechanical and miniaturized computational devices. This project aim at developing new modules that might one day be an alternative for electronics and transistor based computing, for applications in extreme environments like space or remote locations on earth. Although mostly centered on analog, new digital families can also be developed with this technology.
Project contains:
Mechanical design, modeling, simulations, and prototyping
Location: EPFL Associated campus of Neuchâtel
Section: SGM or other interested
Contact email: [email protected] to obtain a detailed list of available projects (confidential)
Design of a new musical instrument: acoustic simulation and modeling of sound generation through stick and slip, followed by prototyping
Nowadays, the development of new musical instruments happens mostly in the digital space. However, some physical principles still hold great potential to open a new world of mechanical sound, and remain largely unexplored. This project focuses on the simulation of a new type of musical instrument. Depending on the student’s profile, a design and prototyping part can also be made to test the theoretical predictions of the sound gerneration.
Project contains:
Modeling, simulations, mechanical design, and prototyping
Location: EPFL Associated campus of Neuchâtel
Section: SGM or other interested
Contact email: [email protected]
Surgical knot tension measurement device
A previous study [1], led by the EPFL fleXLab, in collaboration with plastic surgeon Samia Guerid, examined the mechanical strength of surgical knots and how multiple factors such as pretension, friction, and the number of throws influence their performance. The plastic deformation of the surgical filaments tied by the surgeons ensure its knot strength and shape. The results showed that the tension applied during knot tying procedure (pretension) permanently deforms the filament, creating a holding force. Insufficient pretension can cause the knot to untie, while excessive tension may break the filament.
By analyzing numerous knots tied by the surgeon, the results showed that the surgeons are capable of tying systematically safe knots by consistently setting a pretension in the functional range. However, mastering this safe range typically requires years of experience for surgeons. Besides, actual evaluation methods to assess the security of knots are based on visual observation and manual haptic feedback. Taking advantage of the acquired understanding of knot strength, the goal of this project is to design a device that can be integrated into training and evaluation programs for surgeons.
[1] (https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adg8861)
The project consists of:
- Literature + Mechanical Design Review: Conduct a comprehensive review of existing research on the strength and mechanics of surgical knots. Evaluate and discuss existing designs of force measurement tools.
- Tool Design and Prototyping: Improve (or invent) and prototype a mechanical system capable of measuring the force exerted during knot tying. The tool that can be handheld by the surgeon (similar to a dynamometer key) or attached to a table.
- (Force Limitation System): Develop a tunable system that can limit force (or torque) to help regulate knot tension.
- (Ergonomic Design): Incorporate ergonomic principles into the tool design, ensuring user comfort and simplicity of use.
- (Validate Prototype Performance): Test the prototype with different types of filaments and knots to measure its accuracy and reliability in capturing pretension forces.
Required background:
- Interest in mechanical design, robotics, and their applications in medicine.
- Interest in flexure mechanisms (commonly used in the design of micro-tools and comonly used in the laboratory).
- Interest in prototyping using laser cutters, 3D printers or any other means.
- CAD drawing, interest in FEM simulations
Expected deliverables:
- Final report
- Two oral presentations (mid and end of semester)
- Mechanism design, 3D files
- Manufactured prototype
This project can be carried out either as part of a semester project or as part of a master’s thesis. The tasks and deliverables will be adjusted according to the project’s duration.
Location: EPFL Associated campus of Neuchâtel
Sections: SGM or other interested
Contact email: [email protected]; [email protected]
Biomimetic Mechanical Sound Generation 
The goal of this project is to design a new type of biomimetic sound producing mechanism inspired by the stridulation of crickets. The well known sound chirping of crickets is very pure in tone, loud, consumes very little energy and is low volume. Several applications like mechanical watch alarms or musical instruments can be imagined.
Project consists of:
Two subjects depending on student background:
- Mechanical design and manufacturing of a prototype (Sections: MT, ME)
- Physical modelling of the stridulation principle in crickets (Sections: MT, ME, MA, PH)
Location: EPFL Associated campus of Neuchâtel
Contact email: [email protected]
Flexure based surgical tool
Growing life expectancy goes together with improvement of healthcare. New threatment methods are becoming less invasive, allowing for shorter recovery time. Following this trend we would like to propose a new micro-surgical tool.
Project will focus on development of flexible structure for flexture based surgical tool. It will allow for 2DoF of rotations. End effector integrated in such flexure will be a gripper, or other depending on medical application.
Whole structure should be open for either manual or robotic actuation.
Required background :
- Mechanical design
Location : EPFL Associated campus of Neuchâtel
Sections : SGM or other interested
Contact email : [email protected]
Flexure-based pick-and-place robot (Already taken)
The goal of this project, in collaboration with Mikron, is to actuate and control a new type of 2-DoF flexure-based pick-and-place robot close to its eigenfrequency. The flexure-based implementation, in addition to the voice coil actuation, allows for energy-efficient trajectory planning strategies.
The project consists of:
- Familiarizing yourself with the TI LAUNCHXL-F28379D Development kit.
- Control the 2-DoF pick-and-place robot close to its eigenfrequency.
- Realizing a pick-and-place operation with an electromagnet attached to the end-effector.
Required background:
- Control
- Mechanical design
Location: EPFL Associated campus of Neuchâtel
Sections: SGM or other interested
Contact email: [email protected]