EPFL Robotics News

Resource-sharing boosts robotic resilience

Published:12.02.26 — EPFL roboticists have shown that when a modular robot shares power, sensing, and communication resources among its individual units, it is significantly more resistant to failure than traditional robotic systems, where the breakdown of one element often means a loss of functionality.

Reversible, detachable robotic hand redefines dexterity

Published:22.01.26 — A robotic hand developed at EPFL surpasses the limits of human dexterity with a dual-thumbed, reversible-palm design that can detach from its robotic ‘arm’ to reach and grasp multiple objects.

Microcatheter delivers therapies to the tiniest blood vessels

Published:27.10.25 — EPFL researchers have invented a remarkably small and ultraflexible neurovascular microcatheter. Powered by blood flow, it can safely navigate the most intricately branched arteries in a matter of seconds.

Roboticists reverse engineer zebrafish navigation

Published:22.10.25 — Using simulations, robots, and live fish, scientists at EPFL and Duke University have replicated the neural circuitry that allows zebrafish to react to visual stimuli and maintain their position in flowing water. They provide a complete picture of how brain circuits, body mechanics, and the environment work together to control behavior.

New implant restores pressure balance after spinal cord injury

Published:18.09.25 — Most patients with a spinal cord injury suffer from debilitating pressure drops or dangerous pressure peaks. In a series of breakthroughs published simultaneously in Nature and Nature Medicine, neuroscientists and neurosurgeons from Switzerland, the Netherlands and Canada introduce a groundbreaking neurotechnological solution.

High-tech “replacement parts” offer hope to millions

Published:10.09.25 — From robotic hands and arms to soft heart pumps, biomaterials, 3D-printed muscles and more, rapid advancements in robotics and biotechnology are giving rise to new techniques for repairing the human body.

Technology that makes us stronger

Published:25.08.25 — When we’re healthy, activities like walking, sitting down, speaking and remembering things can be done with ease. But if an accident or illness impairs our physical or cognitive capabilities, such everyday tasks can become difficult or even impossible. Researchers are working to develop systems that can help patients regain lost physical abilities.

Amputee and researcher go prosthetic hand in hand towards progress

Published:06.08.25 — The human determinants of research are key for making progress, as championed by amputee Massimo Munzi who is helping improve prosthetics, as well as EPFL’s neuroprosthetic researcher Jonathan Muheim.

Interfacing the nervous system for rehabilitation

Published:30.07.25 — Memory loss, tremors, paralysis: when parts of the nervous system start to break down – or get broken – the consequences for human health can be staggering. Can we fix the nervous system, and how are scientists approaching the problem? We take a deep dive into various strategies for interfacing with the nervous system to restore neuronal function.

Studying collective bee behavior thanks to robotics

Published:28.07.25 — EPFL researchers are developing robotic beehive frames that help locate honey stores inside of beehives over time, without relying on cameras. The aim is to develop new observation tools to study honeybee behavior that better fit the bees’ natural way to occupy space compared to current methods.