EPFL is ranked 1st in Switzerland and 1st in Europe (EduRank 2026)

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According to the latest EduRank update (15 March 2026), EPFL holds the top position in robotics both nationally and across Europe. This ranking highlights EPFL’s leading role in advancing robotics research, innovation, and education, reflecting its strong interdisciplinary ecosystem and sustained impact in the field.

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EPFL Robotics News

The scalable robot ScaFi. 2026 CREATE Lab EPFL CC BY SA-4.0

Small, medium or large, a robotic fish maintains its swimming ability

— Researchers at EPFL and New York University have developed a robotic fish that can be made in various sizes for studying shallow creeks to open water.

This edible robot from the Laboratory for Intelligent Systems is an alternative to electronic environmental monitoring devices. EPFL - CC-BY-SA 4.0

Reimagining robotics for sustainability

— Robots are often promoted for their increasing intelligence and autonomy. Yet a growing body of research at EPFL suggests that a robot's contribution to sustainability goals may be an equally important measure of success.

The MICROBS Lab's microfliers. 2026 EPFL/MICROBS - CC-BY-SA 4.0

These tiny drones are powered by sound

— EPFL engineers have designed acoustic cavities that convert sound waves into thrust, propelling small robots and ultralight aerial vehicles without on-board actuators or electronics.

© iStock

Using future data to better predict Switzerland's rail energy demand

— In collaboration with SBB, EPFL researchers have developed an AI model that improves next-day electricity-demand forecasts across Switzerland’s rail network, reducing major prediction errors by up to 80%.

ATC Touch-only cooktop adapter : Team with Hervé Hirt (2nd from the left) - 2026 EPFL - CC-BY-SA 4.0

Students invent devices that businesses haven't yet conjured up

— In the Assistive Technology Challenge (ATC), EPFL master’s students carry out MAKE projects to develop practical systems for the disabled.

Double network granular elastomers (DNGEs) © Titouan Veuillet

3D-printable elastic polymer proves surprisingly strong

— EPFL researchers have discovered that a soft material originally optimized for 3D printing may solve a longstanding challenge in materials science: make 3D printable elastomers both tough and durable.

© Raphael Zufferey

A flapping robot swims and flies like a diving bird

— An aerial-aquatic vehicle developed at EPFL and MIT could lead to a new class of devices for ocean exploration.

© Image by Donia Jornod - The work depicts paintings derived from archival images, which are then reworked and distorted within a digital 3D modelling environment.

EPFL Latsis Symposium granted to Profs. Parascho and Malterre-Barthes

— Prof. Stefana Parascho and Prof. Charlotte Malterre-Barthes have been selected to organise the 2027 EPFL Latsis Symposium. The Latsis International Foundation grants CHF 40K to one head of unit at EPFL, or a group of heads of units, per year for the organization of a scientific symposium.

A modern prosthetic hand © iStock

A simple color cue helps people learn to use prosthetic devices

— Researchers at EPFL show that fewer than 20 training trials with real-time success/failure feedback can significantly improve how people control prostheses, rehabilitation devices, and other motor interfaces.

Three EPFL PhDs: Antoni Gralak, Mehdi Ali Gadiri and Camille Lambert, will take part in the swiss final © 2026 Alain Herzog/EPFL CC BY SA

My Thesis in 180 Seconds national finals return to EPFL

— The Swiss finals of the My Thesis in 180 Seconds competition, now in its 10th year, will be held at the Rolex Learning Center on 21 May. Fourteen PhD students will have exactly three minutes to explain their research to a broad audience. We spoke with the three finalists from EPFL about their experience.