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376-0210-00L 4 Credits BSC , MSC D-HEST , D-MAVT , D-INFK , D-BIOL

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Biomechatronics

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Robert Riener, Prof. Dr. Roger Gassert, Prof. Dr. Olivier Lambercy, Dr. Nicolas Gerig

Primarily designed for Health Sciences and Technology students. The Biomechatronics lecture is not appropriate for students who already attended the lecture "Physical Human-Robot Interaction"(376-1504-00L), because it covers similar topics. Matlab skills are beneficial-> online Tutorial

VVZ CR 1.6

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:23:28

Abstract

Development of mechatronic systems (i.e. mechanics, electronics, computer science and system integration) with inspiration from biology and application in the living (human) organism.

Objective

The objective of this course is to give an introduction to the fundamentals of biomechatronics, through lectures on the underlying theoretical/mechatronics aspects and application fields. In the exercises, these concepts will be intensified and trained on the basis of specific examples. The course will guide students through the design and evaluation process of such systems, and highlight a number of applications. By the end of this course, you should understand the critical elements of biomechatronics and their interaction with biological systems, both in terms of engineering metrics and human factors. You will be able to apply the learned methods and principles to the design, improvement and evaluation of safe and efficient biomechatronics systems.

Content

The course will cover the interdisciplinary elements of biomechatronics, ranging from human factors to sensor and actuator technologies, real-time signal processing, system kinematics and dynamics, modeling and simulation, controls and graphical rendering as well as safety/ethical aspects, and provide an overview of the diverse applications of biomechatronics technology.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Slides will be distributed through moodle before the lectures.

Literature

Brooker, G. (2012). Introduction to Biomechatronics. SciTech Publishing. Riener, R., Harders, M. (2012) Virtual Reality in Medicine. Springer, London.

General Information

Language: English
Levels: BSC , MSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: session examination
Mode: written 90 minutes
Aids: Keine Hilfsmittel erlaubt, ausser einem Wörterbuch (English dictionary)
Digital: The exam takes place on devices provided by ETH Zurich.

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture with exercise	Biomechatronics Vorlesung: Mi 14-16 Übungen: Mi 16-17	Wed 14:15-16:00 (HG G 5) Wed 16:15-17:00 (ML F 36) Wed 16:15-17:00 (ML F 39)	3 h weekly