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Microrobotics
Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:07:31
Abstract
Microrobotics is an interdisciplinary field that combines aspects of robotics, micro and nanotechnology, biomedical engineering, and materials science. The aim of this course is to expose students to the fundamentals of this emerging field. Throughout the course, the students apply these concepts in assignments. The course concludes with an end-of-semester examination.
Objective
The objective of this course is to expose students to the fundamental aspects of the emerging field of microrobotics. This includes a focus on physical laws that predominate at the microscale, technologies for fabricating small devices, bio-inspired design, and applications of the field.
Content
Main topics of the course include: - Scaling laws at micro/nano scales - Electrostatics - Electromagnetism - Low Reynolds number flows - Observation tools - Materials and fabrication methods - Applications of biomedical microrobots
Resources
Lecture Notes
The powerpoint slides presented in the lectures will be made available as pdf files. Several readings will also be made available electronically.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- BSC , DR , MSC , NDS
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- end-of-semester examination
- Mode
- written 90 minutes
- Aids
- One sheet (two pages) of personal notes (handwritten or computer-typed) and a calculator.
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise |
Microrobotics
Does not take place this semester.
This course will not take place in Autumn Semester 2026 and will be offered in Spring Semester 2027 instead.
The class starts in the second week.
|
No time listed | 3 h weekly |
Offered In
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Robotics, Systems and Control (Focus Coordinator: Prof. Robert Katzschmann)
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Micro- and Nanosystems Technology (Focus Coordinator: Prof. Romain Quidant)
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Engineering for Health (Focus Coordinator: Prof. Bradley Nelson)
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Core Courses (The Core Courses in the Master’s program Mechanical Engineering listed below are indicative and include courses designed by the Department at the Master's level. With the approval of the tutor, students may also select Master's-level courses offered by other departments at ETH. These courses will be marked as non-regular in the LAG, but their categorization as Core Courses is possible if included in the approved LAG.)
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Recommended Elective Courses (These courses are particularly recommended for the Biomechanics track. Please consult your track advisor if you wish to select other subjects.)
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Track Core Courses (During the Master programme, a minimum of 12 CP must be obtained from track core courses.)
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Recommended Elective Courses (These courses are particularly recommended for the Molecular Bioengineering track. Please consult your track advisor if you wish to select other subjects.)
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Electives (376-1622-00L Practical Methods in Tissue Engineering (offered in the Autumn Semester) and 376-1624-00L Practical Methods in Biofabrication (offered in the Spring Semester) are mutually exclusive to be eligible for credits.)
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Electives (The list of electives is not exhaustive, also other courses can be chosen from the course catalogue: SiP-courses are only counted in the category "Science in Perspective". Practical sports courses are only counted in the sub-category Sports Practice (max. 6 ECTS).)
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Doctorate Materials Science (Further information at: )
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