Student Projects
Project Descriptions
Additional projects are always available. Please consult our list of ongoing research projects and contact the involved people listed on the top right to enquire about additional projects.
Special projects/internships:
Efficient data processing and reporting in stroke neuro-rehabilitation
Project goal is to optimise existing and develop new algorithms into an efficient system for signal pre-processing, data storage, analysis and visualization in motor-neurorehabilitation. This data is generated by stroke patients wearing motion sensors during their therapy sessions. Key endpoint of the project is to display real-time and longitudinal therapy results, which can aid therapists and patients. The results of the project will help develop a more efficient therapy and is a key part of a larger project that seeks to develop an intelligent and closed-loop neural stimulation system for stroke rehabilitation.
Keywords
health biomarkers, data science, computer science, data visualization, data processing, real-time, internet of medical things, IoMT, healthcare internet of things, healthcare IoT
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Semester Project , Internship , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-10-08 , Earliest start: 2023-05-09
Organization Rehabilitation Engineering Lab
Hosts Donegan Dane , Viskaitis Paulius
Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Information, Computing and Communication Sciences , Engineering and Technology
Evaluating Engagement and Adherence to Robot-Assisted Rehabilitation: Can Large Language Model-Based Conversational Agents Support Stroke and TBI Patients During Unsupervised Therapy?
Stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI) are major causes of long-term disability, often requiring intensive rehabilitation to restore motor function, particularly in the hands. While robotic-assisted therapy and mobile health (mHealth) applications offer promising tools for recovery, sustaining patient engagement outside clinical environments remains a significant challenge. This project explores the use of the RehabCoach app and ReHandyBot device in a hybrid rehabilitation program (i.e., two weeks in-clinic followed by six weeks of unsupervised home therapy). The focus is on collecting and analyzing conversational data between patients and the app’s large language model (LLM)-based conversational agent to evaluate how these interactions influence therapy adherence and engagement.
Keywords
Stroke rehabilitation, traumatic brain injury, mobile health, conversational AI, large language models, therapy adherence, unsupervised rehabilitation
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Semester Project , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-10-02 , Earliest start: 2025-11-16 , Latest end: 2026-09-30
Organization Rehabilitation Engineering Lab
Hosts Retevoi Alexandra
Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Information, Computing and Communication Sciences , Engineering and Technology , Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences
Development of a patient friendly user interface to train hand function
Interessted in designing a human-machine interface with real-world applications? Apply to this project:) For clinical use, technology must be simple, intuitive, and user-friendly. We have developed a device to train finger function in a clinic and are now creating a gamified rehabilitation exercise. To ensure therapists and patients can use it easily, this project focuses on developing a User Interface (UI) that bridges human-machine interaction. You will design and integrate the UI based on clinical requirements, with creative freedom and the opportunity to test your work with patients—ultimately contributing to an effective rehabilitation tool.
Keywords
User Interface, Human-Machine-Interaction, user-centered design, rehabilitation excercise, finger traning
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Semester Project , Internship
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Published since: 2025-09-03 , Earliest start: 2025-09-14 , Latest end: 2026-02-28
Organization Rehabilitation Engineering Lab
Hosts Knill Anna
Topics Information, Computing and Communication Sciences , Engineering and Technology
Real-time control of neural stimulation for stroke patients.
Real-time analysis of movement kinematics can benefit multiple different strategies in rehabilitation after stroke, including allowing closed-loop brain stimulation. Use of inertial measurement units (IMUs) allows detection of movement and extraction of kinematic features, but application in real-time remains challenging. This project will develop algorithms for real-time movement data analysis and feature extraction in typical rehabilitation tasks and general real-life movements. In turn, these algorithms will be applied to control novel brain stimulation approaches in stroke neurorehabilitation.
Keywords
Inertial measurement unit, IMU, movement tracking, machine learning, real-time, signal processing
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Semester Project , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-09-02 , Earliest start: 2023-05-09
Organization Rehabilitation Engineering Lab
Hosts Viskaitis Paulius , Donegan Dane
Topics Engineering and Technology
Exploring upper limb impairments using explainable AI on Virtual Peg Insertion Test data
This thesis aims to apply explainable AI techniques to analyze time series data from the Virtual Peg Insertion Test (VPIT), uncovering additional metrics that describe upper limb impairments in neurological subjects, such as those with stroke, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis. By preserving the full dimensionality of the data, the project will identify new patterns and insights to aid in understanding motor dysfunctions and support rehabilitation.
Keywords
Machine learning, rehabilitation, neurology, upper limb, impairment, explainable AI, SHAP, novel technology, assessment, computer vision, artificial intelligence
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Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-08-21 , Earliest start: 2025-06-01
Organization Rehabilitation Engineering Lab
Hosts Domnik Nadine
Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Information, Computing and Communication Sciences , Engineering and Technology
Comparing the Virtual Peg Insertion Test (VPIT) with the haptic device Inverse3 for assessing upper limb function
This thesis will compare the Virtual Peg Insertion Test (VPIT) with the Inverse3 haptic device by Haply to evaluate its effectiveness as a tool for assessing upper limb function. The focus will be on comparing both the hardware features and software capabilities to determine if the Inverse3 can serve as a valid alternative to VPIT for clinical assessments.
Keywords
Haptic device, virtual environment, rehabilitation, programming, health technology, assessment, software, hardware
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Collaboration , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-08-21 , Earliest start: 2025-06-01
Organization Rehabilitation Engineering Lab
Hosts Domnik Nadine
Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Information, Computing and Communication Sciences , Engineering and Technology
ADHD-Biomarker Study: Software development of Data Collection and Data Management Structures
The Rehabilitation Engineering Laboratory (ReLab), ETH Zurich is running a paediatric study that integrates fNIRS, EEG, eye-tracking and motion sensing to establish objective biomarkers for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). You will create the technical backbone of a multimodal data-collection setup – coding computerized attention tests, synchronizing hardware, and delivering clean, well-documented datasets for downstream research.
Keywords
ADHD, Biomarker, fNIRS, EEG, Eye-tracking, Motion sensing, Data collection, Data management, Software engineering
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Semester Project , Course Project , Internship , Lab Practice , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
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Published since: 2025-08-08 , Earliest start: 2025-08-10 , Latest end: 2026-03-31
Organization Rehabilitation Engineering Lab
Hosts Schönhammer Josef
Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology , Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences
ADHD-Biomarker Study: Neuropsychological Task Development and Data Analytics
The Rehabilitation Engineering Laboratory (ReLab), ETH Zurich is running a pediatric study that integrates fNIRS, EEG, eye-tracking and motion sensing to establish objective biomarkers for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). You will drive the scientific backbone of the project – optimizing child-specific task parameters, leading participant interaction, and conducting and presenting statistical analyses.
Keywords
ADHD, Biomarkers, Neuropsychology, fNIRS, EEG, Eye-tracking, Motion Capture, Data Analytics, Statistical Analysis
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Semester Project , Course Project , Internship , Lab Practice , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
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Published since: 2025-08-08 , Earliest start: 2025-08-10 , Latest end: 2026-03-31
Organization Rehabilitation Engineering Lab
Hosts Schönhammer Josef
Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology , Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences
Further development of a (gamified) finger training software for a clinical setting
Interessted in designing your own game for patients to train their finger function? Apply to this project:) Finger individuation (the ability to only move one finger independent of the others) is essential for hand function but often impaired after stroke or brain injury. A validated device exists for clinical assessment, including a basic gamified task but for training, more is needed. This project aims to expand finger rehabilitation by developing a training software with engaging exercise games. Based on clinical requirements, you will design, code, and implement motivating training games and excercises into a simple user interface to support finger rehabilitation in clinical settings.
Keywords
Game design, user-centered design, rehabilitation excercise, finger traning
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Semester Project , Internship
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Published since: 2025-08-04 , Earliest start: 2025-08-04 , Latest end: 2025-12-19
Organization Rehabilitation Engineering Lab
Hosts Knill Anna
Topics Information, Computing and Communication Sciences , Engineering and Technology
Mechanistic Evaluation of taVNS in Motor Adaptation for Stroke Rehabilitation
This study aims to evaluate the mechanisms by which transauricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) may facilitate motor learning and adaptation, focusing on reticulospinal tract (RST) activation. A set of assessments will be used to build a comprehensive neurophysiological profile, providing insights relevant to developing taVNS-based clinical interventions. In this role, you will engage in study design, data collection, and analysis, gaining hands-on experience in mechanistic neurophysiological research with direct clinical applications.
Keywords
Transauricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) Reticulospinal tract (RST) Motor learning StartReact paradigm Stroke rehabilitation Neurophysiology Multisite EMG Motor pathway activation Clinical neurostimulation
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Semester Project , Internship , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-08-04 , Earliest start: 2024-11-24 , Latest end: 2025-10-26
Organization Rehabilitation Engineering Lab
Hosts Viskaitis Paulius
Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology
Development of flexible, biocompatible electrodes for vagus nerve stimulation therapy
Stroke is the most common cause of disability and as many as 14 million people suffer a stroke every year. Typical therapy today is focused on physical exercises and rarely combats the core of the problem - the interactions between the motor actions and the activity patterns of the injured brain. Therefore, we are developing a cutting-edge medical device that helps combine physical therapy with a non-invasive brain stimulation. This is expected to boost recovery after stroke and make this advanced neuro-therapy accessible to millions of people who need it.
Keywords
Biocompatibility Conductive Materials Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) Transcutaneous VNS (tVNS) Stroke Rehabilitation Therapy Medical Device Engineering Electrode Design and Prototyping Materials Science Biomedical Engineering Neurorehabilitation Clinical Usability Patient-Centred Design
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Semester Project , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-07-22 , Earliest start: 2024-11-24 , Latest end: 2025-10-31
Organization Rehabilitation Engineering Lab
Hosts Viskaitis Paulius
Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology
Embedded algorithms of IMUs in a neurorehabilitation device
The goal of this project is to help develop embedded firmware for a imu based rehabilitation device. This project is part of the SmartVNS project which utilizes movement-gated control of vagus nerve stimulation for stroke rehabilitation.
Keywords
electrical engineering PCB Embedded systems neurorehabilitation
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Semester Project , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-07-17 , Earliest start: 2024-01-06 , Latest end: 2024-12-31
Organization Rehabilitation Engineering Lab
Hosts Donegan Dane , Viskaitis Paulius
Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology
Development and Testing of Electrical Systems for a SmartVNS Docking Station with Focus on Wireless Data Management
We are looking for an enthusiastic electrical/firmware engineer to design and implement the electrical and firmware aspects of a docking station for the SmartVNS device. The station will charge the device components (pulse generator and wrist motion tracker) and pull data from the pulse generator and motion tracker, uploading it to an online server via Wi-Fi. This project will also involve testing the reliability of data transfer and power systems under real-world conditions, providing valuable insights into the practical application of this technology.
Keywords
Electrical, embedded, electronic, engineering, biomedical
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Internship , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis
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Published since: 2025-07-17 , Earliest start: 2024-08-18 , Latest end: 2025-10-01
Organization Rehabilitation Engineering Lab
Hosts Viskaitis Paulius
Topics Information, Computing and Communication Sciences , Engineering and Technology
CI/CD Automation and Testing for Embedded Systems
Design and implement a robust CI/CD pipeline for our embedded software development.
Keywords
firmware, embedded, github, cicd, workflow
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Semester Project , Internship , Lab Practice , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis , Summer School
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Published since: 2025-06-23
Organization Rehabilitation Engineering Lab
Hosts Viskaitis Paulius
Topics Information, Computing and Communication Sciences
Flash Storage and USB Communication for Embedded Systems
This project targets performance and feature enhancements to a firmware module that manages data transfers from flash memory to a host PC over USB (CDC/ACM). The goal is to improve system reliability, throughput, and communication efficiency for data logging or diagnostic use cases.
Keywords
embedded, c programming, firmware, flash memory, usb
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Semester Project , Internship , Lab Practice , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis , Summer School
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Published since: 2025-06-23
Organization Rehabilitation Engineering Lab
Hosts Viskaitis Paulius
Topics Information, Computing and Communication Sciences , Engineering and Technology
Doxygen Documentation Pipeline for Embedded Firmware
You will help improve the usability and maintainability of Skaaltec’s embedded firmware codebase by integrating automated documentation generation using Doxygen.
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Semester Project , Internship , Lab Practice , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis , Summer School
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Published since: 2025-06-23
Organization Rehabilitation Engineering Lab
Hosts Viskaitis Paulius
Topics Information, Computing and Communication Sciences
Studies on Mechatronics
If you would like to carry out a Studies on Mechatronics project in our group, please contact the assistant working on, or closest to, the research topic you are interested in.
We currently have an open studies on mechatronics project aiming to evaluate and compare mechatronic designs for sensory/mechanical stimulation and massage of the feet. If interested, please contact .
Your Own Project Ideas?
It is always possible to find a project for motivated students with innovative ideas in the fields of rehabilitation, assistive and healthcare technology as well as haptics and motor learning. Please contact us if you would like to pursue a project which is not on the list above.