Engineering
How to make self-folding surgical tools
Research
ETH Zurich
For minimally invasive surgery, the instruments used must be small. ETH Zurich researchers have now developed a method to transport large devices through a narrow catheter. This expands the possibilities for designing minimally invasive surgical tools.
Thread-like pumps can be woven into clothes
TechTransfer
EPFL
EPFL researchers have developed fiber-like pumps that allow high-pressure fluidic circuits to be woven into textiles without an external pump. Soft supportive exoskeletons, thermoregulatory clothing, and immersive haptics can therefore be powered from pumps sewn into the fabric of the devices themselves.
Learning to “sell” a prototype designed in just a few weeks
Teaching
EPFL
For the last four years at EPFL, a Master’s course jointly run by the College of Management of Technology and the School of Engineering has been winning over students seeking a course that meets the needs of local industry.
3D-printed insoles measure sole pressure directly in the shoe
Research
ETH Zurich Empa
Researchers at ETH Zurich, Empa and EPFL are developing a 3D-printed insole with integrated sensors that allows the pressure of the sole to be measured in the shoe and thus during any activity. This helps athletes or patients to determine performance and therapy progress.
Shape memory for nano-sized objects
Research
ETH Zurich
Researchers at ETH Zurich achieved a shape memory effect for the first time with objects that are only a few nanometers in size. This can be used to manufacture tiny machinery and robotic devices on the nanoscale.
A wholly sustainable plastics economy is feasible
Research
ETH Zurich
A new study shows what it will take for the plastics industry to become completely sustainable: lots of recycling combined with the use of CO2 from the air and biomass. It is also the image of plastics that need to change.
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