EPFL
EPFL is a leading Swiss research university renowned for its extensive robotics research through multiple specialized laboratories, focusing on areas such as biorobotics, reconfigurable robotics, aerial robotics, and soft robotics. These labs develop innovative technologies including legged robots, exoskeletons, humanoid robots, and bio-inspired systems for applications in rehabilitation, locomotion control, and human-robot interaction. The mission emphasizes advancing computational neuroscience, machine learning, and biomechanics to create agile robots inspired by animal movement.
💡Notable Achievement: EPFL hosts 24 robotics laboratories with diverse expertise in core robotics and affiliated fields, driving breakthroughs like untethered origami robots and spin-offs such as Foldaway Haptics, whose tiny robots were featured on a Mercedes-Benz concept car at CES.
EPFL Robots & Robot Hands
Showing 4 of 4 total models
Bimodal Crawling Hand
By: EPFL
Launched: 2026
The Bimodal Crawling Hand from EPFL is a reversible, detachable robotic end-effector with symmetrical architecture supporting up to six identical silicone-tipped fingers. It performs 33 human-like grasping motions, allows any fingers to form opposable thumb pairs, and interchanges palm/back via finger reversal. It detaches from the arm to crawl spider-like, enabling loco-manipulation to grasp/carry objects beyond arm reach, even while holding multiple items on palm or back.
Cuddle‑Fish Robot
By: EPFL
Launched: 2025
The Cuddle-Fish Robot is a soft, lighter-than-air flapping-wing floating robot designed for safe, close-proximity human-robot interactions in indoor environments. Inspired by animal movement, it uses a helium-filled soft body and low-frequency flapping wings for propulsion, eliminating risks from propellers, rigid structures, or noise associated with traditional drones. This companion/social robot elicits spontaneous affective behaviors like patting, stroking, hugging, and cheek-touching, fostering positive emotional responses. Key features include touch-safe design, quiet operation, and organic visual presence, making it ideal for therapeutic settings, companionship for isolated individuals, play, and interactive experiences in homes or apartments where conventional flying robots are unsafe.
Pleurobot
By: EPFL
Launched: 2016
Pleurobot is a bio-inspired amphibious robot developed by EPFL's Biorobotics Laboratory to mimic the locomotion of the salamander Pleurodeles waltl, aiding research in vertebrate motion, spinal cord control, and robotics for search and rescue. Featuring 27 motors, 11 spinal segments, 29 joints (including 2 passive in tail), and 3D-printed bones, it replicates walking, crawling, forward/backward/lateral terrestrial movement, turning via spine bending, surface swimming, and slope traversal up to 30 degrees. Used for studying central pattern generators (CPGs), reflexes like leg extension and stumble correction, and multimodal locomotion; potential applications in disaster response terrain navigation and neurorehabilitation insights for paraplegics
AmphiBot (Robot Snake)
By: EPFL
Launched: 2005
AmphiBot is a biologically inspired amphibious snake-like robot developed at EPFL's Biorobotics Laboratory for outdoor robotics tasks, drawing from snakes and elongate fishes like lampreys or eels. It crawls on land and swims in water using undulatory locomotion controlled by central pattern generators (CPGs) to test adaptive controllers and study animal neural networks. Key features include modular segments with DC motors, improved waterproofing, wireless communication, and onboard CPGs. Use cases involve environmental monitoring like pollution detection in lakes (AmphiBot IV), amphibious exploration, and as testbed for locomotion research; latest Amphibot III achieves human-like swimming speeds.
Articles & Industry News
Showing 3 recent articles and news updates about EPFL
Cuddle-Fish Robot Elicits Hugs in Therapeutic Indoor Demos
News about Cuddle‑Fish Robot
Pleurobot Masters 30-Degree Slopes, Swimming in 2026 Trials
News about Pleurobot
AmphiBot IV Deploys Pollution Sensors in Lakes 2026
News about AmphiBot (Robot Snake)
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Frequently Asked Questions
7 AnswersVerified answers, company specifications, and deployment details about EPFL
What robot models does EPFL manufacture?
EPFL manufactures 4 robot models in the Origin of Bots database, including Bimodal Crawling Hand, Cuddle‑Fish Robot, Pleurobot, and 1 other models.
Where is EPFL headquartered and when was it founded?
EPFL is headquartered in Switzerland.
What industries and domains does EPFL focus on?
EPFL develops robotics solutions primarily targeting Research, Education, Bioengineering.
What core technologies and engineering stacks power EPFL's robots?
EPFL's platform leverages Biorobotics, Soft Robotics, Aerial Robotics, Reconfigurable Robots, Exoskeletons to deliver high-performance autonomy and hardware reliability.
Which geographic markets does EPFL serve?
EPFL currently deploys and supports hardware across Rehabilitation, Biomedical, Autonomous Systems, Wearable Technology with active field presence in Europe, Switzerland.
How can commercial buyers and partners contact EPFL?
You can reach EPFL directly via their official website at https://www.epfl.ch/research/domains/robotics/.
What makes EPFL unique in the robotics landscape?
EPFL hosts 24 robotics laboratories with diverse expertise in core robotics and affiliated fields, driving breakthroughs like untethered origami robots and spin-offs such as Foldaway Haptics, whose tiny robots were featured on a Mercedes-Benz concept car at CES.
Verified Data & Editorial Assurance
Compiled from verified corporate filings, official EPFL datasheets, and robotics engineering registries. Information has been verified against official manufacturer documentation. For commercial procurement or proprietary integrations, contact the manufacturer directly.