ETH Zurich (Robotic Systems Lab)
The Robotic Systems Lab (RSL) at ETH Zurich develops machines and their intelligence to operate in rough and challenging environments, with a focus on robots with arms and legs. Their research includes novel actuation methods, innovative designs for mobility, and control algorithms for locomotion and manipulation, inspired by humans and animals. The goal is to enhance skills and autonomy for real-world applications like industrial inspection, search and rescue, and digital fabrication.
💡Notable Achievement: Directed by Prof. Marco Hutter, RSL is renowned for advancing legged robotics, including open-source projects like legged_gym for Isaac Gym environments and ocs2 for optimal control systems.
ETH Zurich (Robotic Systems Lab) Robots & Robot Hands
Showing 2 of 2 total models
ORCA Hand
By: ETH Zurich (Robotic Systems Lab)
Launched: 2025
The ORCA Hand is an open-source, tendon-driven, anthropomorphic robotic hand with 17 degrees of freedom, including an opposable thumb and actuated wrist, designed for human-like dexterity. It features integrated tactile sensors on all fingertips, popping joints for quick assembly (<8 hours), auto-calibration, and tensioning systems for reliability. Built for under 2,000 CHF in materials, it supports teleoperation, imitation learning, and sim-to-real RL, with proven durability over 10,000 cycles (~20 hours).
Magnecko
By: ETH Zurich (Robotic Systems Lab)
Launched: 2024
Magnecko is a quadrupedal magnetic climbing robot designed for industrial inspection and maintenance in hard-to-reach environments. The robot features four identical legs with insect-style joint configuration and electro-permanent magnetic feet that enable adhesion to ferrous surfaces in any orientation, including vertical walls and horizontal overhangs. With 12 actuated degrees of freedom and high manipulability, Magnecko can traverse complex three-dimensional environments, overcome concave 90° corners, and carry payloads up to 65% of its own weight. Primary applications include inspection of industrial tanks, ship hulls, bridges, and tall metal structures where human access is hazardous or difficult.
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Frequently Asked Questions
7 AnswersVerified answers, company specifications, and deployment details about ETH Zurich (Robotic Systems Lab)
What robot models does ETH Zurich (Robotic Systems Lab) manufacture?
ETH Zurich (Robotic Systems Lab) manufactures 2 robot models in the Origin of Bots database, including ORCA Hand, Magnecko.
Where is ETH Zurich (Robotic Systems Lab) headquartered and when was it founded?
ETH Zurich (Robotic Systems Lab) is headquartered in Switzerland.
What industries and domains does ETH Zurich (Robotic Systems Lab) focus on?
ETH Zurich (Robotic Systems Lab) develops robotics solutions primarily targeting Robotics Research.
What core technologies and engineering stacks power ETH Zurich (Robotic Systems Lab)'s robots?
ETH Zurich (Robotic Systems Lab)'s platform leverages Legged Robotics, Actuation Methods, Control Algorithms, Robot Perception, Optimal Control to deliver high-performance autonomy and hardware reliability.
Which geographic markets does ETH Zurich (Robotic Systems Lab) serve?
ETH Zurich (Robotic Systems Lab) currently deploys and supports hardware across Industrial Inspection, Search and Rescue, Digital Fabrication with active field presence in Switzerland.
How can commercial buyers and partners contact ETH Zurich (Robotic Systems Lab)?
You can reach ETH Zurich (Robotic Systems Lab) directly via their official website at https://rsl.ethz.ch .
What makes ETH Zurich (Robotic Systems Lab) unique in the robotics landscape?
Directed by Prof. Marco Hutter, RSL is renowned for advancing legged robotics, including open-source projects like legged_gym for Isaac Gym environments and ocs2 for optimal control systems.
Verified Data & Editorial Assurance
Compiled from verified corporate filings, official ETH Zurich (Robotic Systems Lab) datasheets, and robotics engineering registries. Information has been verified against official manufacturer documentation. For commercial procurement or proprietary integrations, contact the manufacturer directly.