Implementation of Robotic Motion Compensation System in Biomedical Printing

Location: University of Basel (4 months) & DWI – Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials, RWTH Aachen (2 months)
Start: From May 2025 or upon agreement

Project Background & Objectives

This master’s thesis is a joint project between the Department of Biomedical Engineering (DBE) at the University of Basel and the DWI – Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials in Aachen. Together, we aim to address a key challenge in in situ bioprinting: how to ensure precise material deposition despite involuntary patient movements during surgery.

In situ printing—depositing biomaterials directly on or within the patient—offers new possibilities for personalized, adaptive treatments. Yet, movement caused by breathing or tremors can compromise accuracy and safety. To address this, DBE is developing robotic systems for minimally invasive 3D printing in dynamic clinical settings. Your role will be to design and implement motion compensation algorithms that maintain stable deposition on moving substrates.

As part of the TriggerINK project at DWI, you will then adapt and validate these algorithms on a robotic setup for cartilage regeneration. This ensures transferability and robustness across different platforms and use cases.

The work begins in Basel at the DBE located in the SIP Basel Area campus in Allschwil (4 months) and continues at DWI in Aachen (2 months), bridging two modern labs to deliver a clinically relevant, cross-institutional solution.

Your Tasks

• Define the range and magnitude of patient-like motions to be compensated based on literature and experimental observations.
• Design and implement state estimation and motion prediction strategies.
• Integrate the control algorithms into two robotic arm systems – initially in Basel, later in Aachen.
• Evaluate the performance of your approach in both lab setups.

Your Profile

• Enrolled in a Master’s program in Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or a related field.
• Solid knowledge in robot control, state estimation, and algorithm development.
• Proficient in Python, MATLAB, or C++.
• Motivated, independent, and excited about interdisciplinary collaboration across institutions.
• Strong communication skills in English; German is a plus.

We Offer

• Work at two cutting-edge research institutes with modern robotic and bioprinting infrastructure.
• A project with real-world clinical relevance and high innovation potential.
• Hands-on experience in a translational and interdisciplinary setting.
• Mentoring and support from experienced researchers in robotics, tissue engineering, and automation.
• Financial support for your stay at DWI and travel between Basel and Aachen will be provided.