Raphael Zufferey

Raphael Zufferey is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he leads the MIT AURA (Aerial-Aquatic bio-inspired robots) laboratory since January 2025. His research focuses on developing bio-inspired robotic systems capable of seamless transitions between aerial and aquatic environments for environmental monitoring applications.

Education:

• 2013 - EPFL BSc
• 2015 - EPFL MSc
• 2020 - Imperial College London PhD

Zufferey's research interests center around autonomous robotics with emphasis on bio-inspired hybrid designs that enable seamless transitions between aerial and aquatic environments. His work bridges mechanical engineering, robotics, and ocean sciences to develop novel propulsion methods and control systems for environmental monitoring applications. He specializes in creating miniature robots that can operate in challenging aquatic environments while maintaining energy efficiency through innovative locomotion strategies.

His publications demonstrate a consistent focus on solving the fundamental challenges of aerial-aquatic transition in robotics, with particular emphasis on bio-inspired designs that mimic natural organisms. The research spans multiple disciplines including fluid dynamics, control theory, and materials science to create functional hybrid robotic systems.

Scientific Awards:

• 2022 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Individual Fellowship
• 2020 Best PhD in Robotics UK
• 2019 Best Paper Award, AMAM conference, Lausanne Switzerland
• 2018 Best Conference Paper Nominee, ICRA conference, Brisbane

Zufferey actively mentors students and postdocs in his AURA lab, with current members including graduate students, postdocs, and UROPs working on various aspects of aerial-aquatic robotics. He serves in editorial roles for prominent robotics publications and organizes workshops at major conferences, demonstrating his growing influence in the robotics community. His lab has secured funding for innovative projects including the REaCT workshop at ICRA 2025 focused on Robotics for Environmental and Climate Assessment.

The MIT AURA lab, established in January 2025, has quickly grown to include multiple researchers working on cutting-edge projects such as flapping-wing perching mechanisms, aquatic jump-gliders using water-reactive fuels, and sailing-flying hybrid robots for extended mission durations. The lab collaborates with institutions like Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and maintains strong connections with researchers at EPFL.