Robert Katzschmann

Robert Katzschmann is an Assistant Professor of Robotics (tenure-track) at ETH Zurich's Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, leading the Soft Robotics Laboratory. He is also the co-founder and scientific advisor of Mimic Robotics, focused on dexterous manipulation solutions. His research spans Soft Robotics, Musculoskeletal Robotics, Biohybrid Systems, and Underwater Robotics, with breakthroughs like the autonomous soft robotic fish SoFi and biohybrid actuators. He holds a PhD from MIT (2018), a Master's from Stanford (2013), and a Diplom-Ingenieur from KIT (2013).

Research Interests: His work emphasizes compliant, bioinspired robots capable of safe human interaction and complex environmental navigation. Key areas include soft material fabrication, biohybrid tissue integration, and dynamic control algorithms. Recent innovations include electrohydraulic actuators and vision-controlled printing for robotic components.

Grants & Recognition: Secured funding from SNSF, NSF, and industry partners. Recognitions include a TED Fellowship (2022), Outstanding Paper Award (IEEE RoboSoft 2019), and Redtenbacher-Prize (2014). He serves on editorial boards for Advanced Robotics Research and npj Robotics, and chairs conference workshops globally.

Labs & Teams: Directs the Soft Robotics Lab with 17 PhD students and 2 postdocs. Collaborates with leading institutions like MIT, Harvard, and the Weizmann Institute on biohybrid systems and robotic actuation.