Yves Perriard

Yves Perriard is an Adjunct Professor at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), where he serves as director of the Laboratory of Integrated Actuators (LAI) within the School of Engineering and Institute of Microengineering. His academic career spans over three decades, with significant contributions to actuator design and related electronic devices.

Professor Perriard's research focuses on electric drives, linear transducers, complex system optimization, invasive blood pumps, piezo electric motors, and smart materials (EAP, SMA). His laboratory's research mission centers on transducers, electric drives, motor design, transportation, contactless energy transmission, and medical applications. Recent work has particularly emphasized dielectric elastomer actuators for medical applications including facial paralysis treatment, cardiac assistance, and diabetes management.

His extensive publication record demonstrates a clear evolution from fundamental actuator design toward increasingly sophisticated medical applications. The most recent publications reveal a strong emphasis on cardiovascular engineering, soft robotics for medical applications, and smart materials for healthcare solutions, with significant funding including a 12 million CHF grant from the Werner Siemens Foundation to establish a Center for Artificial Muscles.

• Best paper awards at IEEE Conference on Electrical Machines and Systems (2014, three separate awards)
• Student awards for best teacher of the STI Faculty (2005, 2006)
• Elected to Senior Grade of the IEEE Society (2005)

Professor Perriard has supervised 87 Master's projects at LAI across three sections (SMT, SEL, SME) between 2001-2014. His laboratory received significant funding including a 12 million CHF grant from the Werner Siemens Foundation in 2017 to establish a Center for Artificial Muscles. He serves as Associate Editor for IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications and the IEE Journal of Electrical Engineering, and has held numerous leadership positions including Past-President of the EPFL School Council.

The Laboratory of Integrated Actuators (LAI) under Professor Perriard's direction has evolved into a leading research center focusing on advanced actuator technologies with strong medical applications. The lab maintains active collaborations with institutions including Zhejiang University in China and has expanded its focus to include cardiovascular engineering, diabetes management technologies, and facial reanimation systems.