PRN - Robotics

PRN – Robotics, also known as the National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) Robotics, was a Swiss nationwide organization that operated from December 1st, 2010, to November 30th, 2022. It brought together top researchers from leading Swiss institutions like EPFL, ETH Zurich, and others to develop new, human-oriented robotic technology. The center focused on three main research strands: Wearable robots, aimed at understanding the human body and nervous system to create prosthetic limbs and rehabilitation robots; Rescue robots, developing innovative robots for disaster areas and exploration; and Education robots, designing modular robots for teaching purposes. Throughout its existence, NCCR Robotics published a significant number of articles in peer-reviewed journals and conferences, and supported entrepreneurship through its Spin-Fund program, resulting in the creation of sixteen successful start-ups. The center also promoted equal opportunities in robotics through various awards and programs, supporting women researchers and students in their career development and scientific visibility.