In our lab we design the next generation of functional, reliable, and intelligent robotic systems. We invite you to explore our work and connect with our team to learn more about how human-centered robotics is shaping future technologies and applications.
History & Mission
The Robot Design Lab was founded in late 2022 by Georgios Andrikopoulos, Assistant Professor at the Mechatronics Unit, with the mission to advance robotics through a holistic design methodology. The lab emphasizes the seamless integration of mechanics, electronics, and control into unified processes, enabling the creation of reliable and functional robotic systems for both industry and society.
Building on KTH’s strong tradition in mechatronics, the Robot Design Lab was established to meet the growing demand for robots that are safe, adaptable, and human-centered. Today, it serves as a hub for interdisciplinary research, hands-on prototyping, and user-driven design.
Facilities
The lab provides a dedicated environment for the mechatronic design process, from digital modeling and multi-material prototyping to assembly, integration, and testing. These facilities support students and researchers in designing, building, and evaluating robotic systems that combine technical performance with practical usability.
Our current research spans topics such as soft robotics for social interaction, exoskeleton development and real-time control, and mobility solutions for aging populations. Projects combine intelligent materials, adaptive control, and experimental prototyping to improve safety, trust, and usability in robotic systems designed for everyday environments.
The lab integrates research with education by involving students in projects that address real engineering and societal challenges. Through thesis work, capstone projects, and mechatronics courses, students gain hands-on experience in design, prototyping, and testing while contributing directly to the lab’s ongoing research.
We disseminate our work through journals, conferences, and MSc theses, with an emphasis on contributions that are both scientifically rigorous and practically relevant. Students are encouraged to publish internationally, ensuring their research gains visibility and contributes to advances in mechatronics, robot design, and intelligent systems.
The lab engages students, researchers, and industry partners in collaborative projects that advance human-centered robot development. Opportunities range from thesis projects and internships to postdoctoral research and industrial partnerships, all aimed at developing modular, adaptive, and safe robotic systems for applications spanning healthcare, education, and industry.
We integrate mechanics, electronics, and control from the earliest design stages, while working closely with users and experts across multiple different fields spanning from healthcare, education, and industry to art and media studies. This approach ensures that our solutions are not only functional but also responsive to real human needs.
The lab aligns its work with the UN Sustainable Development Goals by advancing robotics that are inclusive, safe, and socially beneficial. We address real-world challenges in mobility, healthcare, and education, with a focus on accessibility and reducing inequalities. Beyond developing technology, we foster an inclusive environment where people from diverse backgrounds contribute to idea creation and project development, thus broadening the perspectives that shape our solutions.
News and Events
Highlights
MSc Thesis Presentations
Mechatronics MSc students presented this year's theses on robot design topics
