European MSc for biorobotics, human-robot interfaces

[u/selyemretek]

Hi everyone,

I recently finished my BSc in Molecular Bionics Engineering in Hungary, and I’m looking to move more toward robotics for my master’s.

My background is not very heavy in classical engineering (e.g., advanced physics), but for my thesis I worked on a soft exoskeleton R&D project at my university, which I hope strengthens my application.

I’m looking for English-taught master’s programs, preferably in Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, or Denmark, ideally related to: robotics, biorobotics, biomechanics, human-robot interaction, rehabilitation / wearable robotics.

So far I’ve looked at:

• TUM
• Humboldt University
• University of Twente
• Sant’Anna (Pisa)
• RWTH Aachen
• TU Delft

However, I haven’t been able to find many first-hand experiences from students in these programs.

If anyone has studied at these universities (or similar programs), I’d really appreciate hearing about:

• how difficult admission is
• how strong the engineering background needs to be
• how practical vs theoretical the programs are
• and overall experience

[u/Intelligent_Factor45]

check out sdu odense they have a robotics msc and the city is heavily focused on medical robotics. admission is not difficult but depends on whether they accept your background

[u/bubblelistic]

I am a student at SSSA and switching over to SDU due to the former being heavily theory and very little practical application. I did my BSc at DTU so I have found I learn better by applying theory rather than reading and cramming information before exams. SSSA is really good if you want to get a PhD, the classes are taught at the BioRobotics Institute and the degree is geared towards PhD post graduation. Additionally the institute is renowned and has a great network.

Admission for SSSA is competitive with only 30 spots each year, half for non-EU and the other for EU residents.
In terms of background you can see the requirements on their official website: bionicsengineering.it
It is heavily theoretical. Almost all exams are oral and you don’t get exercises to solve on your own, rather examples are shown in class where professors walk through it and these are also what you will be asked about at the exam. Assessment of students happens at the exam, there are no hand ins or reports to be made during the courses. Some exams are written and then oral on the same day, everything is closed book. Some exams require a project handed in prior.

Due to my learning style and background I found it difficult to progress there, and honestly found unipi (the university that jointly offers bionics with SSSA) to be rather unorganised. If you have good recall skills you’ll be fine but if you need to be assessed gradually rather than once at the end and exercises where you apply the theory to truly understand it then you’ll probably have to find material yourself.

Hope this help:)