Xplore Research

The third pole of EPFL Xplore, dedicated to shaping the future of space robotics through innovation, experimentation, and student-led engineering.

Xplore Research

Then: Defined Projects

Between 2023 and 2025, Xplore Research launched pioneering projects such as:

Chienpanzé
Chienpanzé
Prototype of a legged robot
WALL-E
WALL-E
Recycling plastic into filament
AI Division
AI Division
Exploring AI for the European Rover Challenge and beyond

Now: Call for Proposals

Starting September 2025, Xplore Research is opening its doors to student-led projects related to space robotics. Space robotics is the field that designs robotic systems to explore and work in space environments. Any EPFL Bachelor’s or Master’s student can submit their idea, form a team, and compete for access to labs, resources, and funding.

Strategic Objectives

Discover the long-term vision and roadmap of Xplore Research. This document outlines our key objectives for the coming years.

Student-Led Projects

Projects initiated, designed, and led by EPFL students through Xplore Research.

Protocol-Optimized Link Architecture for Reconfigurable Integrated Systems Spring 2026
Protocol-Optimized Link Architecture for Reconfigurable Integrated Systems
A reconfigurable FPGA-based communication platform that allows to run multiple communication protocols simultaneously on a single adaptive hardware system.
Vertical Take-Off and Landing Aerial Vehicle with Retractable Wings Fall 2025
Vertical Take-Off and Landing Aerial Vehicle with Retractable Wings
Design and experimental investigation of a VTOL UAV incorporating a scissor-based retractable wing concept
Wheel Characterisation Spring 2026
Wheel Characterisation
A test bench designed to measure and quantify the performance of rover wheels under realistic loading and terrain conditions.

Why this Evolution?

Xplore Research started as a hub for predefined projects, but now it evolves into a platform for your ideas. By empowering students to propose, design, and lead projects, XRE becomes a space of independent thinking, interdisciplinarity, and innovation in space robotics.

“Xplore Research is not about what we decide, it’s about what you create.”

The Proposal Journey

1. Proposal

Form a team & submit your idea

2. Review

Xplore evaluates feasibility

3. Prototype

Design & build your project

4. Demonstration

Present final results

Your idea could be the next leap in space robotics

Join Xplore Research and make it happen