Projects
We develop robust pipelines for water and soil eDNA extraction, enabling the detection and monitoring of species directly from environmental samples.
1. Soil
To establish a reliable pipeline for soil-based eDNA analysis, the Soil team focuses on optimizing each step of the workflow. The project includes:
- Testing and comparing soil eDNA extraction protocols.
- Improving sample homogenization and contaminant removal.
- Evaluating extraction efficiency through PCR amplification of universal genes.
- Ensuring sample stability and quality from collection to analysis.
Keywords: Soil eDNA, Extraction Protocols, Sample Quality, PCR, Biodiversity Monitoring
2. Water
The Water team works on building a robust field-to-lab workflow for aquatic eDNA detection. This involves:
- Collecting water samples and optimizing filtration methods.
- Comparing and refining eDNA extraction kits for aquatic environments.
- Ensuring high-yield, low-contamination DNA suitable for PCR amplification.
- Validating the presence of species through amplification of universal markers.
Keywords: Water eDNA, Filtration, Extraction Optimization, PCR, Species Detection
Development of a connected network of intelligent sensor beacons to monitor wildlife and environmental conditions in real time.
1. Audio Classification
To enable real-time wildlife monitoring, an on-device audio classification pipeline must be developed for deployment in remote environments.
- Build lightweight models capable of detecting target species and environmental threats (e.g., bird calls, logging, poaching).
- Optimize preprocessing and feature extraction for low-power microcontrollers.
- Compress and deploy models on edge devices while maintaining accuracy and fast inference.
Keywords: Edge AI, Audio Detection, Wildlife Monitoring, Model Compression, Embedded Systems
2. Image Recognition
The aim of this project is to develop an image-based wildlife detection system optimized for edge hardware in the field.
- Providing a complete pipeline for Image Recognition on edge AI (from data annotation to classification on edge device).
Obtaining a good proof-of-concept model with a chosen dataset.
Keywords: Computer Vision, Edge AI, Image Classification, Wildlife Detection, Embedded Inference
3. Environmental Sensors
The objective is to be able to test water quality and assess its impact on wildlife in the Digital Ranger.
- Develop sensor units for measuring pH, turbidity, conductivity, temperature, and other key water-quality parameters.
- Calibrate and test the sensors in both laboratory and field conditions.
- Implement remote data transmission through the Digital Ranger system for real-time monitoring.
Keywords: Environmental Sensing, Water Quality, Sensor Calibration, Field Deployment, Digital Ranger
4. Ranger Hardware (PCB & Module Design)
This project aims at building modular hardware capable of supporting all sensing and AI functionalities in challenging field environments.
- Design PCBs for camera, microphone, and environmental sensor modules.
- Assemble and test hardware prototypes to ensure durability and power efficiency.
- Prepare integrated modules for full Digital Ranger deployment.
Keywords: PCB Design, Embedded Hardware, Modular Systems, Field-Ready Devices
The CoWaS project tackles the challenge of biodiversity monitoring in water bodies. To achieve a solution for autonomous analysis, we work on the following topics:
1. Wild Orchard Identification
The objective is to develop a remote-sensing pipeline for detecting and mapping wild orchards using satellite imagery.
- Build a modular workflow to identify open fields, detect trees, and measure spacing between them.
- Process and analyze satellite images to distinguish orchard structures from surrounding vegetation.
- Address regional variability in legal definitions and protection status through adaptive models.
Keywords: Remote Sensing, Satellite Imagery, Land Cover Analysis, Biodiversity Mapping
2. Bat Classification
The objective is to classify bat species using passive acoustic monitoring and machine learning techniques.
- Develop models capable of recognizing key Swiss bat species from audio recordings.
- Implement preprocessing and feature extraction pipelines based on call structure and frequency patterns.
- Validate model performance against existing platforms (e.g., BatScope, BatsID) for reliability.
Keywords: Acoustic Monitoring, Machine Learning, Species Classification
3. Microfluidics and Miniaturization
2 Students
To develop an autonomous platform able to monitoring bacterial communities in Leman lake we need to:
- Implement the automated pipeline in a miniaturized and integrated chip
- Interface with the Nanopore DNA sequencer
Keywords: Microfabrication, Microfluidics, Automation, Robotics, Materials, Microfabrication, Microfluidics
If you didn’t find a suitable project listed but are still interested in joining GenoRobotics, you are most welcome to contact us!
We will do our very best to work something out.
Association positions
Communication and promotion
The communication and promotion around the project is focus on the following points:
- Communicate on the project through social media
- Content creation
- Website management
Keywords: Web design, social media, graphic design, content creation
Sponsoring
Contact and promote GenoRobotics !
- Develop a sponsoring dossier
- Find yearly sponsors for the association: funds and in kind (equipment, materials, services)
- Find sponsors & partners for specific events (workshops, expedition,…)
- Crowdfunding campaign
Keywords: fundraising, sponsoring, partners, network
The GenoRobotics projects aims at enabling DNA analyse directly in the field in order to facilitate the work of field work. Every prototype is then tested during a yearly scientific expedition with future user in order to review the pros and cons of the last prototypes.
2025 Forest expedition
10 Students
The goal of this expedition is to test 2 prototypes: the microneedles stapler and the DNA quantifier as well as to test the nanopore DNA sequencing protocol developed on plants.
Want to participate on D-Day ? Let us know !
- Set up a scientific expedition to test the prototypes (preparation, logistics, budget…)
- Interact with actors in field biology and ecology to find partner projects
- Communication & promotion
Keywords: scientific expedition, ecology, network, funding, logistic, communication
If you didn’t find a suitable project listed but are still interested in joining GenoRobotics, you are most welcome to contact us!
We will do our very best to work something out.