On July 9, 2025, the University of Stuttgart celebrated the Day of Research, where outstanding publications from all ten faculties were recognized with the University’s Publication Prize. Additionally, two Master's graduates were awarded the Prima! Prize for their exceptional theses.
In his address, Prof. Manfred Bischoff, Vice Rector for Research and Sustainable Development, highlighted the significance of the awards:
“With the €2,500 Publication Awards, we are recognizing researchers whose outstanding publications have significantly enhanced the visibility of our university. Only in a climate of academic freedom can creative research ideas truly flourish—benefiting not only universities, but society as a whole.”
The award-winning contributions were presented in engaging and creative ways, ranging from cardboard models to comics and videos, showcasing the diversity and excellence of research at the University of Stuttgart.
From Faculty 2, Dr. Aniket Pal, Junior Professor at the Institute of Applied Mechanics, was honored for his groundbreaking work on completely mechanical computers. These computers do not require any electronics or electricity and can, for example, be applied in soft robotics.
Dr. Pal and his team are developing systematic design principles for the construction of such computers. Their research introduces materials that use tiny mechanical “impulses” to execute logic, similar to the way digital computers use ones and zeros. These impulses pass through a network of spring-like components that function as switches, making decisions based on impulse patterns. The principle was successfully demonstrated on soft, autonomous machines, where mechanical inputs directly controlled the computations and triggered hydrogel-based actuators.
This award underscores the innovative and interdisciplinary nature of Dr. Pal’s work, which is pushing the boundaries of mechanical computing and its applications in next-generation robotics.
