Centre for Artificial Intelligence
“Research for the real world: We have infinite curiosity for solving problems with machine learning and deep passion for seeing humans flourish amidst AI. The intersections of these angles define where our cooperation with you begins.”
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Get to Know Us
The Center for Artificial Intelligence is the leading method-oriented competence center for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) at the ZHAW School of Engineering, with a vision of a future worth living with and through AI.
We focus on the following key questions:
- How can we think about AI and fundamentally advance the technology?
- How can AI systems “perceive,” “understand,” and generate content?
- How can AI “act” in the physical world?
- How should AI be developed, deployed, evaluated, and integrated into regulatory frameworks?
We collaborate with researchers in other disciplines, including engineering, natural sciences and the humanities, and explore applications across all domains, from industry, culture, healthcare, and science to security.
The diagram below illustrates how our center is structured in terms of its research topics and research groups.
People at CAI
We have an incredibly talented, motivated and experienced team working at CAI. You can find our staff listed here.
Do Research with Us
Technology should always serve a purpose. As part of our research and innovation ecosystem, we help you identify relevant AI challenges and work with you to develop potential solutions.
Through tailored innovation sprints with our external partners, we are able to identify your individual needs and co-create solutions tailored to them. We then develop prototypes and test potential products to create reliable and trustworthy solutions ready for implementation.
Our main research topics are strategically chosen and are the foundation of our center:
Foundations of AI & Machine Learning: How AI is conceived and advanced.
The methodological bedrock, from the foundations of the field to how learning systems are built, trained, and deployed, to emerging paradigms for AI problem solving.
Methodological aspects:
- Machine learning methodology & neural architectures
- AI paradigms, hybrid & neuro-symbolic AI
- ML Systems, MLOps & AI compute architectures
Generative & Multimodal AI: How AI systems understand and create.
Be it on text, image, or sensor data, be it for industrial or medical applications, be it for science or safety-critical sectors, with bespoke and foundation models.
Methodological aspects:
- Generative models including large (vision) language models
- Natural language processing, computer vision & audio-visual understanding
- Multimodal learning & sensor data analysis
Physical & Agentic AI: How AI acts in the world.
From autonomous software process agents to embodied systems between mobile robotics and industrial automation, from simulation to the real world.
Methodological aspects:
- Autonomy, embodied AI & robot learning
- Reinforcement learning, control & optimization
- Agentic systems & human-AI interaction
Trustworthy & Responsible AI: How AI should be engineered, deployed, audited, and governed.
From the technical practices of robust engineering to stakeholder engagement across disciplines and sectors, to addressing the normative societal questions of how to shape an environment in which one wants to live with AI, now and in the future.
Methodological aspects:
- Robust, safe & explainable AI
- AI Ethics & societal impact
- AI governance, risks & certification
Get in touch with us - if you have a business challenge that may fall into one of these research topics and you cannot find an existing solution on the market. It could be the perfect opportunity for a collaborative research project with the possibility of third-party funding.
Further Information
Study with Us
We believe in the scientific method as the most effective approach to solving complex real-world challenges. That is why the ZHAW Centre for Artificial Intelligence offers methodology-driven courses as part of the Bachelor of Science and Master of Science programs at the ZHAW School of Engineering. We are committed to ensuring that the latest advances in research and development are integrated into our teaching, providing a unique range of educational opportunities.
We are equally committed to lifelong learning. Through our continuing education programs in artificial intelligence, you will gain a solid foundation of knowledge and learn how to apply modern AI technologies safely, efficiently, and effectively in business and industrial practice. Help shape technological change and expand your skills for the workplace of tomorrow.
Our Programmes
Work with Us
Within ZHAW, the CAI is the leading competence center for the development and research of methods and general applications in AI and machine learning. We offer a unique environment for AI research because we take a case-based approach to solving concrete, real-world application challenges. In doing so, we strive for groundbreaking research that leads directly to breakthroughs in practical applications.
While we are results-oriented, we are equally committed to our employees and their personal development. We place great importance on creating a working environment that encourages regular exchange, professional development, and strong interpersonal relationships. To support this, we organize seminars and colloquia as well as social events throughout the year.
In terms of infrastructure, we provide extensive computing and laboratory resources that enable even complex development projects, as well as state-of-the-art laboratories for hands-on research. Our technical infrastructure also supports our strong work-from-home culture and helps employees achieve a healthy balance between work and family life.