Find research projects
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Espaces Croisés: Building Culture Contact Zones along the Swiss Language Border since 1960
The project investigates how, since the 1960s, a distinct planning culture has emerged along the Swiss German–French language border (Röstigraben), materializing in architecture and urban design, becoming visible and negotiable in social practices, and exhibiting specific characteristics of building…
future, 01/2027 - 01/2031
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Machine Learning-Driven Optimization of Polymer Encapsulation Layers for Enhanced Stability of Perovskite Solar Cells
Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have emerged as one of the most promising candidates for next-generation photovoltaic technology, achieving impressive power conversion efficiencies of more than 26 %. However, their widespread application is hindered by issues related to instability under real-world…
future, 06/2026 - 12/2026
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Swiss German Speech Processing for Persons with Speech Disorders (SpeeDi)
We will develop language technologies for imperfect Swiss German speech. These technologies are crucial to build AI applications for persons with speech disorders, e.g chatbots for children in speech therapy or diagnosis tools for patients with Parkinson’s Disease.
future, 06/2026 - 05/2029
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Plasma-tailored sustainable nanohybrids for ultra-broadband terahertz absorbers (PANDORA)
We investigate sustainable nanomaterials using ultra-broadband terahertz (THz) spectroscopy to understand their fundamental properties and enable new functionalities for next-generation THz technologies.
future, 06/2026 - 11/2029
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Humanoid Robots for Cleaning and Sterilization of Medical Equipment (HERCULES)
This project develops AI-driven humanoid robot automation for hospital sterilization departments (CSSDs). Combining robotic foundation models with environment-aware whole-body control, we enable autonomous handling of surgical instruments and sterile containers, validated with pilots in hospitals.
current, 05/2026 - 04/2028
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Trustworthy AI Circle (TAIC)
In a time when artificial intelligence is rapidly moving from experimentation into everyday practice, the gap between high-level principles and real-world implementation is becoming increasingly visible. While frameworks for trustworthy AI are evolving, their translation into concrete decisions,…
current, 05/2026 - 10/2027
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Development of the basis for the digitalisation roadmap for facility management at the Winterthur Integrated Psychiatry (IPW)
In collaboration with the Integrierte Psychiatrie Winterthur – Zürcher Unterland, the ZHAW is developing the strategic foundation for a digitalisation roadmap and investment proposal for their facility management department.
current, 04/2026 - 10/2026
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AI4Flex.Data: AI-Driven Cross-Engine Optimization of Concurrent Workloads (SNF)
Modern data systems are fragmented, making efficient and portable workloads difficult. A unified abstraction is missing. AI4Flex.Data decouples workload definition from execution, uses AI for engine selection, and enables flexible, optimized multi engine processing.
current, 04/2026 - 01/2030
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Advancing musculoskeletal research: iterative learning control-driven system identification in a physical glenohumeral simulator for…
The shoulder is one of the most mobile but also one of the most complex joints in the human body. The muscles of the rotator cuff control its movement and stability. This project is developing an adaptive method that measures the effect of these muscles more precisely in order to create a better…
current, 04/2026 - 09/2026
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Predictive warning system prototype for the prevention of failures in electrical grids
The rapid integration of renewable and distributed energy resources, coupled with the growing electrification of transportation and heating, is making grid operation increasingly complex and dynamic. Therefore, research that focuses on the prevention of catastrophic events and the maintenance of…
current, 04/2026 - 12/2026
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Raman SERDS for Plastic Detection
Raman spectroscopy is attractive for material analysis because it provides a chemical fingerprint quickly and without contact. In practice, however, the Raman signal is often obscured by strong fluorescence, especially in colored plastics and many organic samples. This project investigates how to…
current, 04/2026 - 12/2026
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Dr. Chiller - Immersive AR Framework for First-Level Maintenance Support (CHILLER)
Dr. Chiller develops a modular, device-agnostic ICT framework with an embedded AAS gateway enabling interoperable connectivity between industrial assets and digital twins. Using IoT communication, AI analytics, and AR-based support, it enables predictive maintenance and lifecycle data integration.
current, 04/2026 - 09/2027
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Explainable RL and Agentic Physical AI for Assistive Mobile Manipulation (CareBot)
Human-Centric and Explainable Robot Learning for Mobile Manipulation: Vision-Language-Action models and Reinforcement Learning assistive mobility and humanoids in healthcare, with Swiss industry and academic partners
current, 04/2026 - 03/2028
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Agentic AI for DAOs (AAIDA)
This project examines how agentic AI can improve DAO governance by reducing inefficiencies, centralization, and low participation. Using case studies and experiments with AI agents, it evaluates benefits, risks, and impacts on democratic, decentralized decision-making.
current, 04/2026 - 03/2027
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Local Adaptation and Sustainability in Grain Legume Cultivation with Soybean as a Proof of Principle (FoodN'Feed)
The project FoodN'Feed aims to fill the gap in the development of native microbial communities for Swiss-adapted sustainable grain legume cultivation by capturing the true nodule rhizobial community and associated root microbiomes for the three most relevant grain legume crops for Switzerland…
current, 04/2026 - 03/2030
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Agency of young people in peripheral areas – educational practices between regionality and family (AYPPA)
The project is investigating how the perceived peripheral location of a region affects the educational choices of young adults. Using selected regions in Switzerland, Germany and Austria as case studies, the project analyses the scope for action, available resources and educational strategies.
current, 04/2026 - 03/2029
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MemoBox: AI-assisted reminiscence therapy in everyday life (MemoBox)
MemoBox is an AI-supported digital memory box for people with early-stage cognitive impairment, featuring a camera and voice dialogue system. The goal is autonomous reminiscence therapy, promoting well-being and supporting care through AI.
current, 04/2026 - 03/2027
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OCTOPUS: Observing Communication Traffic Of Pre-installed Userspace Software
Modern mobile devices are dense with pre-installed apps that are deeply integrated in the operating system. Unlike third-party apps, these system-level apps often operate with elevated privileges that allow them to bypass the standard Android permission model. This project investigates the…
current, 04/2026 - 07/2027
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Wire saw for cutting metal additive manufacturing components from the build plate (AM-Drahtsäge)
In additive manufacturing, metal components are firmly bonded to the build plate. With large-scale 3D printing systems, conventional separation techniques reach their limits. The IPP wire saw solves this problem.
current, 04/2026 - 08/2026
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Behavioral Journey Mapping (BJM)
Behavioral Journey Mapping for the psychological and behavioral economics–driven optimization of a customer decision journey, with a focus on onboarding customers to a self-service app.
current, 04/2026 - 09/2026