Drinking water from fog: researchers capture clean water from polluted air
Artificial intelligence is more likely to create jobs than destroy them

SHORT NEWS

Driverless trains, taxis and buses enjoy high acceptance

#autonomous driving #autonomous mobility #mobility #technology

People in Germany are now open to using self-driving vehicles. Almost three out of four respondents can imagine boarding driverless underground or suburban trains, taxis or buses.

A self-driving bus

This is the result of a survey by the digital association Bitkom. According to the survey, 57 percent would also be willing to use autonomous cars.

However, acceptance is somewhat lower for ships: 45 percent would board if no one was at the wheel. After all, 30 percent of those surveyed would even board an aircraft without a pilot.

"Technology has made enormous progress, autonomous taxis are already part of the street scene in San Francisco, autonomous underground trains are running in Germany," explained Bitkom President Ralf Wintergerst. "There is a great willingness to use autonomous means of transport."

People believe the offer is a long way off

Nevertheless, many still doubt that the technology will soon be used in their region. 40 per cent do not expect autonomous taxis or minibuses to be available in the coming years. "Only five percent believe that they will already be able to use autonomous mobility services in two years," Bitkom explained.

However, the digital association points out that there are already legal requirements for certain types of autonomous mobility. Germany is a pioneer here in Europe, Wintergerst explained. "Now it has to be about applying this law in practice and getting the offers on the road."

Written by: sda

Photos: Keystone

Read more
The ISS space station in space

For the very first time in space, the ISS crew has produced meat using a 3D printer

The prospect of a juicy Sunday roast in zero-gravity has just come a little closer: A Russian cosmonaut on board the International Space Station ISS has succeeded for the very first time in producing meat in space using a 3D printer.
November 22nd, 2019
Person walking through a security control

Behavior-based authentication as an alternative to a plethora of passwords

Whether when typing, moving, or walking, scientists are investigating how devices recognize users by their behavior.
November 22nd, 2019
Man with leg prosthesis riding a bike

Leg prosthesis communicates with the brain thanks to a new interface

An international research team led jointly from Zurich and Lausanne has developed a novel interface between leg prostheses and the wearer’s thigh that transmits sensations to the brain. The interface has already enabled two volunteers to walk more easily and has reduced their phantom pain.
November 22nd, 2019
A hand touching the arm of a robot

German researchers develop skin for robots

The aim of this is to enable robots to perceive their surroundings more effectively and even to balance on one leg. For the very first time, researchers at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) in Germany report that they have fully equipped a human-sized robot with an artificial skin.
November 22nd, 2019
A hydrogen filling station

New technology makes home hydrogen fueling stations feasible

A new development by the EPFL Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne is providing fresh impetus for the idea of the hydrogen car. The goal behind the technology is to enable small hydrogen fueling stations in private households and thus facilitate the establishment of a comprehensive hydrogen fuel network.
November 22nd, 2019
A person streaming Netflix on laptop and TV

Netflix junkies are harming the environment

Not so long ago, a home movie night was always preceded by a visit to the video rental store. Nowadays, all it takes to stream movies and TV shows on our screens are a few mouse clicks. Streaming services are booming. But the convenience of streaming is harming the environment.
November 22nd, 2019
In a new laboratory at the Vienna University of Technology (TU) in Austria, scientists and private companies intend to work together to investigate how bones could be produced using 3D printers. The goal is to create customized bone implants that can be used, for example, for treatment after accidents.

Bones from a 3D printer

In a new laboratory at the Vienna University of Technology (TU) in Austria, scientists and private companies intend to work together to investigate how bones could be produced using 3D printers. The goal is to create customized bone implants that can be used, for example, for treatment after accidents.
November 22nd, 2019
Portrait of Albert Einstein in black and white

Physicists develop potential quantum computer interface

For the first time ever, a team of researchers has succeeded in making a silicon bar emit quantum-physically entangled radiation. The researchers hope that the oscillating, 30-micrometer silicon wafer will open up new ways of transmitting information between quantum computers.
November 22nd, 2019
Hand with blue gloves holding flexible solar cell

Researchers create record-breaking flexible solar cell

Never before have flexible solar cells been so efficient: A team from the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa) has created a flexible thin-film solar cell with a record-breaking efficiency of 20.8 percent.
November 22nd, 2019
Ant swarm at work

Researchers develop robotic ants with swarm intelligence

They are tiny and weigh just 10 grams, but they are able to jump, crawl, and collectively tackle tasks: Researchers at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) have developed mini robots inspired by ants.
November 22nd, 2019
Drawing of an animal horde in nature

Observing animals from space – thanks to mini transmitters

Using the space-based observation system Icarus, scientists want to track the movements of animals – and thus find out more about the behavior of various species on Earth.
November 22nd, 2019
Someone disinfecting his hands next to the hospital bed with a patient in it

Innovative material surfaces to combat germs in hospitals

Biofilms are not documentaries about nature, but resilient accumulations of germs, which particularly in hospitals can present a health hazard. Now, Swiss researchers are developing new types of material surfaces to deny these stubborn germ cultures a breeding ground.
November 22nd, 2019
A tiger mosquito in the nature

Researchers achieve local eradication of dengue and Zika fever carriers

Researchers in China released millions of male mosquitoes, which although they still court females can no longer procreate with them. By mounting a double attack in selected districts of a large city in China, the team of researchers was able to virtually exterminate Asian tiger mosquitoes, which are carriers of dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses.
November 22nd, 2019
People working at a quantum computer laboratory

Race to the quantum leap

The quantum computer is taking its first steps. It is still in its infancy, but its disruptive potential is tremendous. This technology could eventually supersede conventional computers. Hence, corporations and governments are investing millions in research. A visit to the leading laboratories reveals: Progress is being made.
December 4th, 2019
Thomas Sauter-Servaes and an autonomous taxi

“Autonomous driving will be a revolution”

In the future, self-driving taxis will replace privately owned cars, says the traffic planning specialist Thomas Sauter-Servaes. Car sharing could reduce the number of vehicles and free up space, resulting in more green areas and cycle paths, better air quality, and far fewer accidents. In addition, there will be autonomous buses, which are already undergoing successful testing.
December 10th, 2019
Are we going to eat vegetable meat soon, which is produced in a "Mini Reactor"? Illustration by Ryan Sanchez

From the lab onto the dinner table: meat analogues

Plant-based meat is currently on everyone’s lips: On the one hand because it tastes good. On the other, because its environmental footprint is superior to that of real meat.
December 16th, 2019
Man working at the experimental setup in laboratory

Creation of the first ever levitated massive particle with quantum properties

For the first time ever, physicists in Vienna have succeeded in creating a levitated solid-state object with quantum properties.
May 8th, 2020
A shelf full of various yogurts at a supermarket

Making decisions – how the brain uses a trick

Be it during shopping or when browsing the menu in a restaurant: Being faced with dozens of options make it difficult to choose. However, as researchers at the University of Basel recently revealed, our attention is quickly drawn to the two best options. This makes decision-making faster and more efficient.
May 8th, 2020
Man holding a glass and is using his hand prosteses with eye control

Eye tracking can enhance the control of hand prostheses

Controlling hand prostheses can be enhanced by tracing eye movements. According to Henning Müller, Professor of Business Information Systems, a new dataset could enable the production of more efficient prostheses. This opens up completely new perspectives.
May 8th, 2020
Quantum Internet: tap-proof connection created by researchers

Quantum Internet: Researchers create a tap-proof connection

It appears that a quantum Internet, where information is transmitted in a tap-proof manner, can be implemented using the conventional telecommunications infrastructure. This has been demonstrated by an experiment conducted by Austrian physicists. In the “Nature Quantum Information” journal, they report that they were able to establish a quantum-encrypted connection between Sicily and Malta via an existing submarine cable.
June 19th, 2020
QLED display technology by researchers at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH)

Progress in the field of QLED screen technology: reduced scattering losses, more intense colors

Researchers at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) in Zurich have enhanced QLED display technology to increase its energy efficiency. Using an ingenious design, they succeeded in reducing scattering losses. So far, however, this does not work for all colors.
June 23rd, 2020
Perfusion machine for the storage of donor livers

More suitable donor livers – thanks to an artificial body

Researchers in Zurich have built a machine that can keep donor livers alive for up to one week. This opens up possibilities to rescue even deficient donor livers and still be able to transplant them.
June 26th, 2020
Detail image of nanoparticles by L. Driencourt CSEM / M. Schönenberger (Nano Imaging Lab)

Researchers investigate environmental risks of nanomedicines

Nanomaterials are opening up new possibilities in medicine. But what if such nanomaterials escape into the environment? Empa researchers are currently assessing potential risks.
June 30th, 2020
Glas bottle with Biodiesel by ecoplus, Daniel Hinterramskogler

Study: Reducing the carbon footprint of houses and cars also saves money

It is possible to reduce the carbon footprint attributable to driving and housing while saving money at the same time. This has been determined by researchers from the “Bioenergy and Sustainable Technologies” (BEST) competence center in Wieselburg, Austria.
July 7th, 2020
Plastic rabbit is getting his own DNA by Julian Koch

Researchers bestow objects with their own DNA

Using a new method, researchers can now turn everyday things into data storage devices. They achieved this by using the genetic material DNA as an information carrier.
July 14th, 2020
Remote controlled robot for dangerous missions in space - ESA

Remote-controlled robots for dangerous missions in space

Delta robots are typically used for packaging – for example candies. Now one of these robots has made it onto the International Space Station in the form of a high-tech joystick: The system, developed at the EPF Lausanne, is designed to help remote-control exploration robots.
July 24th, 2020
Two pilots in the cockpit landing a plane

Eye-tracking system facilitates pilot training

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a system to facilitate pilot training and thus make flying safer. The software uses eye-tracking to reveal perception gaps.
July 28th, 2020
Ada Lovelace illustration

The enchantress of numbers

The first algorithm was devised a century before the invention of the computer. It was developed by Ada Lovelace. Born into British aristocracy, her visionary ideas foreshadowed the digital age.
September 7th, 2020
Metal parts that are divided into areas with different properties. Empa researchers have achieved this feat using a 3D printer.

Changing shapes and materials using a 3D printer

Empa researchers have used a 3D printer to produce metal parts that are divided into surfaces with different properties. Among other things, they hope to apply this technology to improve the efficiency of electric motors.
December 11th, 2020
A quadrotor performs a Matty Flip.

University of Zurich teaches drones tricks

Thanks to a navigation algorithm, drones are learning to autonomously perform acrobatic maneuvers. Using simulations, the autonomous aircraft are trained to become faster, more agile, and more efficient.
December 11th, 2020
This autonomous drone can detect and avoid fast-moving objects

Researchers at the University of Zurich develop extremely agile drones

Researchers at the University of Zurich (UZH) have developed a system that enables flying robots to be very agile. A new type of camera allows autonomous drones to respond much faster than if they were controlled by a human pilot.
December 11th, 2020
a rescue boat in the sea

ETH mathematicians facilitate rescue at sea

Researchers have developed a method of calculation that speeds up the search for people in distress at sea. Their new algorithm can be used to predict where objects or people are likely to drift to on the sea surface.
December 11th, 2020
The Rhône Glacier in Switzerland

Fiber optic cables reveal the inner workings of glaciers

Fiber optic cables offer seismologists new possibilities to investigate the interior of glaciers. One day, this method may even make it possible to predict glacial collapse.
December 11th, 2020
The new, highly compact chip brings together the fastest electronic and light-​based elements in a single component for the first time.

ETH builds ultrafast chip of the future

Researchers at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) have discovered what the computer industry has been looking for since 20 years: A method of combining light and electronics on an ultrafast chip. Their plasmonic chip is more powerful, smaller, and cheaper to produce than any previous technology.
December 11th, 2020
This upgraded quadrocopter won't crash

Crash-proof drone

Researchers in Zurich have developed a drone that does not crash – even if one of its rotors fails.
March 22nd, 2021
Is Apple planning a self-driving car?

Apple car on the horizon?

In 2020, the tech giant Apple massively ramped up its testing of self-driving cars. Does this mean the company has plans to start manufacturing its own cars?
April 5th, 2021
The new type of film is intended to make buildings more burglar-proof.

An invisible layer of door security

Bad news for burglars: Researchers have developed a special membrane that can be used to create invisible keypads. People who know that it’s there can use it to enter their building access code.
April 12th, 2021
PSI researcher Cristian Svetina at the experiment station of the SwissFEL, Switzerland's X-ray free-electron laser.

Observing atomic processes

Microchips are becoming smaller and smaller: hard drives write entire encyclopedias on discs the size of a fingernail. Many processes take place at the atomic level - and little is known about them. Now PSI researchers have reached a milestone.
May 26th, 2021
RF Grasp: The robot that finds its way through clutter

A robot with superpowers

MIT researchers have built a robot that can locate hidden objects through walls or packaging. To do this, it uses radio waves. In the future, this could simplify logistics in warehouses, for example.
May 31st, 2021
Algorithms could make anesthesiologists' jobs easier

New algorithms help with anesthesia

Anesthetic drugs affect the brain. But to tell if a patient will remain unconscious during surgery, most anesthesiologists rely on heart rate, breathing rate and movement. Algorithms could improve this process.
July 9th, 2021
EPFL scientists are developing a completely new “brain stress test” for evaluating the mental status of patients with Parkinson’s disease.

Robot evokes ghost illusions in Parkinson's patients

Researchers have succeeded in evoking tangible but invisible presences in Parkinson's patients with the help of a robot.
July 12th, 2021
A new material turns fog into drinking water

New material collects drinking water from the air

Tiny structures allow a newly created material to collect drinkable water from the air day and night, combining two water collection technologies into one.
July 26th, 2021
Engineers have developed a sweat-proof “electronic skin”

The sensor that sweats with you

Engineers at MIT have developed a sweat-proof electronic "skin." The design could lead to adaptable, wearable monitors for monitoring skin cancer and other diseases.
August 2nd, 2021
Surgeon Nicole Lindenblatt during the operation.

First microsurgery with robot

Pioneering micro-surgery: At the University Hospital in Zurich, a patient was given the finest connections between lymph vessels and veins - by robot.
September 6th, 2021
As the population gets older, automation increases.

Staff too old? Robots step in

As the population gets older, automation increases. That's what a new study by MIT and Boston University shows.
October 25th, 2021
Illustration Neuromate "Brain" animated

Robots revolutionize neurosurgery

Robots were intended to advance surgery to the next level. Instead, they fell into disrepute as a result of medical errors and high costs. To date, brain surgery is the field where the technology can best play to its strengths. The robotic assistants increase the precision and efficiency of delicate procedures.
November 5th, 2021
BiTE molecules are designed to form a bridge between cancer cells (yellow) and cytotoxic T cells (blue)

Adapter makes immune cells destroy cancer

An adaptor makes immune cells fight cancer cells. Such “BiTE” agents have already proven effective against blood, lung and prostate cancer, researchers report.
November 22nd, 2021
At the "Walking with Dinosaurs" show in Geneva

How dinosaurs lived 193 million years ago

We know that certain dinosaurs were social. Now researchers are proving that the animals lived in herds much earlier than previously thought. The secret of their early evolutionary success?
November 29th, 2021
Revolution in the berry patch illustrated by Irene Servillo

Revolution in the berry patch

Some 30 years ago, a Canadian researcher discovered an environmentally friendly way to deploy bees in the fight against grey mold. This approach, which holds a lot of promise for European fruit growers, is currently being tested on Swiss berry patches.
January 14th, 2022
A thistle butterfly (Vanessa cardui)

Videos show growth of butterfly wings

The findings could help develop new functional materials. Waterproof textiles, for example. Or construction materials for self-cleaning buildings.
January 17th, 2022
A picture made available on 04 March 2017 of David Holecek (L) getting a chip implanted in his hand by Jowan Osterlund of the company Biohax, in Gothenburg, Sweden, 02 December 2015.

A Covid passport that gets under the skin

A Swedish company has developed a Covid passport for microchip implants. The head of the company is chipped himself. He is not worried about his privacy.
January 24th, 2022
A hydroelectric power station

Improved carbon footprint thanks to the utilization of surplus electricity

Power-to-X processes could play a key role in reducing Switzerland’s CO₂ emissions. These processes convert excess electricity generated using renewable sources into liquid or gaseous energy carriers. A group of researchers recently explored the potential of power-to-X for Switzerland.
January 28th, 2022
A test fleet of autonomous Daimler trucks has been on the road in the USA for about three years.

Autonomous driving: Trucks catching up

Just a year ago, start-ups working on robotaxis were raising eight times as much money as companies interested in self-driving trucks. In the meantime, the gap has narrowed dramatically.
January 31st, 2022
Particle accelerator at CERN in Geneva.

Physicists are on the trail of a “sensation“

The particle accelerator at CERN in Geneva will start up again at the end of March 2022. It is more powerful than ever before. Can physicists now prove a previously unknown force of nature?
February 14th, 2022
A handout picture made available by ESA/CNES/Arianespace shows the lift-off of Arianespace's Ariane 5 rocket carrying NASA's James Webb Space Telescope, in the Jupiter Center at the Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana, 25 December 2021.

Space travel: Moon and Jupiter in focus

While Mars was the focus of space activities in 2021, many missions to the Moon will start this year. In addition, ESA is setting off for Jupiter. And NASA wants to divert an asteroid.
February 21st, 2022
Solar cells

Clever cleaning of solar modules

Dust accumulating on solar panels is a big problem. But washing the panels consumes large amounts of water. MIT engineers have now developed a waterless cleaning method.
April 4th, 2022
Agricultural future farm

Robot on the field

At the Swiss Future Farm, the use of innovative technology in agriculture is being tested in a project lasting several years. This also includes a robot for field work.
April 25th, 2022
A doctor examines a patient for conspicuous moles

Does this AI think like a human?

Researchers at MIT have developed a method that helps users understand how a machine learning model thinks and compare it to how a human thinks.
May 30th, 2022
A drone attaches itself to another object underwater

Aerial water drone hitchhikes

An international research team with Empa participation has developed a drone that can glide through water as well as fly through the air. To save energy, it attaches itself to other objects for a ride.
July 25th, 2022
A virtual patient with a breathing mask sits on a hospital bed.

Medical students learn on hologram patients

Holograms as a substitute for real patients are to provide medical students in the UK with a better education. The programme, which will initially be used at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, is the first of its kind in the world.
September 12th, 2022
The robot moves like a caterpillar.

Soft robot: like a caterpillar, but ultra-fast

A new type of "soft" robot from the University of Linz moves like a caterpillar - and ultra-fast. Thanks to its contractions, it can also overcome obstacles, swim or grasp things. In short: a system with potential, especially in the field of human-machine interaction.
October 10th, 2022
A wafer-thin skin sensor can transmit information.

A sensor without chip and battery

A skin sensor developed at MIT is as thin as adhesive tape and sends signals - without a chip or battery. The device can vibrate in response to a person's heartbeat or the salt in their sweat, as well as generate a readable electrical signal.
October 17th, 2022
NTU professor Yang Yaowen with the device that harnesses wind energy.

Wind energy in miniature

Scientists in Singapore have developed a low-cost device that can harness the energy of light breezes and store it as electricity.
October 31st, 2022
A1 Marzia de Domenici

Digital twins spur the metaverse to new heights

The virtual parallel world is in gold-rush fever. The race for the right position in the metaverse has begun. With its digital twins, the Swiss startup Nomoko is already ahead of the competition, at least in one area.
November 4th, 2022
A sensor made of wood

Sensors and switches made of wood

Sustainable electronic elements can be made from wood. This is helped by a novel process that uses a laser to engrave electrically conductive tracks into veneers.
November 14th, 2022
Construction workers offroad: In areas that are difficult to access, drones could one day erect constructions in teamwork.

Building like bees

Swarms of bees as models for drones in construction: Empa has tested drones that work in teams under human control to 3D print materials for building or repairing structures.
November 21st, 2022
Illustration of a robot

An AI that learns spontaneously by asking people questions

AI is still only as good as the data it has been trained on. It doesn't know what it doesn't know. Researchers have now developed an AI that learns by asking people questions.
November 28th, 2022
Plane landing at night

Intelligent system helps pilots land quietly

Aircraft noise, especially during the landing approach of passenger jets, is a major burden on people and the environment. An international project with the participation of Empa enables pilots to land as quietly and with as little CO2 as possible.
December 12th, 2022
The milky way with mountains in foreground

The world's largest digital camera

US researchers are working on the world's largest digital camera. It could record a golf ball from a distance of 24 kilometres - but it will be used in an observatory.
December 19th, 2022
Child playing a video game on a tablet

Video games: Good for the brain?

Video games may have a positive impact on the development of children's cognitive skills, contrary to popular belief.
December 26th, 2022
A lens that is only partially fogged up - the gold-coated area is clear.

With gold against steamed-up glasses

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a coating for eyeglasses that heats up lenses with sunlight. The invention is intended to prevent them from fogging up.
January 3rd, 2023
The limpet lives on seashores.

Materials as hard as snail teeth

Researchers want to harness the unusual wear resistance of limpet teeth for new types of materials.
January 9th, 2023
MIT researchers have developed a scalable fabrication technique to produce ultrathin, lightweight solar cells that can be stuck onto any surface.

Paper-thin solar cell turns any surface into a power source

MIT engineers have developed ultra-light fabric solar cells that can quickly and easily turn any surface into a power source.
January 23rd, 2023
Soumya Sudhakar at her TEDx talk

Computers powering self-driving cars could emit vast amounts of CO2

Computers powering self-driving cars could be a big contributor to global carbon emissions, according to MIT.
January 30th, 2023
two frogs in a pond

Early warning system to save endangered species

Biodiversity is declining rapidly. In order to recognise species worthy of protection in time, a research group from Fribourg wants to combine artificial intelligence, image data and citizen science.
February 20th, 2023
robot hand touching human hand

Swiss researchers print self-healing skin for robot

Swiss researchers have used a 3D printer to print a skin for a robot that can mend itself after being damaged.
February 27th, 2023
a newly developed a universal connector that allows stretchable devices to be assembled easily

Like Lego: child's play to assemble stretchable devices

An international team led by researchers at NTU in Singapore has developed a universal connector that allows stretchable devices to be assembled easily and quickly using the Lego principle.
March 27th, 2023
A chopping robot with an integrated spraying system helps to reduce the use of plant protection products

Robot reduces use of plant protection products

A chopping robot with an integrated spraying system helps to reduce the use of plant protection products in vegetable production. This was the result of trials in fields with lettuce and pak choi.
April 3rd, 2023
A group of people jogging

Smart running pants warn of exhaustion while jogging

A newly developed yarn can measure body movements. If the smart textile sensor is integrated into sportswear or workwear, it can predict how tired the wearer is during physical exertion.
April 10th, 2023
Researchers have developed a new method for decoding the thinking of artificial intelligences

Swiss researchers decode AI thought processes

Researchers have developed a new method for decoding the thinking of artificial intelligences. This is particularly important for situations in which self-learning computer programmes make decisions with implications for human lives.
April 24th, 2023
Rocket "Terran 1" during its launch

3D printer rocket fails

The world's first 3D-printed rocket failed to make its planned Earth orbit schedule on its first test flight. It is the largest object ever produced in a 3D printer.
May 1st, 2023
Cake Kalk

Electric rockets on two wheels

They accelerate like no other vehicle, but not for long: electric motorcycles are not (yet) the hit they could be due to a lack of range. But the electric bullets do offer innovation.
May 5th, 2023
Commuters at a rail station

AI predicts electricity demand - with traffic data

Using artificial intelligence, researchers supported by the SNSF were able to predict electricity consumption from data on the load of railways and roads.
May 29th, 2023
new kind of robot gripping a cup

Nimble robot reflexively organises cluttered spaces

Instead of starting over after a failed attempt, the pick-and-place robot continuously adapts its behaviour.
June 12th, 2023
a shop shelf full of plastic bottles

Microplastics reach the brain

Tiny micro- and nanoplastic particles (MNP) can not only enter the body through food, as is well known, but can even reach the brain.
June 26th, 2023
A mosquito on bare skin

AI finds plants for anti-malaria drugs

Artificial intelligence is speeding up the discovery of plants with anti-malaria properties. This is the conclusion reached by an international research team.
July 10th, 2023
fast, faster, fastest. Runner in a race (symbol image)

Swiss start-up achieves breakthrough in quantum encryption

Swiss start-up Terra Quantum has been able to transmit quantum-encrypted data 10,000 times faster and over a greater distance than ever before. This is shown by data published by the company.
August 7th, 2023
Singer David Hasselhoff at a concert

Does the weather influence the success of pop music?

A study involving the Max Planck Institute (MPI) for Empirical Aesthetics suggests that the weather influences the Top 10 charts.
August 21st, 2023
a reconstruction of the dinosaur discovered in chile

Chile: Remains of dinosaur with duck's beak discovered

Scientists in Chile have for the first time discovered the remains of a species of dinosaur with a duck's beak – the «Gonkoken nanoi».
August 28th, 2023
Woman sitting at office desk

Artificial intelligence is more likely to create jobs than destroy them

The use of AI will "probably not" lead to the destruction of jobs, but rather to possible changes in the quality of jobs - especially with regard to work intensity and autonomy.
September 25th, 2023
The drone had to fly through various hoops

Autonomous drone beats world champion in drone races

A drone controlled by artificial intelligence (AI) has defeated the world champion in drone races. According to the developers from the University of Zurich, this is a milestone for robotics.
October 9th, 2023
The Eden ISS in the Antarctica

Space greenhouse successfully tested

More than a tonne of vegetables and lettuce, positive effects on the psyche and valuable experience in terms of time-saving operation: after a five-year test in Antarctica, the German Aerospace Center (DLR) has expressed satisfaction with its "Eden ISS" greenhouse system.
October 23rd, 2023
Open AI is facing a lawsuit

Copyright infringement: US authors sue ChatGPT

The writers accuse OpenAI of using their books to train AI without their consent.
October 30th, 2023
A roe deer next to a forest

AI to prevent wildlife accidents

Artificial intelligence (AI) could in future prevent wildlife accidents, which are particularly frequent in autumn. A project by Austrian researchers is testing a risk assessment of routes by drones.
November 6th, 2023
A soft robot inspired by elephant trunks

Researchers develop trunk robot

Inspired by elephant trunks, researchers at EPFL have developed a new robot. Because the trunk robot is made of soft, pliable material, it is safe for interaction with humans.
November 13th, 2023
a chicken farm from the inside

Electricity from chicken feathers

Researchers want to use chicken feathers to produce green electricity. They use the keratin in chicken feathers to replace highly toxic chemicals in fuel cells.
November 20th, 2023
a dense jungle

Based on sounds: AI determines species diversity

According to a study, an automated analysis of animal sounds can provide a good indication of the development of species diversity in the area. The analysis was tested with the help of artificial intelligence (AI) on tropical reforestation areas.
December 4th, 2023
Metaverse

Industrial Metaverse

It's here: the parallel world of industry. What are the benefits of the Industrial Metaverse? And where does development stand? Urs Reimann, Head of Digital Transformation at Bystronic, provides answers.
December 14th, 2023
Garbage on a beach

AI detects plastic waste in the sea

A new artificial intelligence recognises plastic in the sea from satellite images. This could help to systematically remove plastic waste from the oceans using ships.
December 18th, 2023
3D printed hand robots holding a pen and a bottle

3D printer moulds robots without laborious assembly

Robotic hands with bones, ligaments and tendons straight from the printer: this is made possible by a new 3D printing technology developed by researchers in Zurich.
January 8th, 2024
a woman using her smartphone while walking

Smartphone makes us walk like cowboys

If you type on your smartphone while walking, your gait adapts to the demands of multitasking. What exactly happens during "text walking" has now been investigated.
January 29th, 2024
a therapist talking to a patient

AI recognises the briefest emotions better than therapists

AI can recognise emotions based on facial expressions. In one study, AI even performed better than trained therapists.
February 5th, 2024
the ETH lab with an artificial sun consisting of 875 LED chips

Sahara sun from the laboratory

ETH Zurich has put an artificial sun into operation. In the room of a new laboratory, the sun shines at the push of a button, just as it does at midday in the Sahara or in January in Berlin.
February 21st, 2024
the newly developed ultrasound patch sticks on an arm

This sensor detects organ failure at an early stage

A wearable ultrasound sticker could help to recognise the first signs of acute liver or kidney failure at an early stage.
February 28th, 2024
robot "avocado" high up on a tree

Robot swings into unexplored treetops

It abseils from a height and swings through the canopy of the rainforest: A robot named Avocado is designed to collect research data in such a difficult-to-access and endangered habitat.
March 3rd, 2024
A hospital room in Zurich children's hospital

Researchers want to detect blood poisoning earlier using AI

With the help of artificial intelligence (AI) a research team at the University Children's Hospital in Zurich has defined new criteria for the diagnosis of blood poisoning. This could improve the early detection of this dangerous disease.
March 10th, 2024
plastic waste in a garbage bin

Microplastics could promote cancer

According to a new study, tiny plastic particles can be passed on during cell division. This could potentially favour the spread of cancer.
April 15th, 2024
a baby in a newborn ward

AI diagnoses heart defects in babies

An artificial intelligence (AI) developed by Zurich researchers recognises a specific heart defect in newborns. According to the researchers, it has the potential to reduce the number of missed diagnoses of pulmonary hypertension.
April 29th, 2024
the new robot can mimic the softness of materials

Robot reproduces the softness of materials

A new robot can precisely mimic the softness of various materials. In future, medical students could use it to practise detecting malignant tumours or researchers could feel the softness of an object in space.
May 6th, 2024
PEBE

Are CO2 absorbers the saviors of the climate crisis?

In the fight against climate change, gigatons of carbon dioxide will have to be removed from the atmosphere over the course of the century - using so-called carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies are giving people new hope.
June 12th, 2024
pedestrians at a zebra crossing

New car camera detects pedestrians 100 times faster

A new type of car camera recognises obstacles 100 times faster than previous driver assistance systems. In future, this technology should help to brake cars in good time if a pedestrian suddenly runs into the road.
August 5th, 2024
Pedestrians walk on planks across a flooded square in Switzerland.

Climate change causes global economy to shrink significantly

According to a new forecast, the global economy is at risk of shrinking by around a fifth by the middle of the century due to climate change.
August 19th, 2024