Perovskite nanocrystals for better computing

Researchers at Empa, ETH Zurich and the “Politecnico di Milano” are developing a new type of computer component that is more powerful and easier to manufacture than its predecessors. Inspired by the human brain, it is designed to process large amounts of data fast and in an energy-efficient way. In many respects, the human brain Read more about Perovskite nanocrystals for better computing[…]

The next-generation VR glove will make virtual worlds tangible

Together with EPFL and ETH Zurich colleagues, an Empa team is developing next-generation VR gloves that will make virtual worlds tangible. The glove is to be tailored to each user and capable of being produced largely automatically – using a 3D printing process. Research sometimes needs a sacrifice. Empa researcher Patrick Danner has just made Read more about The next-generation VR glove will make virtual worlds tangible[…]

Managers are caught in a potential bind – they face the hype and excitement of new technology

Managers face a confusing storm of new technology hype but the key to navigating through the endless promises made for technologies such as drones, blockchain or artificial intelligence is to focus on real uses for the innovations, new research from the UK’s University of Bath and Swiss university ETH Zurich shows. A five-year study of industrial drone technology adoption showed Read more about Managers are caught in a potential bind – they face the hype and excitement of new technology[…]

Electricity from wooden floors

Researchers at Empa and ETH Zurich have made wood compressible and turned it into a micro-generator. When it is loaded, an electrical voltage is generated. In this way, the wood can serve as a bio-sensor – or generate usable energy. The latest highlight: To ensure that the process does not require aggressive chemicals, naturally occurring Read more about Electricity from wooden floors[…]

Highly Cited Researchers

Every year, those scientists whose publications have been cited most frequently and who are thus considered particularly influential in their field are selected. As was the case last year, Empa researchers Bernd Nowack and Maksym Kovalenko are again among these «Highly Cited Researchers». Just as in the social media world the influence of individuals is Read more about Highly Cited Researchers[…]

Extremely realistic haptic feedback is tricking your brain

Scientists from ETH Zurich and EPFL have developed an ultra-light glove – weighing less than 8 grams – that enables users to feel and manipulate virtual objects. Their system provides extremely realistic haptic feedback and could run on a battery, allowing for unparalleled freedom of movement. Engineers and software developers around the world are seeking Read more about Extremely realistic haptic feedback is tricking your brain[…]

Robotic collaboration in timber construction

Researchers from ETH Zurich are using a new method for digital timber construction in a real project for the first time. The load-bearing timber modules, which are prefabricated by robots, will be assembled on the top two floors at the DFAB HOUSE construction site. Digitalisation has found its way into timber construction, with entire elements Read more about Robotic collaboration in timber construction[…]

quantum dots

New research in quantum dots brings closer to supercomputers

A type of quantum dot that has been intensively studied in recent years can reproduce light in every colour and is very bright. An international research team including scientists from Empa has now discovered why this is the case. The quantum dots could someday be used in LEDs. An international team of researchers from ETH Zurich, Read more about New research in quantum dots brings closer to supercomputers[…]

Construction prototype for ultra-thin concrete roof

Researchers from ETH Zurich have built a prototype of an ultra-thin, curved concrete roof using innovative digital design and fabrication methods. The tested novel formwork system will be used in an actual construction project for the first time next year. A prototype for an ultra- thin, sinuous concrete roof using innovative design and fabrication methods Read more about Construction prototype for ultra-thin concrete roof[…]

A sensor prototype that absorbs light almost optimally

Red-sensitive, blue-sensitive and green-sensitive color sensors stacked on top of each other instead of being lined up in a mosaic pattern – this principle could allow image sensors with unprecedented resolution and sensitivity to light to be created. However, so far, the reality hasn’t quite met expectations. Researchers from Empa and ETH Zurich have now developed a Read more about A sensor prototype that absorbs light almost optimally[…]

Fast magnetic writing of data

Magnetic data storage has long been considered too slow for use in the working memories of computers. Researchers at ETH have now investigated a technique by which magnetic data writing can be done considerably faster and using less energy. For almost seventy years now, magnetic tapes and hard disks have been used for data storage Read more about Fast magnetic writing of data[…]