At high altitudes the wind is much stronger. Empa researchers want to harness the energy slumbering in the wind with the aid of kites. The technology would be particularly suitable for generating electricity in remote areas.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Robots, journeys into space, and flying cars: Which visions out of science fiction movies have become reality? The classics of the genre in a “reality check”.

Will we ever be able to fly with a clean conscience again? The good news: Technologies for zero-carbon aviation are already available today. The bad: It will take years to bring them to market.