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.

Surfaces that kill viruses

Empa researchers have tracked viruses as they pass through face masks and compared their failure on the filter layers of different types of masks. The new method should now accelerate the development of surfaces that can kill viruses.

Materials as hard as snail teeth

Researchers want to harness the unusual wear resistance of limpet teeth for new types of materials.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Metaverse glove from the 3D printer

Researchers are working on the next generation of a VR glove that makes virtual worlds tangible in the Metaverse. The glove is to be customised to the user and can be produced largely automatically - using the 3D printing process.

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.

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.