Machines can be creative, says Daniel Bisig, an AI expert who is conducting research at an art college. But they still lack a key ability to become real artists.

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.

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.

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.

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.

As a child, I was interested in cars, planes, and rocket ships. But since I have always been all thumbs and poor at math, becoming an engineer was never really an option. My fascination for technology has remained, among other things because humans and machines are growing ever closer together.

The findings could help develop new functional materials. Waterproof textiles, for example. Or construction materials for self-cleaning buildings.

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.

Robert Langer (73) has saved millions of lives with his research: His work with messenger RNA provides genetic blueprints with which the human body can produce antiviral proteins itself. This research forms the basis for the most successful Covid 19 vaccines, such as the vaccine produced by the manufacturer Moderna. Langer is a co-founder of the company and has become a billionaire since the Corona pandemic.

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.