Research

Tackling the challenges of our time

The Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering (D-MAVT) is one of the world's leading research institutions in its fields of expertise. With state-of-the-art equipment in its institutes and laboratories, the D-MAVT offers an excellent working environment for researchers, staff and students. International scientists work across disciplines to find solutions to the challenges of our time.

Areas of expertise
With its research, the department is continuously expanding the expertise in the natural sciences and engineering in the areas of

  • Design and manufacturing
  • Energy, flows, and processes
  • Mechanics and materials
  • Robotics and control

Strategic fields of application
Research at D-MAVT focuses on fields of application that are of strategic importance for the future viability of society. By adopting a transdisciplinary approach, the department brings together diverse perspectives and expertise to address four major challenges:

  • Providing sustainable energy solutions
  • Ensuring healthy lives
  • Reinventing manufacturing
  • Revolutionizing mobility and transportation

Reinventing manufacturing

Research into new production technologies for the digital age and the circular economy is in line with a global trend that is also reflected in the ETH Board's strategy. Researchers at D-MAVT explore new methods such as additive manufacturing, virtual production and the use of artificial intelligence in development and design.

Ensuring healthy lives

The combination of engineering and life sciences holds great potential for the development of innovative medical applications. This field of research encompasses core engineering disciplines such as robotics, mechanics, thermodynamics and fluid mechanics.

Revolutionizing mobility and transportation

Research on innovation in mobility and transportation focuses on autonomous systems, human-machine interaction and robotics. The emphasis is on the fundamental principles of autonomous and adaptive systems. These intelligent systems must cope with the complexity of the real world and adapt to unpredictable and rapidly changing conditions.

Providing sustainable energy solutions

Research into sustainable energy solutions aims to significantly reduce the carbon footprint locally and globally to ensure environmental sustainability and energy security. Research topics include energy systems and processes, CO2 capture and utilization, and solar energy technologies.

Key challenges: Revolutionizing Mobility; Providing Sustainable Energy; Ensuring Healthy Lives; Reinventing Manufacturing. Key disciplines: Energy, Flows, Processes; Robotics, Systems, Control; Design, Manufacturing; Mechanics, Materials
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