Industrial automation and building technology

The BATLOGGER can log the ultrasound calls of bats; the recordings can either be made automatically or on a pre-programmed basis. The logging covers a range of 10-150 kHz and also provides additional details of location, temperature, time and date.

In order to gather this data, the BATLOGGER is equipped with a highly sensitive ultrasound sensor system, a GPS receiver and a temperature sensor. The huge quantity of call data is saved in the form of WAVE files on an SD card along with the additional information as XML files. This card can then be used to carry out data analysis on the computer. Operation and configuration of the LOGGER is carried out using buttons and an LCD display directly on the device or via SD card on the computer.

EUPASS stands for Evolvable Ultra Precision Assembly Systems. The aim of the EUPASS project is to develop an assembly system consisting of both hardware and software that is modular as far as possible. The advantage of this modularity is to be seen in the fact that an assembly system is not just built for one product and a fixed output capacity but enables a wide variety of products to be produced on the same system; if necessary output capacity can be adapted by means of simple conversion. The modules required can be added or removed with minimum installation complexity.

We are carrying out a CTI project to develop strategies and concepts for detecting lines on very different background structures and successive images. The aim is for the detected line to provide a secure reference variable for tracking purposes. This type of line tracking problem often arises in connection with mobile robots.

In this project we wish to present an approach that delivers promising results. The technique is called “Snake” – the algorithm winds its way as it tracks a line.

During orthopaedic operations, a navigation system supports the surgeon in positioning and guiding the instruments. A wireless, sterilisable motor ensures automatic positioning of the blade guide. Supported by the Aargau Research Fund, this project aims to show the feasibility of a sterilisable, wireless drive unit, establish the technologies and regulatory requirements involved and go on to produce a functional prototype on this basis. This prototype is to be used to verify practical suitability of the new method.

The CTI project on water hardness measurement is a feasibility study that aims to discover and develop an in-situ measuring technique to determine the hardness of tap water. The industry partner on this project is tap manufacturer R. Nussbaum AG in Olten. Preparatory literature and patent research as well as investigations into water hardness measurement in general repeatedly showed conductivity to be the most effective method of measuring water hardness. However, conductivity only indicates the total concentration of ions in the water and not the amount of calcium and magnesium ions, which is what largely accounts for water hardness. The measurement principles applied in this project were firstly direct measurement of physical parameters indicating dependence on water hardness, and secondly the differential measurement of conductivity in treated and untreated water. The water samples were treated with static and dynamic electric and magnetic fields of differing strength as well as being subjected to temperature variations and ion exchange.

The rapid worldwide growth in transportation and the high speeds of rail-bound traffic has result in increasing demands in terms of measuring and testing technology for rail vehicles, in particular bogies (chassis). Current bogie test benches either operate statically or are highly complex dynamic units that simulate travel. We carried out a CTI project to improve static test benches.

This article describes the modelling of a new type of rock milling machine. It is shown how appropriate modelling of the milling process can be used to correctly adjust system parameters during operation. The first stage is map out the milling kinematics. Then the performance of the milling machine is optimised by the use of quasi-stable oscillations so as to obtain maximum volume removal per time unit, low energy consumption and maximum device compactness.

The School of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geomatics, the School of Life Sciences and the School of Engineering joined forces to start a cross-disciplinary strategic initiative focused on building automation, energy efficiency and alternative energy production. For this purpose, a test bench is being constructed at the Muttenz site which can be used to investigate the dynamic response of heat pumps in combination with solar technology.

Optimising the provision of daylight and artificial light in interiors requires an interdisciplinary approach; aspects relating to architecture, design and technology have to be addressed collaboratively. The School of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geomatics – represented by the Institute of Energy in Building, the School of Engineering – represented by the Institute of Automation, and the School of Art and Design – represented by the Institute of Interior Design and Scenography jointly undertook to pursue such an interdisciplinary approach with the “Strategic Initiative Light”, examining issues relating to the optimisation of daylight, artificial light and mixed light on a holistic basis. The initiative led to the creation of the flexible test platform Façade Lab for applications in the areas of building, facade, light and energy technology.