Mechatronics, FHNW School of Engineering and Environment

The energy efficiency of dynamic soil compactors is enhanced by maximising the compaction force transmitted per oscillation period. This allows the necessary static dead weight of a roller compactor or a vibrating plate to be reduced, resulting in reduced drive power and increased energy efficiency! Since the process as a whole is non-linear and chaotic oscillations can result, control technology has to be used to ensure the stability of the machine dynamics.

Various illnesses such as osteoporosis and muscular atrophy pose significant challenges in medical ageing research. Surprisingly, comparable phenomena occur in well-trained astronauts in conditions of zero gravity after a relatively short time in space. This is why medical-biological experiments are carried out in this field in ISS space stations. By carrying out cell research in zero gravity conditions, the aim is to obtain new insights into treating bed-ridden or elderly people as well as patients suffering from osteoporosis.

The pressure reduction valves used in buildings today are simple, low-cost mechanical systems. There are applications where the pressure control response is not satisfactory, however. A new type of mechatronic actuator was developed at the Institute of Automation as a solution to keep the pressure within close tolerances across the entire throughflow range; it is designed to be retrofitted without altering or dismantling the basic mechanical systems.

The Institute of Automation is working with KWC AG to examine the difficulties involved in robot-supported belt grinding of complex free-form geometries. The focus of initial analyses is on reducing set-up time in the existing system by means of an add-on solution. The project will then go on to look into more extensive manufacturing innovations in this field.