Projects, FHNW School of Engineering and Environment

With precise sensor technology for healthy soil and safe wheat: In the EU project WHEATWATCHER, the FHNW is developing a smart monitoring system for sustainable agriculture. The goal is to intelligently combine environmental protection, resource efficiency, and food security.

Cleaner Air Through Better Measurement

Artificial skin can be life-saving for people with severe burns, extensive wounds, or congenital skin disorders – especially when insufficient healthy skin is available for autografting. In this research project, the team is advancing large-scale functionalized artificial skin using highly precise technologies such as femtosecond lasers and optical coherence tomography. The goal is to improve the production, characterization, and biocompatibility of biomedical tissue while scaling the developed technologies towards future commercial applications.

Anode-free solid-state lithium batteries promise higher energy density, lower costs and improved safety – but they still face challenges such as uneven lithium distribution and early capacity loss. In the Nano-Argovia project BatCoat, the research team shows that ultrathin silver and protective coatings on the current collector can overcome these issues and significantly extend battery lifetime.

Development and validation of an AI operator (digital twin) that generates a real-time visualization of intelligent action recommendations for the operators of a thermal test plant.

How can biochar help to permanently store CO₂ – while at the same time improving agricultural livelihoods and soil fertility?

A newly developed, high-precision sensor system enables the dynamic measurement of track subsidence during train passage. The project makes a significant contribution to increasing railway safety and to the early detection of changes in the ground structure.

The use of hydrogen as an energy carrier plays a key role in the successful energy transition. For the safe and efficient transport of hydrogen, new materials are required that are both lightweight and high-strength while withstanding extreme temperatures. The research project LeiWaCo (Lightweight Hydrogen Container), in collaboration with the industrial partner Suprem SA and in association with the German BMBF research project of the same name, is developing innovative thermoplastic fiber-reinforced composites for use in cryogenic hydrogen tanks. The aim is to produce a lightweight, tight, and cost-efficient tank material that meets the stringent requirements of hydrogen mobility.

With a newly developed, energy-efficient data logger, the FHNW – together with DuraMon AG – enables the continuous monitoring of corrosion in reinforced concrete structures. This innovative solution provides precise real-time data, helping to detect damage early and significantly reduce maintenance costs.

The effect of a sonic toothbrush on the cleaning of interdental spaces was investigated and the shear stress during cleaning in the tooth gap was optimized.

Development of a compressed air energy storage system that not only stores energy but also provides heating and cooling for buildings. The main objective was to develop a bidirectional machine that functions as both a compressor and an expander.

The Pfiffner Group is working on the development of a new type of high-voltage circuit-breaker with environmentally friendly insulating gas for use in substations. A 1D simulation model is to be developed in order to optimize individual parameters of the complex system.

An innovative ultrasonic reflectometry process is used to measure the oil film thickness and optimize lubrication strategies to minimize oil consumption.

The Combustion Analysis Tool (CAT) project is dedicated to the development of an innovative optical diagnostic method.

New methods for the in-situ measurement of surface temperature and coating wear in a test rig for rotating turbine blades.

We are excited to present a cutting-edge high performance and custom-built bicycle frame, made from recycled feedstock without deducting structural integrity.

The project aims to optimize the performance, efficiency and reliability of industrial MV drives.

ASIMUTE aims to develop innovative solutions for improved and safe energy use and storage by involving end users.

Together with leading experts from industry and research, we are shaping the next generation of grid and PV protection to enable a sustainable energy future.

The SiC-MILE project demonstrates Europe's first MV-SiC modules for energy savings in drives and traction

The SiC-MILE project demonstrates Europe's first MV-SiC modules for energy savings in drives and traction

Development and validation of a tool (software-based rule-book/coach) for the country-specific, safety-related and regulatory configuration of industrial machine interfaces in the context of Industry 4.0.

In a feasibility study, the FHNW Institute of Business Engineering shows how individual AI-based planning assistants can improve the complex production planning of a company in the construction supply industry.

Hydrogen plays a central role as an energy storage and carrier in the ongoing energy transition. The aim of the project is to develop a cost-effective, high-strength, lightweight hydrogen tank made of fiber composites that has been specially developed for transporting liquid hydrogen.

High-performance composites exhibit excellent mechanical and chemical Howev-er, the comparably high costs and the negative climate balance, especially for car-bon fiber composite parts, are critical and will be even more important in future applications. The project SuMa focuses on product development of sustainable composite materials for 3D printing.

Experimental and numerical analysis of drapability in flax fiber-based textiles

An innovative new method for non-destructive ultrasonic testing of laminated composite materials.

A new approach to produce innovative polymer composite bi-polar plates for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells

In the problem lies the solution for better functional coatings.

The FHNW Institute for Sensors and Electronics has developed a new measurement technology that detects aerosol particles by their impaction on a piezo transducer and allows therefore single particle mass characterization.

To save raw materials and protect our environment, it is necessary to return plastic waste to the economic cycle by recycling.

In this project, a forecasting model is developed that estimates capacity based on time and location using booking/mobility data.

A novel method was developed that enables the reliable determination of the electrical motor parameters through the use of machine learning.

Together with UpBoards GmbH, recycled foamed sandwich panels made of mixed plastic were developed, including an efficient manufacturing process.

For the traceability of plastic components, if at all, they are marked with a simple code. The current methods for these codes are complex and do not offer the possibility of storing additional information. In the future, it should be possible to store important characteristic data of the injection molding process, the material properties and the component itself in the component by using an RFID tag.

Using digital technologies, Biotronik significantly increases the quality of its products.

The production of sealing profiles for doors and windows can be realized using sustainable biopolymers.

We develop and validate a consolidation model for the production of composites based on hybrid textiles. These consist of plies of reinforcing woven fibres and thermoplastic plies alternatively stacked.

Huntsman’s Miralon material increases mechanical performance and conductivity of thermoplastics for 3D printing and injection moulding.

Compared to pure polyethylene, PEX is more resistant for small wall thickness to electrical treeing and can withstand high thermal shocks, which makes this material suitable for electrical cable jacketing and water piping industry.

Innovative, model-based thermal industrial systems: Tool Temp AG and three institutes of engineering at the FHNW realized a novel control technology concept.

A novel composite production method, thermoplastic compression resin transfer moulding (TP-CRTM) coupled with injection compression moulding.

Robot-assisted additive manufacturing is a relatively novel but promising technology for economically producing even larger plastic components.

To shield interfering signals from electronics, plastics must meet high EMC requirements. They are then used as substitute materials for die-cast metal housings.

Together with the research centre of the Academy of Music, the Institute for Sensors and Electronics is developing a method to simulate electronic equipment such as guitar amplifiers or effect devices in a purely digital environment.

Toe boards made of recycled plastic can replace wooden boards for scaffolding construction.

Plastic waste represents valuable resources. By recycling them and returning them to the materials cycle, we make our contribution to a more sustainable economy and at the same time protect our environment. Our focus is on the recycling of glass fiber-reinforced thermosets.

Worldwide, 35 to 40 million people depend on prostheses and orthopedic services. Project Circleg has therefore the goal to develop a prosthetic leg system that is adapted to the needs of People with an amputation in low to middle income countries.

The traditional production of CFRP components is very time-consuming and expensive. The Swiss start-up 9T Labs has therefore developed a new method with which composite parts can be produced in large numbers using 3D printing and post-consolidation.

To optimize the production of composite materials, FHNW researchers have succeeded in enabling cyber-physical systems to monitor and transfer real production conditions to virtual environments.

A new reliability test method that stresses both, transistor and diode is applied to obtain representative reliability data for e-mobility applications.

In order to check the exhaust gases of road vehicles regularly, researchers from the FHNW have developed a portable measuring device.

By taking control of the system, our consortium partner may adapt the operation of a battery - integrated in his electrical distribution system - according to his needs.

With the help of a silicon controlled rectifier, the power of a hot water boiler can be adjusted precisely according to the current excess PV output power.

E-bikes are charged independently of the grid with 100% locally produced solar energy.

Do we need improved battery management systems (BMS) to establish Li-ion batteries on the market, built from cells that have been already in use?

An efficient and cost-effective X-Hybrid inverter for EV is realized by combining Silicon-Carbide (SiC) and Silicon (Si) devices.

An intelligent, modular battery system based on 18650 Li-Ion cells was developed, which is particularly suitable for 2nd life applications.

Analysis of the security of electricity supply in a Swiss canton and suggestions for improvements in order to prepare the local grids for future challenges.

Development of sustainable and cost-effective fiber composites with demanding temperature and fire resistance.

Researchers at the FHNW have developed a cost-effective and sustainable sole made of recycled carbon fibres for a running shoe by the Swiss sports brand On.

The new technology has reached industrial maturity thanks to the collaboration between MultiMaterial-Welding AG and the Institute of Polymer Engineering at FHNW.

The promotion of the passive use of solar heat for heating buildings is the goal of this international research project in cooperation with HIAL-TERI-FHNW.

Development of a test platform that optimises and automates the I&C maintenance processes, including tests and diagnostics for hardware and software.

The Particle Measurement Technology Group of the Institute of Sensor and Electronics FHNW has developed a test rig to assess the filtering efficiency of various materials used in disposable and reusable masks.

The FHNW Institute of Business Engineering is developing, in collaboration with industry partners, a Smart Scheduling Recommender System for process-centric production planning in medium sized enterprises.

The School of Engineering FHNW has developed a method to support operators of AXPO hydro power plants.

Application of state-of-the-art NLP models increases efficiency of third party patent monitoring in the nutrition and bioscience industry.

According to a 2014 study, 30% of all teachers in Switzerland are at risk of burnout. With TEATIME, we are developing a smartphone app to promote the mental health of teachers.

In cooperation with research and business partners, the FHNW Institute of Business Engineering is developing an ergonomic “Light Node” blockchain architecture for the simplified onboarding of small companies to the innovative “MedTech Blockchain Platform”.

Researchers at the FHNW are developing a Media Access Controller (MAC) for Gigabit Ethernet for aviation. Functional safety plays a particularly important role here.

Development of a new measurement system to better understand the effects of carbonaceous aerosol on climate and public health.

Plastics experts at the FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland developed an injection-moulding production process for a violin support with functional surfaces.

A research team at FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland is developing a wood gas burner with which old oil-fired heating systems can easily be retrofitted.

The School of Engineering FHNW has developed an elaborated matching method for the innovative start-up Yooture.

The aim is for the wood dust burner to be an environmentally friendly alternative to the pulverised coal burners currently used in asphalt mixing plants.

Researchers at the FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland are helping Temicon to develop an industrial moulding tool.

The FHNW Institute for Sensors and Electronics is working on a new measurement method for detecting atmospheric soot particles.

Two FHNW institutes developed a new measuring method for an innovative product manufactured by Endress+Hauser.

Large cast parts for gas or steam turbines or engines need days or even weeks to solidify and cool down.

In collaboration with numerous universities and business partners, both in Switzerland and abroad, FHNW is addressing the problem of commuter traffic.

To increase the safety of aviation, the FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland is developing a sensor that detects volcanic ash.

Researchers at the FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland are developing a non-woven material with an innovative combination of functions by means of an e-grafting process.

Electronic devices are becoming increasingly complex and compact. This complicates the recycling process – which is why there are plans to introduce new and innovative processes.

The aim of the Autarky toilet is to completely dispose of faecal matter in any location – even without an external energy source or any connections to a sewage system.

Feasibility study for the development of an aesthesiometer.