Our researchers are investigating the theoretical foundations underlying automation and control, and using them to devise new approaches to real-world problems. At the same time, we are building connections with industry to explore how these innovations can be implemented (and identify new challenges).
Digitalisation and automation are increasingly central to our lives, and will affect us all in ways that may not yet be fully understood. Our full name – the National Centre of Competence in Research on Dependable, Ubiquitous Automation – underlines two key priorities: we aim to establish automation that works reliably and securely, under all conditions, in every aspect of life.
Equally important are sustainability and social equity; we are working to ensure that the benefits of automation don’t have to come at a social or environmental cost. And we commit ourselves to developing the pipeline of young scientists with ongoing education and outreach programmes, paying particular attention to encouraging diversity.
Eighteen principal investigators (PI) lead the scientific work, and numerous doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers are engaged in the various research teams. Find them all here.
With links to research institutions and industry organisations across Switzerland, we can leverage a wealth of expertise.
NCCRs are interdisciplinary research hubs funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation to support research in areas of strategic importance for the future of Swiss science, economy, and society. The NCCR Automation includes ten participating institutions across Switzerland: ETH Zurich (our host institution), EPFL, Empa, FHNW, University of Basel, University of Zurich, and SUPSI.
In support of our equal opportunities and education goals, we sponsor outreach organisations such as Girls Code Too, Mint & Pepper, SVIN, NomadZ, Energy Data Hackdays, EPFL’s Science Outreach Department, of course the InControl podcast (hosted by our alumni) and Verkehrshaus.
Bringing research advances out of the lab and into the real world is a key part of our mission. We are members of knowledge transfer organisations including ASTP, swiTT, innolab smart mobility and bench2biz.
We also have an extensive network of external partners and collaborators, including SATW, the Energie Hub and many more.
The NCCR Automation is looking for talented scientists in the areas of digitalisation, automation and control.
