Competence Centre for Sustainability Robotics
Access to research. No lab required.
The Competence Centre for Sustainability Robotics on SIG Areal in Neuhausen am Rheinfall is an international hub for bridging research and real-world industrial application, focusing on innovative robotics and AI technologies at the intersection of materials science and engineering.
From Research to Application
Research
At the Laboratory of Sustainability Robotics, a joint initiative of Empa and EPFL, Prof. Dr. Mirko Kovac and his team develop novel soft robotic systems. Research thrusts include aerial robotics platform development, soft robotics, material science and digital infrastructure systems.
Technology Transfer
Bring cutting-edge robotics & materials research and expertise into your industrial applications. Partnership options range from project-based collaborations up to strategic partnerships.
Infrastructure
Located at SIG Areal in Neuhausen am Rheinfall and directly connected to the Competence Center, the «Skill Hub» provides workshop and office spaces equipped for hands-on prototyping and product development.
Education
The Competence Center contributes to the next generation of robotics engineers through its course in Sustainability Robotics. Combining theoretical foundations, applied case studies, and project-based learning, the curriculum bridges core robotics principles with real-world challenges.
Why Sustainability Robotics in Schaffhausen
Materials Expertise for Recycling Innovation
World-class plastics density, expertise in materials science, testing laboratories (Suisse TP) — for recycling robotics, this materials competence is decisive. Empa does not develop in a vacuum but with direct access to materials experts.
be circular as Partner Ecosystem
Cross-Cluster-Synergien
Sustainability Robotics profitiert von allen Schaffhauser Clustern: Materials (Recycling), Water-Tech (Infrastruktur-Inspektion), Advanced Manufacturing (Produktionsroboter), MedTech (Clean Room-Robotik), FoodTech (nachhaltige Verarbeitung).
Short Paths, Fast Partnerships
From research to application in record time. Empa develops with Johnson & Johnson, Medipack, Xylem and others – direct collaboration, no hierarchies, pragmatic solutions.
Talentpool & Ausbildung
ETH Zurich in 40 minutes, HSSH on site, international talent pool thanks to an attractive living environment. Empa is becoming a magnet for robotics and AI talent — while simultaneously strengthening local training.
Industry Partnerships with the CCSR
Light Touch
- Partnerships Competence Centre
- Technology scouting
- Technology foresight
- Exploratory PoCs
- Early access to emerging research
- Join Workshops / demos / reviews
- Executive education in Robotivs and AI
- Networking + visibility
Strategic Partner
In addition to the Light Touch Partnership:
- Co-develop targeted PCoS -> pilot projects
- Access to testbeds (AAA / DroneHub@NEST)
- Influence research roadmap & use-cases
- Preferential access to talent (PhDs / engineers)
- Joint branding + priority results
- Be part of Chair
Lead Partner
In addition to the strategic partnership:
- Anchor the Chair & long-term program
- Shape strategy, standards, ecosystems (Advisory Board)
- Dedicated talent pipeline + know-how transfer
- Breaktrough demonstrators (high-TRL)
- IP / Licensing pathways + global visibility
Get in touch
Dr. Flavia Trifa
Program Manager at Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa)
Robin Sticher
Project Manager at the Economic Developement Agency Canton of Schaffhausen
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