Empa researchers once wanted to build aircraft wings based on compliant systems, which would continually change shape in response to the air flow resistance, obviating the need for rigid flap and rudder surfaces. A range of different industries are interested in so-called “smart” systems because they can be used to make low-maintenance (and therefore economic) products such as medical tools and robot gripper arms.
Nitrogen oxides, which are found in automobile exhaust gases, are injurious to health. Ammonia produced by agricultural activity pollutes the soil and damages other ecosystems. The one day meeting on “Nitrogen Compounds in the Atmosphere” organized by Empa offered about 120 experts the opportunity to look in detail at emission sources, transport mechanisms, new metrological techniques and pollution reducing concepts.
«Self» Living Module Makes its Debut at the Swissbau Fair
On 12th January 2010 the «Self» living module was presented publicly for the first time at the Swissbau exhibition in Basel. «Self» is a novel, highly innovative module for working and living which is self-sufficient in energy and water consumption. It includes a bedroom, bathroom, toilet and kitchen and is being used as a test bed and demonstrator for new building concepts and energy technologies by the research institutes Empa and Eawag.
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