Empa inaugurates a pioneering facility for sustainability robotics

Empa’s newly inaugurated DroneHub on the NEST campus aims to redefine the role of drones and robotics in addressing global environmental and infrastructure challenges.

Empa’s DroneHub on the NEST campus in Dübendorf has officially opened its doors, offering a cutting-edge platform for developing autonomous robotics systems. This facility, developed in collaboration with Imperial College London and supported by EPFL, is poised to revolutionize the application of robotics in infrastructure repair, environmental monitoring, and ecosystem management.

Led by Professor Mirko Kovac, who holds a joint professorship in Sustainability Robotics between Empa and EPFL, the DroneHub leverages interdisciplinary expertise to design and test life-like robotic systems. These drones are equipped to operate autonomously in both built and natural environments, addressing critical challenges such as biodiversity protection, climate change mitigation, and infrastructure maintenance.

Empa Director Tanja Zimmermann highlighted the importance of collaboration: “The opening of this new research platform at NEST is a strong testament to the value of partnerships like the one between Empa and Imperial College London. Together, we are pushing the boundaries of sustainable innovation.”

Shaping the future of robotics

The DroneHub is designed to replicate real-world conditions, offering a robust platform for testing bio-inspired robotic systems. Among its key facilities is the Aerial Additive Manufacturing (AAM) Wall, a vertical testing area where drones can perform repair tasks using 3D printing on various materials. This setup allows researchers to evaluate the drones’ performance under real-life conditions such as wind, turbulence, and varying distances from surfaces.

Another feature is the Biosphere for Environmental Research, a dedicated space for robots to interact with ecosystems using sustainable, biodegradable materials. This innovative area serves as a greenhouse for developing bio-hybrid robots, which integrate living plants with robotic systems. It provides a unique environment to test advanced sensors and monitor biodiversity while ensuring that the materials used do not harm the environment.

The Interactive Building Façade demonstrates how drones can function as an “immune system” for buildings, autonomously collecting data and performing maintenance tasks. This façade is equipped to support emergency response scenarios, such as fire incidents, allowing drones to undertake dangerous tasks while keeping humans out of harm’s way. Together, these facilities enable the DroneHub to pioneer sustainable robotics solutions for infrastructure and environmental challenges.

With its state-of-the-art infrastructure, the DroneHub positions Empa as a leader in sustainability robotics. The facility not only fosters groundbreaking research but also supports global sustainability goals by merging robotics with environmental and urban applications. As Professor Kovac explained: “Our vision is to create drones that act like an immune system for the environment, enabling a future where technology works harmoniously with nature.”