iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

NCCR Automation @nccr-automation.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Think you know how full your battery is? Well actually, you don't. In our latest researcher blog, see why your minor irritation with your laptop is a massive headache when scaled up to the grid, and let Jan Brändle explain what he's doing about it. nccr-automation.ch/news/2026/ch...

nccr-automation.ch

Charging Into the Unknown

ETH Zurich Automatic Control Laboratory

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NCCR Automation @nccr-automation.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Congratulations to Lukas Ortmann for winning the IFAC Industry Committee Doctoral Thesis Award nccr-automation.ch/news/2026/lu...

nccr-automation.ch

Lukas Ortmann wins IFAC Industry Committee Doctoral Thesis Award

ETH Zurich Automatic Control Laboratory

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NCCR Automation @nccr-automation.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

It's a perfect day to be up in the mountains ☀️ So join us back on the via Automation as Wouter Jongeneel shows us how we could use dynamic programming to plan the best route to the top. bit.ly/4eFWiZ5

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Via Automation - a small tour of automatic control: Dynamic programming and shortest paths

ETH Zurich Automatic Control Laboratory

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Reposted by NCCR Automation

incontrolpodcast.bsky.social @incontrolpodcast.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

New episode! 🎙️Peter Caines takes us through six decades of control, from system identification and stochastic systems to adaptive control and the birth of mean field games, all infused with the restless spirit of the 1960s... Link: www.incontrolpodcast.com Thanks: @nccr-automation.bsky.social

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NCCR Automation @nccr-automation.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

Join us on 17th June for the workshop on local electricity communities - energy policy meets automation. Discuss with experts from policy, economics, market design, automation, and industry, and see how local electricity communities can be designed and implemented in practice. bit.ly/3QsWvFD

Flyer showing a city with renewable energy sources, showing the title "designing local electricty communities", June 17th, 09:30-12:00, ETH LEE 101

Workshop overview showing programme. Programme is written out in the linked page.

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NCCR Automation @nccr-automation.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

Join us as we head back to our trip up the mountain - only today we're learning how overthinking your morning coffee could make you a millionaire*... bit.ly/4uqWIqS *OK the chances are vanishingly unlikely, but Navier-Stokes equations are an interesting mathematical problem.

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NCCR Automation @nccr-automation.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

Are you thinking about applying for our fellowship programme? We are holding two online info events next week to help you to understand how the application process works Mon 18th May: 9:00-10:00am CEST: bit.ly/4v0AYmv Tues 19th May: 17:00-18:00 CEST: bit.ly/4dj8lcI (both events will be the same)

Flyer for NCCR Automation fellowship Programme:Apply by 30.06.2026 to receive a stipend to cover living costs for Switzerland. Maximum stay of 6 months, to be completed by 31.07.2027.

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NCCR Automation @nccr-automation.bsky.social · 20/04/2026

It's the spring bank holiday here in Zurich, but instead of heading to watch the Böög burn, we're off to the via automation with Wouter Jongeneel, and this time we're seeing what we can learn about feedback from a herd of cows nccr-automation.ch/news/2026/au...

nccr-automation.ch

Via Automation - a small tour of automatic control: Feedback

ETH Zurich Automatic Control Laboratory

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NCCR Automation @nccr-automation.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

Thank you to our friends and colleagues at METAS for a wonderful visit to their labs yesterday. What an absolute treat to be walked through the spiritual home of Switzerland's reputation for precision, and to meet with a real life time lord ⌛

Group of people standing outside of the METAS building in Switzerland

Woman and man standing at a window, pointing at a screen on the other side and discussing the graph shown there

A man stands in a lab, explaining to a group what he is doing

a mug and a set of lightbulbs in a microwave, showing the electromagnetic field

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NCCR Automation @nccr-automation.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

Stuck in some Friday afternoon doomscrolling? Have you ever wondered if there was a way for social media companies to keep us interested, but without polarising opinions? Let Sanjay Chandrasekhar tell you about his solution. bit.ly/4cyrZ5k

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Taking control of polarization in social networks

ETH Zurich Automatic Control Laboratory

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NCCR Automation @nccr-automation.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

🚨 The application portal for our fellowship programme is now open! 🚨 Spend up to six months in an NCCR Automation lab. We particularly welcome applications from geographical regions and groups that are underrepresented in our research community. bit.ly/41H1Pag

Flyer stating that you may apply by 30.06.2026 to receive:-a stipend to cover cost of living in Switzerland-Max 6 months to be completed by 31.07.2027-Participation in research and social activities-supervision and mentoring.

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Reposted by NCCR Automation

forgi86.bsky.social @forgi86.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

Delighted to announce that the next IFAC Symposium on System Identification (SYSID 2027) will be in Lyon, France, on July 7–9, 2027. 🇫🇷 SYSID is the premier research event in system identification and related areas Participation details and deadlines: conferences.ifac-control.org/sysid2027/pa...

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NCCR Automation @nccr-automation.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

Join us on a virtual tour of Switzerland and see where we will be meeting automatic control. Over the next few months, led by Wouter Jongeneel, we'll be embarking on a journey in the Swiss Alps. We'll see how cows, coffee, gondolas and more all work with their own control systems. bit.ly/3Pyoine

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Via Automation - a small tour of automatic control

ETH Zurich Automatic Control Laboratory

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NCCR Automation @nccr-automation.bsky.social · 24/03/2026

The NCCR Automation fellowship is for Master's students, PhD students and Postdocs from abroad to visit our affiliated institutes for up to six months in the framework of their research projects. Take a look at what some of last year's participants had to say: bit.ly/3PtXmFh

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"The fellowship was a wonderful experience for me, both professionally and personally"

ETH Zurich Automatic Control Laboratory

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Reposted by NCCR Automation

ETH CS Department @csateth.bsky.social · 26/02/2026

What’s the point of studying computer science if #AI can write code? In a new Perspectives article from @ethz.ch, Professor Peter Müller argues this misses the bigger picture. Computer science is far more than coding and human expertise remains essential. bit.ly/4rE0NHG

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Peter Müller, what’s the point of studying computer science if AI is better at coding?

As AI chatbots steadily improve their coding capabilities, many young people are wondering whether it still makes sense to study computer science. Their fears are unfounded, says ETH computer scientis...

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incontrolpodcast.bsky.social @incontrolpodcast.bsky.social · 16/02/2026

When did optimal control begin? 🤔 From a bead sliding down a wire in 1696... to neural networks playing Go. The episode covers 300 years of optimal control, from Enlightenment puzzles to AI milestones 🚀 Link: www.incontrolpodcast.com

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Reposted by NCCR Automation

Research Explanation and Application Lab @real-lab.bsky.social · 12/02/2026

🧘Are you feeling balanced? In this week's post, Jethusan Jeyaruban teaches you how to walk the electricity slackline. Find out more here: www.real-lab.ch/how-to-walk-...

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NCCR Automation @nccr-automation.bsky.social · 02/02/2026

📝 When everything works seamlessly: algorithms in your daily life? With RADAR RP, we are launching a survey to better understand how people in Switzerland perceive automation and where they encounter it. Responses are anonymous. Take part in the survey and share your perspective! bit.ly/3Zh2xdg

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Automation in everyday life

L’automazione nella vita quotidiana Automatisierung im Alltag L'automation dans la vie quotidienne

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Reposted by NCCR Automation

Research Explanation and Application Lab @real-lab.bsky.social · 30/01/2026

🍺 It's Friday afternoon. How about a beer from the tap? 🍺 Samuel Renggli explains how the capacity of the electric power grid can be increased by reducing the foam in the pipes. Metaphorically speaking. Cheers! 🍻 www.real-lab.ch/power-on-tap

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Reposted by NCCR Automation

Research Explanation and Application Lab @real-lab.bsky.social · 26/01/2026

🚀 This week, we are flying to the moon. 🌕 With robots! 🤖 How cool is that? www.real-lab.ch/one-giant-le...

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NCCR Automation @nccr-automation.bsky.social · 22/01/2026

MPC. Three small letters, one big meaning. But have you ever wondered about what that meaning is? Let Claire Blackman, Dimitris Kouzoupis and Juxhino Kavaja tell you about how MPC actually works, by using the example of how nuorail helps trains to run smoothly. nccr-automation.ch/news/2026/wh...

nccr-automation.ch

What is MPC anyway?

ETH Zurich Automatic Control Laboratory

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Reposted by NCCR Automation

Research Explanation and Application Lab @real-lab.bsky.social · 21/01/2026

🌊 🌊 🌊 Are you drowning in a stormy river? Marcell Bartos knows which combination of control tools and strategies keep you afloat in unpredictable environments. www.real-lab.ch/staying-afloat

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incontrolpodcast.bsky.social @incontrolpodcast.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

🎙️ New episode! Jeff Shamma (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign) on gain scheduling, robustness, game theory and multi-agent learning... and some advice from both control and jiu-jitsu: “Don’t get tired.” Unmissable! Thanks: @nccr-automation.bsky.social Links: www.incontrolpodcast.com

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Reposted by NCCR Automation

incontrolpodcast.bsky.social @incontrolpodcast.bsky.social · 16/12/2025

New episode out 🎙️ This one is a bit different: we look at female influencers in control — ideas, trajectories, some data, and why this conversation matters. Constructive feedback, criticism, and perspectives welcome 💬 Thanks: @nccr-automation.bsky.social Links: www.incontrolpodcast.com

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Reposted by NCCR Automation

Research Explanation and Application Lab @real-lab.bsky.social · 16/12/2025

❓ What do the Gotthard tunnel on a holiday weekend and the electric power grid on a sunny day have in common? Fabian Böhm knows. Read and learn. 😉 www.real-lab.ch/no-need-to-w...

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NCCR Automation @nccr-automation.bsky.social · 24/11/2025

Our researcher blogs are back! This time let Muhammad Zakwan tell you about how he's making machine learning safer. nccr-automation.ch/news/2025/so...

nccr-automation.ch

Sounding Smart Isn’t Enough: How We Can Make Machine Learning Safer

ETH Zurich Automatic Control Laboratory

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NCCR Automation @nccr-automation.bsky.social · 24/11/2025

Last week we welcomed back the companies and researchers from our previous industry-academia workshops for our industry open-house. Thank you to everyone who bought ideas, presented, asked questions and generally contributed to an enthusiastic and open space for sharing.

A panel discussion at the industry open house

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NCCR Automation @nccr-automation.bsky.social · 21/11/2025

Last week we were happy to host 20 school children as part of the Nationaler Zukunftstag. Thank you to the NomadZ, @ethz.ch, @acupofmilkyway.bsky.social and Anamarija Zivkovic for their brilliant organisation.

Silvia and Anamarija sitting with the robot football players

A young girl standing on a football pitch having just kicked a ball towards a goal and a robot goalkeeper

robots and children stand on a football pitch

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incontrolpodcast.bsky.social @incontrolpodcast.bsky.social · 17/11/2025

What is feedback, really? In this episode, we retrace its prehistory, revisit Black’s invention of the negative-feedback amplifier, and look at why feedback keeps reappearing in biology, strategy, behaviour shaping machines, organisms, and decisions. Thanks: @nccr-automation.bsky.social

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NCCR Automation @nccr-automation.bsky.social · 17/11/2025

Beat your Monday blues with a new episode of inControl. This time host Alberto Padoan is looking at all things feedback - give it a listen: www.incontrolpodcast.com

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NCCR Automation @nccr-automation.bsky.social · 04/11/2025

Did you know that we also do research into the ethics of automation? If you want to learn more about it then you can join this lecture over teams using the link in the QR code (or in person if you're lucky enough to be in Montréal 😉 )

Poster to advertise a talk on ethics in automation, on Nov 6th, 12pm (Quebec time) - remote access here https://www.ciusss-ouestmtl.gouv.qc.ca/installations/centres-de-recherche/centre-de-recherche-de-st-mary/evenements#c14431

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Research Explanation and Application Lab @real-lab.bsky.social · 27/10/2025

Do you need high-quality traffic data but your only source of information is a distorted drone video? Learn more about how Robert Fonod solved this problem with Geo-trax, a toolbox that lets you extract the information you need! www.real-lab.ch/geo-trax

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Reposted by NCCR Automation

Research Explanation and Application Lab @real-lab.bsky.social · 20/10/2025

"Prediction is very difficult, especially if it's about the future." [Niels Bohr] Zheyu Wu knows what to do in times of uncertainty! Learn more: www.real-lab.ch/distribution...

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Reposted by NCCR Automation

Research Explanation and Application Lab @real-lab.bsky.social · 14/10/2025

How do you come up with the perfect (control) recipe? Learn more about what Salma Elfeki has been cooking up during her master's project! www.real-lab.ch/the-recipe-f...

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Reposted by NCCR Automation

Research Explanation and Application Lab @real-lab.bsky.social · 03/10/2025

❓ Did you know that you cannot just turn off run-of-river power plants when there is an overproduction of electric power? 🌊 Yannick Schüpbach explains what you can do instead. www.real-lab.ch/when-water-m...

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Reposted by NCCR Automation

Research Explanation and Application Lab @real-lab.bsky.social · 29/09/2025

❓ Why do you prefer one brand over another? 💡 Learn more about opinion dynamics from Michelle Egger's explainer! www.real-lab.ch/the-coke-vs-...

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Reposted by NCCR Automation

Research Explanation and Application Lab @real-lab.bsky.social · 22/09/2025

💡 How can you make sure the lights stay on and react early on to problems in your power grid? Ioannis Papadopoulos explains how in our latest REAL text: www.real-lab.ch/know-thy-vol...

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Reposted by NCCR Automation

Research Explanation and Application Lab @real-lab.bsky.social · 17/09/2025

🤔 Can your heat pump stabilise the electricity grid? Find out more from Boxuan Yao's text! www.real-lab.ch/flex-your-he...

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Reposted by NCCR Automation

Research Explanation and Application Lab @real-lab.bsky.social · 10/09/2025

🔭 Physical models explain the world in great detail but may be too complex to be useful. 💻 Data-driven models are simpler but do not consider the underlying physics. 🪢 Let's combine the best of both worlds! Muhammad Zakwan explains how. www.real-lab.ch/simba

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NCCR Automation @nccr-automation.bsky.social · 07/07/2025

Last month, when Artur Ekert came to speak at the John von Neumann lecture, we jumped at the chance to sit down with him. Read about what he had to say about privacy in an increasingly online world, and why wandering around can be great for science. bit.ly/4eznW8e

nccr-automation.ch

“You can’t cheat physics”: Artur Ekert explains why only quantum cryptography can ensure security

ETH Zurich Automatic Control Laboratory

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NCCR Automation @nccr-automation.bsky.social · 25/06/2025

Congratulations to @dorfler.bsky.social who has been given this year's Rössler prize in recognition of his pioneering contributions to the fields of energy and control engineering. @ethz.ch @ethfoundation.bsky.social nccr-automation.ch/news/2025/fl...

nccr-automation.ch

Florian Dörfler awarded this year’s Rössler Prize

ETH Zurich Automatic Control Laboratory

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Reposted by NCCR Automation

Research Explanation and Application Lab @real-lab.bsky.social · 24/06/2025

Would you like to win the Olympics? Learn how at www.real-lab.ch/optimal-curl...

real-lab.ch

How to win the Olypics — Real Lab

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NCCR Automation @nccr-automation.bsky.social · 23/06/2025

Are you an early stage researcher looking to broaden your network and CV with a research stay in Switzerland? You have until 30th June to submit your application. More details and application: bit.ly/4lkWwp0

Flyer showing that you can apply by 30.06.2025 to receive a stipend to cover the increased living costs of living in Switzerland, max. 6 months to be completed by 31.07.2026, participation in research and social activities and supervision and mentoring in your host lab.

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Reposted by NCCR Automation

Research Explanation and Application Lab @real-lab.bsky.social · 16/06/2025

Did you know that the Swiss railways are not 100% electrified yet? But they soon will be, also thanks to the help of Seraina Wurster's work: www.real-lab.ch/battery-elec...

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Reposted by NCCR Automation

incontrolpodcast.bsky.social @incontrolpodcast.bsky.social · 16/06/2025

🎙️ New episode! Mathukumalli Vidyasagar walks us through five decades of asking (and answering) the right questions in control, learning, and applied math — from feedback systems to statistical learning, HMMs, compressed sensing, and non-convex optimization. Unmissable! 🚀🧠

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NCCR Automation @nccr-automation.bsky.social · 12/06/2025

Coming to the Swiss CLOCK Summit? Don't miss out on the chance to present your poster. The deadline for poster abstract submissions is on Sunday 15th June. You only have a short time, so get writing! ✍ More info: www.swissclocksummit.com

Flyer for the Swiss CLOCK Summit. 2-5th September 2025 in Engelberg, switzerland. A four day workshop bring together experts from the fields of computation, learning, optimization and control with invited speakers, posters, social activities, workshops and group events.

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NCCR Automation @nccr-automation.bsky.social · 10/06/2025

Last week our researchers enjoyed soft skills week, where they were invited to three specially designed workshops to help them to navigate their work life outside of their academic goals. Thank you to our workshop leaders @vicentbotellasoler.bsky.social, Benjamin Sawicki and Ning Wang

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