Chabbi Houda is a Full Professor at the Fribourg School of Engineering and Architecture, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland. She leads research at the iCoSys Institute for Complex Systems, focusing on AI-driven solutions for industrial and societal challenges. Her work bridges computer vision, deep learning, and practical applications from medical imaging to construction materials. Her research explores: Advanced computer vision for industrial inspection and monitoring Deep learning architectures for anomaly detection and predictive modeling Multimodal data fusion in surveillance systems AI applications in material science and healthcare She leads significant projects including: HIGH-ROAD (2025-2026): Hierarchical AI for road asset inventory using orthoimagery VideoCognition (2023-2025): Explainable AI for surveillance systems with Morphean SA SoNIT (2025-2028): Sonography nerve tracking with FHNW Concrete AI (2022-2025): Machine learning for recycled concrete optimization Her lab at iCoSys Institute collaborates with academic partners including University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland and industry leaders in medical tech, surveillance, and construction.
Prof. Dr. Sarah Degallier Rochat serves as Head of Humane Digital Transformation at Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH), where she is a Professor in the Department of Technology and Computer Science. She is affiliated with the Institute for Human Centered Engineering (HuCE) and specifically works within the Laboratory for Computer Perception and Virtual Reality. Her research spans multiple institutional collaborations including the Institute for Data Applications and Security (IDAS) at BFH and partnerships with the University of Fribourg on experimental studies. Professor Degallier Rochat's research focuses on human-robot interaction , collaborative robotics , and humane digital transformation . She challenges the notion of complete human replacement by technology, advocating instead for human augmentation where technology empowers rather than mechanizes workers. Her work examines how humans and robots can work together effectively in industrial settings, with particular emphasis on developing intuitive interfaces for robot programming that promote digital skills acquisition among workers through experiential learning rather than symbolic cognition. Her research has evolved from foundational work in motor primitives for humanoid robots to current applications in industrial settings. She investigates the human factors involved in digital transformation, with special attention to workers with intermediate and lower levels of education who are often overlooked in digital skills training. Her approach emphasizes embodied cognition and work experience as foundations for developing effective human-machine interfaces that leverage existing worker knowledge. Human augmentation through collaborative robotics Intuitive robot programming interfaces (visual programming) Digital skills development for industrial workers Human-centered approaches to digital transformation Ethical considerations in human-robot collaboration Workplace adaptation to new technologies Professor Degallier Rochat has secured funding from diverse sources including Innosuisse, the Gerbert Rüf Foundation, and SNF. With support from the Gerbert Rüf Foundation's First Venture program, she co-founded a spin-off company aimed at making automation profitable for SMEs through employee training. Her research demonstrates significant practical impact, with interface designs tested across 116 participants showing positive effects on programming anxiety and usability. Her laboratory develops practical solutions for human-robot collaboration in manufacturing environments, creating interfaces that workers can use without extensive technical training. Through numerous publications, conference presentations, and media engagements, she actively contributes to the discourse on ethical and human-centered technological development in industry.
Lucio Negrini serves as Professor of Technologies in Education at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI), where he leads the Media and MINT Laboratory. His work bridges educational robotics, computational thinking, and teacher development, with significant contributions to Switzerland's national STEM education strategy through projects like the Swiss Robotic Camp and Roteco teacher community. Negrini's academic foundation includes: Master's in Communication Sciences (University of Italian Switzerland) Master's and PhD in Educational Sciences (University of Fribourg and University of Konstanz) His research pioneers the cognitive benefits of educational robotics, demonstrating how structured activities enhance children's attentional control and executive functions. He develops practical frameworks like FADE-CTP for computational thinking assessment, addressing critical gaps in European K-12 education. Current projects focus on sustainable teacher training models that transform educators into community leaders rather than isolated practitioners. Recent publications reveal a strategic shift toward scalable national implementations, with 2022-2025 works emphasizing community-driven adoption over technical solutions. His systematic review exposed fragmented computational thinking assessment across Europe, while the Swiss Robotic Camp model proves robotics training can achieve nationwide reach through peer networks. Key recognition includes: Optimus Agora Award 2018 from the Swiss National Science Foundation for community-based robotics research Negrini secures continuous funding through SNSF awards and DECS-CERDD partnerships, directing resources toward practical school integration. His lab operates as a national hub where teachers co-develop solutions, with projects like Ticino's pandemic-era digitalization study informing evidence-based policy. The Roteco community exemplifies his philosophy: sustainable innovation emerges when practitioners lead adaptation rather than awaiting top-down mandates. The Media and MINT Laboratory functions as Switzerland's epicenter for educational robotics, combining cognitive science research with classroom pragmatism. Through nationwide teacher networks and cross-cantonal collaborations, it transforms theoretical frameworks into actionable classroom strategies, particularly in computational thinking assessment and robotics-based cognitive development initiatives.
Dr. Anastasios Kouvelas is a Lecturer at ETH Zurich, where he serves as head of the Road Traffic Engineering research group at the Institute of Transport Planning and Systems (IVT), Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering. He has held this position since August 2018, succeeding Dr. Monica Menendez who moved to New York University in Abu Dhabi. Prior to joining ETH Zurich, he was a research associate at the Urban Transport Systems Laboratory (LUTS) at EPFL (2014-2018) and a postdoctoral fellow at Partners for Advanced Transportation Technology (PATH) at the University of California, Berkeley (2012-2014). Dr. Kouvelas' research focuses on modeling, simulation, optimization and traffic flow control. His work aims to develop real-time solutions based on control theory and operations research methods. The Road Traffic Engineering group develops algorithmic solutions that are components of intelligent transportation systems used in traffic control centers. Recent technological advances in autonomous vehicles have expanded their research topics as the industry seeks efficient operational solutions for autonomous mobility. They are particularly interested in extending their work to the design of advanced management strategies for urban networks that utilize connected vehicles to improve traffic operations and develop network-wide control strategies that minimize environmental impacts. His recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate strong focus on traffic prediction using deep learning techniques, bike lane allocation impacts on urban networks, transit network resilience against disruptions, vehicle trajectory extraction from aerial recordings, and traffic control for mixed traffic systems with connected and autonomous vehicles. His work bridges theoretical developments in control theory with practical traffic engineering challenges. Scientific Awards No specific scientific awards were mentioned in the provided information. Advising and Grants Dr. Kouvelas supervises PhD and Master's students in traffic engineering and intelligent transportation systems. His research is supported by various grants including a grant from the Hong Kong Research Grant Council (Grant No. GRF 11216323) for research on traffic speed prediction. Laboratories and Teams Dr. Kouvelas leads the multidisciplinary Road Traffic Engineering research group at IVT, which consists of researchers with backgrounds in civil engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, control, and operations research. The group's work spans multiple areas including traffic flow theory, traffic operations, connected and automated vehicles, and intelligent transportation systems.
Prof. Dr. Janko Auerswald serves as a Lecturer in Materials Science and Head of the Materials Laboratory at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU) within the Engineering & Architecture school and Institute of Mechanical and Energy Engineering (IME). His academic foundation includes a doctorate from the University of Ulm under Leibniz Prize winner Prof. Dr. H.-J. Fecht, with prior studies at the Technical University of Berlin and Bowling Green State University (USA) through a scholarship. His research spans materials science , micro/nanotechnology , and laser processing , with significant contributions to high-temperature superalloys, epitaxial semiconductor structures, and sustainable household appliance development. His recent work focuses on microfabrication effects on material properties, microplastic pollution from textiles, and ultra-short pulse laser applications. He has authored two Wiley-published university textbooks and over 40 peer-reviewed scientific publications. Award highlights include the Best Poster Award at Eurosensors XXII (2008), a Senator Fulbright Scholarship , and membership in the Swiss Association for Materials Science and Technology (SVMT) . He actively contributes as a session chair for international conferences (including MNE 2024) and peer reviewer for scientific journals. His industry collaborations with TRUMPF Switzerland and V-ZUG AG have yielded 9 patent families covering dishwasher cleaning systems, thermal crosslinking of appliances, and microfluidic sensors. Current Affiliation: Lecturer, Institute of Mechanical and Energy Engineering (IME), HSLU Engineering & Architecture Research Leadership: Head of Materials Laboratory at HSLU Industry Impact: 9 patent families with applications in laser processing, sustainable appliances, and microfluidics Professional Service: Session Chair for Micro & Nano Fabrication at MNE 2024; SVMT member since 2021 His recent publications reveal a strong trend toward sustainable materials engineering (microplastics research, circular economy concepts) and advanced microfabrication (ultra-short pulse laser precision, micro-tensile testing of miniature components). The interdisciplinary nature of his work bridges academic research with industrial applications in medical devices, food safety, and precision manufacturing.
