AI research at ETH Zurich

Sometimes computers can do astonishing things. Certain artificial intelligence or machine learning applications don’t only converse with humans; they can also understand complex questions and give amazing answers. Others can find the “needle in the haystack” in complex data sets, control autonomous vehicles, identify cancer and other types of cells, independently search for compounds for new medicines, monitor and maintain agricultural land, or comb through data about distant planets to find signs of life.

Algorithms are the foundation

Of course, these “artificial intelligences” do not constitute intelligent life. Rather, they are algorithms created by humans – in other words, calculation instructions for computer programs that can find patterns hidden in large data sets, calculate probability and build on this to independently solve problems. With machine learning, for example, a computer uses training data to pick up patterns in data sets. When intelligent programs learn from enormous amounts of data, they automatically improve their hit rate.

Ambitious technologies

Many researchers at ETH Zurich use AI for their projects as well. With very large, complex or disparate data sets, AI processes can yield valuable results that would otherwise go unnoticed. ETH Zurich promotes innovation and applications for these ambitious technologies. The university uses AI tools that are inclusive, reliable and transparent in its teaching, research and knowledge transfer activities.
 

ETH AI Center

The central hub for artificial intelligence at ETH Zurich is the ETH AI Center. This centre of excellence connects researchers from various disciplines who work on the fundamentals, applications or implications of artificial intelligence. The aim is to develop AI systems that are trustworthy, widely accessible and inclusive.

AI education for everyone

Since AI is increasingly making its impact felt in the working world and everyday life, it is important to ETH Zurich to educate young people and families interested in AI about what AI is and current AI research at the university – in a simple, straightforward and playful way. Morph Tales was born out of close cooperation between the ETH AI Center, the Game Technology Center and Corporate Communications.