Virtual reality & augmented reality

A dynamic ecosystem of research institutions, start-ups and established companies has developed in the greater Zurich area. ETH Zurich, one of the top 10 universities in the world, is one of the most important drivers and serves as a catalyst. Tech giants such as Microsoft, Google and Disney Research benefit from the ETH in Zurich and frequently cooperate. 

The Swiss authorities work with experts and industry representatives to develop flexible regulations that balance privacy protection with technological progress. This flexible and technology-neutral approach benefits emerging technology companies by encouraging innovation. This allows companies to operate in a legally secure environment while driving innovation.

Switzerland and the Zurich economic region have held peak positions in talent, innovative force, and competitiveness for years. The Greater Zurich Area’s first-class research institutes, functional exchange of knowledge, world-renowned “Made in Switzerland” designation of quality, high investments in top research, and high quality of life are crucial factors for companies, researchers, and tech experts. 

Tech giants conduct research in Greater Zurich 

• The Disney Research Lab in Zurich is the sole location where the American media company is actively involved in research and development outside the US. Disney has been researching and developing new technologies for film production for more than ten years. Management of the Disney Research Lab is under ETH Zurich Professor Markus Gross, and hence provides the best options for cooperative efforts and promotes an exchange of ideas. 
• Microsoft runs a lab for mixed reality and artificial intelligence in Greater Zurich under the management of Professor Pollefeys and in close cooperation with ETH Zurich. 
• Meta was enticed to Zurich to leverage the expertise at ETH in the field of computer vision, devices, and computers to perceive its environment precisely. The group invested in virtual reality and integrated the Oculus headset.

Virtual reality is no longer just for gamers. Medical practitioners, architects, and designers are using the technology, for example in treating phobias or rehearsing difficult operations. Buildings can be planned virtually, and customers can be taken on virtual tours. 

Future of surgery – OR-X pioneers in surgical research & training 

The Operating Room X (OR-X) is an open-access center for surgical research and training at the Balgrist University Hospital. OR-X combines a highly realistic surgical environment with cutting-edge technology; including robotics, augmented reality (AR), and artificial intelligence (AI). At the heart of OR-X is a fully equipped operating room, designed for tomorrow's surgical research and training.