![[Translate to English:] [Translate to English:] angewandte künstliche Intelligenz visualisiert mit Hand mit Leuchtwürfel](/fileadmin/_processed_/7/f/csm_angewandte-kuenstliche-intelligenz_3aff361a48.jpeg "Angewandte Künstliche Intelligenz an der OST")
Applied Artificial Intelligence at OST
Artificial intelligence (AI) has a profound impact on all aspects of work and life. This impact will only grow in the future.
OST leverages the potential of AI across all areas: All students learn to understand the basic concepts, opportunities, and challenges of applied artificial intelligence, regardless of their chosen field of study.
Executive Education programs focused on AI off er the opportunity to stay up to date with the latest expertise.
In research, OST has optimized processes and products with the help of AI.
AI provides generic tools for automatically solving problems based on collected data. Projects at OST demonstrate that these tools can be successfully deployed. The ICAI serves as a hub for AI-related knowledge and acts as a catalyst for the widespread use of AI at OST and throughout Eastern Switzerland, both in teaching and in applied research and development.
How do you want to use AI?
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Fit with AI
Connecting Body and Mind
In this interdisciplinary project involving the Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) and Physical Therapy programs, led by the ICAI Interdisciplinary Center for Artificial Intelligence, an innovative training system was developed to enhance the brain's executive functions.
Autonomous drone system for the precise location of avalanche victims
Every year, around 100 people lose their lives in avalanche accidents in Europe alone. In collaboration with industry partner ANAVIA from Näfels, Canton of Glarus, an innovative system was developed that uses an unmanned helicopter to locate avalanche victims as quickly and precisely as possible.
Taking off with AI: Helicopter Training Using Virtual Reality
Using Artificial Intelligence to Treat People
FAQ: “Applied Artificial Intelligence”
Program and Requirements
Can you study Applied Artificial Intelligence at OST?
Yes, OST offers a comprehensive range of educational programs in the future-oriented field of artificial intelligence. Our focus is consistently on application-oriented learning.
You can complete a specialized bachelor’s degree program, delve deeper into master’s degree programs, or expand your knowledge through practical continuing education courses. Our goal is to train you to become a sought-after AI specialist who can solve real-world problems.
What bachelor's and master's degree programs in the field of AI does OST offer?
Bachelor
We offer a specialized Bachelor’s degree in Artificial Intelligence. This program teaches you all the necessary skills from the ground up—from the fundamentals of mathematics and computer science to machine learning and ethical considerations.
Master
In the Master’s program, you can specialize in the field of AI. Relevant specializations can be found, for example, in the Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) with profiles such as “Computer Science” or “Data Science,” as well as in the Master of Science in Business Informatics . Here, you will work on challenging research and development projects.
Research, Collaboration & Events:
How can companies collaborate with OST in the area of “Innovation through Artificial Intelligence”?
We are the ideal partner for companies looking to harness the potential of AI for their products and processes. The Interdisciplinary Center for Artificial Intelligence (ICAI) is your one-stop shop. Opportunities for collaboration include:
- Applied research projects: We work with you to develop innovative solutions (often with funding from Innosuisse).
- Services: We offer feasibility studies, prototyping, and consulting.
- Student projects: Our talented students tackle your challenges as part of their semester projects, capstone projects, or bachelor’s theses.
Contact us to discuss your innovation idea.
Does OST also offer lectures or presentations on the topic of artificial intelligence?
Yes, our professors and lecturers are sought-after experts who regularly give lectures and presentations at companies, associations, and conferences. Potential topics range from technical introductions to deep learning and the potential of generative AI to ethical considerations. If you are looking for a speaker for your event, please feel free to contact us.
What specific projects in the field of applied AI is OST currently researching?
Our research is diverse and always practice-oriented. Examples of current research areas and projects include:
- Industry 4.0: Enabling intelligent cleaning robots to navigate safely through industrial facilities – This project focuses on automating cleaning in industrial settings. AI helps the robots navigate large areas.
- Healthcare: Fit with Artificial Intelligence: Connecting Body and Mind (Executive Function Training) – An interdisciplinary project (engineering and physical therapy) to develop a training system that enhances the brain’s executive functions.
- Economy: Self-learning computational algorithms – As already mentioned under Industry 4.0, this project also serves to optimize highly complex economic processes.
You can find an overview of our expertise and projects on our research page.
General and contextual questions
Are artificial intelligence and data science the same thing?
No, but the two disciplines are very closely linked and overlap significantly.
Data science focuses on extracting knowledge and insights from data. It encompasses statistics, data visualisation and analysis.
Artificial Intelligence aims to build systems capable of performing intelligent tasks (e.g. making decisions, understanding language, recognising images). Put simply: Data Science provides the insights, and AI often uses these insights to carry out autonomous actions. That is why both fields are taught in an integrated manner at OST.
In which departments other than Computer Science is AI used at OST?
As an interdisciplinary university of applied sciences, we promote the use of AI across all departments. Examples of its application can be found in:
- Health: Analysis of patient data and development of smart medical technology.
- Technology: Robotics, autonomous systems and the optimisation of production processes.
- Business: Business process automation, FinTech and marketing analytics.
- Construction: Smart building control and forward-looking planning.
This interdisciplinary approach is one of our greatest strengths.
How can I learn about AI through self-study, and what role does a university degree play in this?
Self-study using online courses and tutorials is a great way to gain initial programming experience and learn about basic AI concepts. However, a degree programme at OST goes a step further:
- Fundamental understanding: You will not only learn how to use a tool, but also the mathematical and conceptual principles behind it.
- Structured curriculum: You will receive a comprehensive and progressive training programme.
- Recognised qualification: Your bachelor’s or master’s degree is a qualification that is highly regarded in the job market.
- Networking & support: You will benefit from direct interaction with lecturers, fellow students and industry partners.
- Practical experience: You will work on real-world projects, something that is difficult to achieve through self-study alone.
- In short: Self-study is a good starting point, but a degree at OST is the route to a professional career.
Your Contacts
Prof. Hannes Badertscher
ICAI Interdisciplinary Center for Artificial Intelligence Professor of Artificial Intelligence, Head of Institute ICAI
+41 58 257 46 93 hannes.badertscher@ost.ch
Christoph Broder
ICAI Interdisciplinary Center for Artificial Intelligence Senior Projektleiter
+41 58 257 46 90 christoph.broder@ost.ch
