VIRAS Progress
The VIRAS project was initiated in 2024 as part of a master's thesis and has since developed continuously and very successfully. In our news section, we keep you informed about the progress and achievements.
FAULHABER makes it possible: How VIRAS moves smoothly and jerk-free - 11/2025
FAULHABER drives for barrier-free innovation
Thanks to intelligent sensors, motorization and precise control – supported by FAULHABER technology – the cart detects shelves, avoids obstacles and thereby enables a barrier-free shopping experience.
One of the greatest technical challenges in the VIRAS project was in realizing precise localization and reliable 3D mapping in highly dynamic, often overcrowded supermarket environments – and to do it without external infrastructure. Another important feature for the shopping cart: That it can safely perform evasive maneuvers with respect to other people or movable objects in narrow, constantly changing aisles. To meet these requirements under real operating conditions, robust and high-performance hardware was essential.
Dalle Molle Foundation Prize - 28.10.2025
The Dalle Molle Foundation awards the project its ‘Quality of Life’ prize (german)
The Dalle Molle Foundation recognises outstanding research and innovation projects. With its ‘Quality of Life’ label, it honours quality research that puts digital science and technology at the service of humanity. VIRAS won the Quality of Life Award on 15 October 2025. The project has thus also gained recognition from a foundation that has been doing pioneering work in the field of technology-assisted quality of life for decades.
VIRAS at OLMA - October 2025
Where artificial intelligence comes into play – our special exhibition at OLMA delves into the world of intelligent systems.
A wide variety of technological exhibits showcase the opportunities offered by algorithms and AI in agriculture, sport, healthcare and rescue services, as well as in our everyday lives.
VIRAS in OST Magazine – 26 September 2025
Shopping without sight with the AI shopping cart
OSTpunkt is the university magazine of OST – University of Applied Sciences of Eastern Switzerland. In each issue, we present interesting research and development projects from all OST locations in Rapperswil-Jona, St. Gallen and Buchs, as well as news from the degree programmes and continuing education. The focus is always on practical solutions to specific challenges in business and society.
The ILT showroom at SWISS AUTOMATION with its ‘look “n” feel’ was a resounding success!
This year's industry event, SWISS AUTOMATION, held on 11 September 2025 at OST – Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences, focused on the topics of artificial intelligence and automation. Around 170 high-profile guests from industry, science and politics took part and discussed the latest developments and their significance for practical application.
Innovation Booster Robotics
As winners of the Swiss Innovation Booster Robotics 2024, Prof. Dario Schafroth and Chantal Keller were able to present the VIRAS project in a video. The Innovation Booster Robotics is supported by Innosuisse.
VIRAS at Swiss Robotics Day
The Swiss Robotics Day is considered the most important industry event for robotics in Switzerland. In 2024, visitors were introduced to several OST projects. Agathe Koller, head of the ILT Institute for Lab Automation and Mechatronics, spoke about trends in robotics during her keynote speech.
Ten projects were supported by the Innovation Booster Robotics, three of which originated from OST. VIRAS was one of them and was presented to the broader industry for the first time on that day. At the OST booth, interested parties could also learn about another highlight project from the ILT: The Enhanced Hybrid from the MedTech Lab combines the advantages of a wheelchair and an exoskeleton, allowing paraplegics to stand up and walk upright in a wheelchair—without crutches, which are usually required for exoskeletons.
Master's Thesis as a Foundation
The VIRAS project originated from the master's thesis of Chantal Keller. In the Master of Science in Engineering program with a focus on Mechatronics and Automation, she developed the first prototype of VIRAS in 2024 at Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences (OST) in Rapperswil-Jona.
PDF Master Thesis Robot-assisted Product Recognition for Blind and Visually Impaired People
