Energy Technology and Computer Science
This section addresses two major societal challenges: strengthening the resilience of critical infrastructures and advancing social inclusion and re-inclusion through technology. We pursue these goals through the convergence of three core domains: Energy, Computer Science, and Healthcare. Our work integrates machine learning, the Internet of Things (IoT), cybersecurity, advanced sensing, immersive analytics, and biomedical signal processing (e.g., EMG and neuro-EMG), along with human-centered methods for well-being, accessibility, prosthetics, and rehabilitation to address real-world challenges. This integrated perspective emphasizes sustainability and environmental considerations, supports the green transition, and strengthens the security and resilience of critical infrastructures. In Energy Technology, our research focuses on the operation, control, and maintenance planning of energy systems, the integration of renewable energy resources, and the deployment of power electronic converters in electricity grids. In Computer Science, we develop AI-based decision support systems, IoT-enabled monitoring solutions, and secure digital infrastructures that enable robust, data-driven engineering systems. With a strong focus on Human-Centered Computing, we investigate how people interact with complex technologies and how systems can be designed to be usable, effective, and safe in practice. We connect these perspectives to Healthcare Technology and Extended Reality (XR) by studying advanced sensing technologies (sensors, electronics, and algorithms), neural control of movement, and human perception. These research lines support applications such as neural interfaces, user experience design, human–machine interaction, and immersive technologies for training and rehabilitation. Our activities are complemented by pedagogical initiatives in software engineering and technology education.
Head of Section: Mehdi Savaghebi.
Technology Implementation
We are committed to delivering world-leading research with tangible societal impact, aiming to be at the forefront of university–industry collaboration in energy technology, computer science, and human-centered computing. Our mission is to translate emerging technologies into societal value by emphasizing implementation processes within cutting-edge research, high-quality teaching, and continuous industrial collaboration.
We focus on addressing the practical challenges of implementation and operation in industry, targeting high technology readiness levels (TRLs) in our research while educating talented engineers to excel in energy technology and computer science.
Research Areas and Applications
- Renewable energy integration in smart energy systems
- Power electronics in electricity grids
- Maintenance planning and asset management in critical infrastructures
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning applications
- IoT and embedded systems
- Optimization and security of digital systems and communication networks
- Advanced sensing technologies (sensors, electronics, and algorithms) for neural interfacing and healthcare applications
- Fundamental research in electrophysiology and neural control of movement
- Human–machine interaction and human perception
- Immersive technologies for training, rehabilitation, and decision support
- Sensor technologies and physiological data acquisition in healthcare contexts
Collaborations
The Section’s primary education and research collaborations include SMEs as well as national and international companies in the following sectors:
- Energy system and infrastructure operators
- Renewable energy industry
- SMEs providing electrification solutions for remote and rural areas
- Energy sector consultancy
- Providers of technologies for operation, automation, fault detection, and digitalization of energy systems
- IT, communication, and electronics companies
- Agriculture sector
- Healthcare sector and healthcare technology providers
- Immersive technology providers
Disciplines
- Software Development
- Energy Systems
- Renewable Energy
- Power Electronics
- Control Systems
- AI and Machine Learning
- Cyber Security and Communications
- Healthcare Technologies
- Extended reality
Competences
- Control of power electronic converters in power grids and renewable energy systems
- Operation, control, and fault detection in energy systems
- Simulation and experimental testing of power electronics, electric machines, IoT, and communication systems
- Exploring the interplay between operations research and machine learning to address data dependencies and noise
- Development of time series modeling and prediction methods using Bayesian approaches
- Development of secure software systems and cybersecurity frameworks for citizens and organizations
- Design and evaluation of healthcare technology solutions, including digital health and medical sensor systems
- Conducting empirical studies in Human-Centered Computing, including research on perception, accessibility, physiological sensing (e.g., EMG), and neural control of movement
- Design, prototyping, and evaluation of immersive (XR) and mobile technologies
Partners
Employees
Research staff