Empa - Lab for Biomimetic Membranes and Textiles

The Body Monitoring Group, part of Empa’s Laboratory for Biomimetic Membranes and Textiles and led by Dr. Simon Annaheim, investigates mechanical and thermal interactions between the human body and materials. The group combines human-subject trials with physical and virtual models to improve the reliability and robustness of textile-integrated and textile-based sensor systems. It develops advanced algorithms to assess signal quality and applies AI-based models to evaluate health, stress, and comfort-related conditions. The overarching aim is to develop multisensing approaches for continuous physiological monitoring in patients, workers, and athletes. They integrate biomimetic structures, sensing materials, and advanced biological models to advance functional and smart materials from laboratory research to real-world applications, supporting the Swiss industry and society.

The Simulating Biological Systems group, part of the Lab for Biomimetic Membranes and Textiles at Empa led by Prof. Dr. Thijs Defraeye develops innovations in digital and physical biological system simulations—from the human body to plant-based foods—through interdisciplinary research and development. Their impact spans individualized nutrition and drug delivery, reduced food loss and extended shelf life, resilient postharvest supply chains, marine plastic cleanup via ghost-net technology. They use physics-based simulations, data-driven modeling, multi-parameter sensing, digital twins, and cyber-physical systems, disseminating tools to scientists and society via open-access mobile applications.