Sensor-based activity recognition for hand-held power tools at the construction site
Project Description
Nowadays, the construction sector still lacks transparency in terms of productivity, work progress and tool utilization on the job site. The ongoing digitalization of the construction industry is considered as a great opportunity to overcome these challenges and requires data collection, processing, and analytics in a large-scale. Cameras, audio sensors and kinematic-based sensors erected on construction sites provide data for activity recognition and activity tracking of construction tools and workers. Especially, kinematic-based sensors such as accelerometers, gyroscopes and magnetometers are particularly suitable for use on the construction site. Activity recognition for hand-held power tools such as rotary hammers, on the other hand, is a vastly unexplored field but relevant of research. Sensors directly attached to the tool can enable the recognition of selected tool activities which will increase transparency about tool utilization, construction site productivity, tool user understanding and will provide information for tool development and tool design, among other. This thesis aims to address this research gap by exploring and identifying the potential of sensor-based activity recognition for hand-held power tools. Models for the recognition of different types of tool utilization will be developed and possible deployment scenarios will be evaluated.
Participating Institutions
Earth Matters: Clay as a Building Process for the Future
Project Description
Antragsunterstützung
Project Participants
The foresight data explorers - Identifying and tapping alternative data sources for strategic and technology foresight
Project Description
The discipline of data-driven foresight (DDF) requires a constantly evolving selection of foresight data sources and methods for addressing the various tasks within a foresight process. Our research project taps and analyzes such new or alternative data sources as well as combines and couples them for the purpose of trend identification and validation. On the one hand, we test the use of online job postings data for the foresight of technology convergence and/or fusion in the AI technology field as an addition to patent data. On the other hand, we carry out trend analyses in different application contexts based on scientific publications as an established data source and test their coupling with various publications from corporate practice (job postings, annual reports, sustainability reports, etc.). Thus, the research project not only contributes new scientific trend studies, but also opens the possibility of comparing current R&D efforts by industrial companies with technology trends, validating their practical relevance and identifying technology leaders.
Relevance to Liechtenstein
The topic of data-driven foresight in general and the tapping of alternative data sources in particular proves to be highly relevant for local companies and institutions in Liechtenstein, as demonstrated by the constant exchange with representatives from practice (see expert interviews in the predecessor project "lbs_23_01" or the exchange with "Digital Lichtenstein"). In addition, the project strengthens cooperation with Fraunhofer INT in Germany and promotes cross-border networking and the presence of the University of Liechtenstein, while also representing the country of Liechtenstein as an attractive research location (see partner workshop at the University of Liechtenstein campus).
Scientific, Economic and Societal Impact
The practical impact of the project lies on the one hand, in the tapping of new or alternative data sources for foresight practices of industrial companies and, on the other hand, in the publication of scientifically sound trend studies for technology-leading companies. In particular, the planned data mapping of NETCULATOR results with company publications for the purposes of technology foresight holds potential for future transfer projects on individual use cases with companies in the region and beyond
Participating Institutions
Publications
Cyber resilience - an analysis of Art 9 para 1 and 2 EEA-DORA-DG
Project Description
Information and communication technologies (ICT) play a crucial role in the availability and integrity of financial services. Regulation (EU) 2022/2554 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 December 2022 on digital operational resilience in the financial sector (DORA) aims to enable financial institutions to withstand cyberattacks and maintain operations even in the event of such an attack. The DORA came into force on 16 January 2023 and its requirements must be implemented by the affected financial intermediaries in the EU by 17 January 2025. According to Art. 2 DORA, the scope of application includes credit, payment and e-money institutions, providers of crypto services, investment firms, management companies, trade repositories and insurance companies. DORA contains standardised requirements for the risk management of ICT, the handling, classification and reporting of ICT-related incidents, the testing of digital operational resilience, the management of ICT third-party risk and the exchange of information. In Liechtenstein, the DORA applies directly following its incorporation into the EEA Agreement; however, some provisions required national implementation, for which the EEA DORA-DG was created. This is due to enter into force on 1 February 2025. The penal provisions are anchored in Art. 9 DORA-DG, with para. 1 in particular providing for an offence punishable by a court (misdemeanour) and para. 2 regulating several administrative offences sanctioned by the FMA; all penal provisions are so-called blanket penal provisions because they refer to provisions of the DORA and their unlawful content can only be recognised by reading them together with the corresponding so-called filling standards. The project analyses these two paragraphs and aims to draw attention to the new criminal liability risks in good time before the planned entry into force. The area of cybercrime, for whose defence cyber resilience is an essential strategy, is explained in advance.
Relevance to Liechtenstein
DORA aims to raise awareness of ICT risks and highlight that the financial soundness of financial firms can be jeopardised by ICT incidents and insufficient operational resilience. Building the ICT capacity and overall resilience of financial firms, in particular to cope with operational failures, is crucial for maintaining the stability and integrity of the EEA single market for financial services and the financial markets in the EEA States. This helps to ensure a high level of protection for investors and consumers throughout the EEA. Liechtenstein, whose economy is strongly characterised by financial services, benefits in particular from the implementation of these regulations, especially as the application of DORA can strengthen the resilience of financial companies in the country. Analysing the criminal provisions helps to better understand potential liability risks and to formulate appropriate prevention strategies for financial companies. Based on this analysis, management bodies can develop practical recommendations for action in order to minimise liability risks and comply with legal requirements.
Scientific, Economic and Societal Impact
As part of the project, a comprehensive analysis of the criminal liability risks arising from the EEA-DORA-Act will be conducted. The goal is to identify potential legal and regulatory challenges in the area of cyber resilience for financial institutions and their executives at an early stage. Special attention will be given to the specific penal provisions. In this context, both the relevant concepts of intent and negligence will be explained, and the issue of corporate liability will be examined.
Participating Institutions
Publications
Exploring the Interplay between ESG Factors, Greenwashing, and Market Dynamics
Project Description
My dissertation examines the complex relationship between corporate sustainability claims and investor response and explores the evolving link between sustainability and corporate finance. As ESG (environmental, social, and governance) factors continue to play an increasingly important role, companies are under increasing pressure to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable practices. However, this landscape also fosters opportunities for greenwashing, where companies misrepresent their sustainability efforts to attract investors or appease stakeholders.
The research examines how investors navigate this complex environment with its changing expectations and potential pitfalls. By analyzing market responses to both genuine and misleading corporate sustainability claims, my work aims to shed light on the credibility of ESG claims, the effectiveness of sustainable finance mechanisms, and the consequences of greenwashing. Recognizing the challenges and potential for manipulation in this evolving field, my research seeks to advance understanding of how sustainability considerations are reshaping investment strategies and driving the transition to more sustainable and resilient financial markets.
The research examines how investors navigate this complex environment with its changing expectations and potential pitfalls. By analyzing market responses to both genuine and misleading corporate sustainability claims, my work aims to shed light on the credibility of ESG claims, the effectiveness of sustainable finance mechanisms, and the consequences of greenwashing. Recognizing the challenges and potential for manipulation in this evolving field, my research seeks to advance understanding of how sustainability considerations are reshaping investment strategies and driving the transition to more sustainable and resilient financial markets.
Participating Institutions
Zentrumsentwicklung Vaduz
Project Description
Das Zentrum von Vaduz soll aufgewertet und als Standort attraktiver werden. Der definierte Perimeter erstreckt sich vom Gasthaus Löwen über das heutige Zentrum des Rathausplatzes bis zu der Kathedrale von Vaduz. Es umfasst so den Stadtkern von Vaduz und die angrenzenden öffentlichen und privaten Siedlungsstrukturen. In dieser Kernzone besteht Erweiterungs- und Verdichtungspotenzial. Ebenfalls wird Gaflei, ein Ortsteil vom Triesenberg, in die Denkzone mit integriert. Die Hauptstrasse ist als verkehrsorientierte Lebensader für Pendler- und Busverkehr als kommerzielles Zentrum von Vaduz wenig attraktiv. Das Städtle hingegen ist als reine Fussgängerzone leer und ausgestorben. Mit primären Gestaltungen für Fussgänger, Erweiterungen der Strassenfronten für Mischnutzungen und Platzierungen von Querungsmöglichkeiten als Erweiterung des öffentlichen Raumes kann die Kernzone der Stadt aufgewertet werden. Die Zentrumsentwicklung darf nicht isoliert betrachtet werden. Einflüsse und Fragestellungen ausserhalb des Perimeters sind offensichtlich (Infrastrukturentwicklung, Siedlungs- und Verkehrsentwicklung der Gemeinde). Der Einbezug der Gesamtentwicklung der Gemeinde in den Entwicklungsprozess des Zentrums ist auf jeden Fall sicherzustellen.
Participating Institutions
Institute of Architecture and Planning
/ Project Lead
Gemeinde Vaduz
/ Auftraggeber
Project Participants
Zentrum St. Moritz
Project Description
Mitten im Zentrum von St. Moritz haben wir dieses Semester die Chance das NEUE FORUM für die unbestritten glamouröse Gemeinde zu entwerfen. Umgeben von malerischer Landschaft auf über 1800m Seehöhe, ist der Ort reich an Tourismus Geschichte. Methodisch nähern wir uns experimentell: über Modelle und Skizzen sowie einem Diskurs über kontextuelle versus konzeptioneller Architektur. Der Entwurfsprozess widmet sich weiters innovativen Tragwerkskonzepten und low tec Strategien der Energieeffizienz. Reale Planungsgrundlage ist dabei das bestehende Parkhaus Quadrellas. Dieses wird erweitert mit 2 Sälen, mit Kino, grossen Foyers, Bühne und ist offen für neue Ideen von Zusatznutzungen. Durch die interdisziplinäre Kooperation mit der Abteilung Entrepreneurship ergeben sich hierbei Potenziale für eine professionelle Basis der Konzepte.
Ziel des Semesters sind detailliert ausgearbeitete Projekte, welche die spezifische Kultur, Schönheit und Charakteristik einer Region erweitern und faszinierende Perspektiven in die Zukunft geben.
Ziel des Semesters sind detailliert ausgearbeitete Projekte, welche die spezifische Kultur, Schönheit und Charakteristik einer Region erweitern und faszinierende Perspektiven in die Zukunft geben.
Participating Institutions
Gemeinde St.Moritz
/ Auftraggeber
Project Participants
Zentrum Planken
Project Description
In the first phase we will imagine Planken with a population increase of 100%. How will the village change? Is there enough building land? Is there a need for new zoning? How can today's quality be backed up? Ideas for the future in form of rough project studies will be discussed with the community representatives.
In a second phase we approach the village center. We investigate the potential for building culture objects, and this - together with the top Liechtenstein preservationists Patrick Birrer - using a set of criteria try to assess and evaluate them. This results in reasoned statements to preserve and protect certain buildings or parts.
In a third phase, the students plan a development project in the village center. The location is chosen so that the findings from phases 1 and 2 are taken account. We estimate uses such as housing, regeneration, hall, gourmet offer, home for elderly. In addition, aspects such as: Village Square, road management, road building in the area, new uses for old buildings, renovation and expansion of stocks, etc. will be investigated and suggestions are made for. The projects are detailed ultimately up to the scale 1:20.
One goal of the task will be, to give the community a vision for its building development future - and especially for the village center - to present for discussion. An aim is also to establish a "catalog of details and building materials" as a recommendation.
In a second phase we approach the village center. We investigate the potential for building culture objects, and this - together with the top Liechtenstein preservationists Patrick Birrer - using a set of criteria try to assess and evaluate them. This results in reasoned statements to preserve and protect certain buildings or parts.
In a third phase, the students plan a development project in the village center. The location is chosen so that the findings from phases 1 and 2 are taken account. We estimate uses such as housing, regeneration, hall, gourmet offer, home for elderly. In addition, aspects such as: Village Square, road management, road building in the area, new uses for old buildings, renovation and expansion of stocks, etc. will be investigated and suggestions are made for. The projects are detailed ultimately up to the scale 1:20.
One goal of the task will be, to give the community a vision for its building development future - and especially for the village center - to present for discussion. An aim is also to establish a "catalog of details and building materials" as a recommendation.