News EPFL

When deep learning mistakes a coffee-maker for a cobra

Published:22.03.17 — “Is this your sister?” That’s the kind of question asked by image-recognition systems, which are becoming increasingly prevalent in our everyday devices. They may soon be used for tumor detection and genomics, too. These systems rely on what is known as “deep-learning” architectures – an exciting new development in artificial learning. But EPFL researchers have revealed just how sensitive these systems actually are: a tiny universal perturbation applied across an image can throw off even the most sophisticated algorithms.

A revival in rammed-earth construction

Published:21.03.17 — Through an exhibition and two semester-long courses, EPFL is paying tribute to a forgotten art: that of making buildings out of earth. The aim is to demonstrate how this age-old technique can still play a role in contemporary architecture.

ACE completes its voyage around Antarctica

Published:20.03.17 — The Antarctic Circumnavigation Expedition (ACE) reached Cape Town on Sunday, 19 March, completing its three-month voyage around the great white continent. But the scientific adventure has only just begun: it’s now time to analyze all the data that was collected. This will improve our understanding of the effects of global warming on the Southern Ocean and the broader implications for our planet as a whole.

European teens – especially girls – dream about cars

Published:17.03.17 — A study on mobility patterns among young people shows that under-18s have a very positive image of cars. The researchers’ approach relied heavily on social media.

EPFL among the top five recipients of ERC grants

Published:16.03.17 — Europe's generous yet ultra-competitive grant program is celebrating its ten-year anniversary this month. Over the years, EPFL researchers have been awarded more than one hundred such grants, making EPFL Switzerland’s top recipient of this prestigious funding.

Measuring the impact of a city's buildings on the weather

Published:16.03.17 — A new model developed at EPFL can help engineers and meteorologists quickly calculate the effect that city buildings have on local weather patterns. A blinds manufacturer is already interested in it, and climate scientists could be next.

Is Reliable Artificial Intelligence Possible?

Published:14.03.17 — In the quest for reliable artificial intelligence, EPFL scientist Marcel Salathé argues that AI technology should be openly available. He will be discussing the topic at this year’s edition of South by South West on March 14th in Austin, Texas.