On June 3, 2025, the third Technology Roundtable of the Sensor Innovation Hub took place at the OST Campus Buchs. Over 50 specialists from industry, research and start-ups took the opportunity to discuss current developments in sensor technology - from innovative laser welding technologies to challenges in the further development of existing sensor concepts.
The roundtable format takes place twice a year and promotes an open exchange between stakeholders from technology, science and business. It offers space for concrete application examples, highlights current challenges and connects people who are working together on an innovative ecosystem. A particular focus: practical insights into how new sensor solutions can reach market maturity more quickly through targeted collaboration.
From industry requirements to medtech potential
After a welcome address by Prof. Stefan Bertsch, who presented the OST’s Living Lab strategy, Markus Wenk from the Hexagon Technology Center opened the technical exchange with a specific industrial challenge: the oil-based inclination sensors commonly used today are around 30 years old in terms of technology. The demand for smaller, more accurate and competitively priced alternatives is high – especially in the field of surveying technology. New approaches using MEMS and quantum technology offer promising prospects here.
A look at the start-up world showed how strongly sensor technology is networked with other sectors: Luigi Calabrese, founder of the start-up Yalosys, presented an ultra-fast laser welding technology that can be used to precisely join glass and hybrid materials. The technology plays a key role in the development of new medical implants, for example for hormone monitoring. Yalosys makes targeted use of the Sensor Innovation Hub’s high-tech infrastructure for further development – in particular the clean room in Buchs.
Location strategy: Liechtenstein supports the technology location
Political perspectives were also introduced: Barbara Fuchs from the Liechtenstein Office of Economic Affairs explained why the neighboring country is involved in the Sensor Innovation Hub. The aim is to build a future-oriented, self-sustaining ecosystem for sensor applications. With strengths in photonics, measurement technology and precision mechanics, the region is ideally placed to remain internationally visible – particularly in areas such as medtech, IoT and automation.
Impulses from research and networking
Impulses from research rounded off the program: Markus Michler from OST presented selective laser edge processing, which can be used to create complex 3D shapes in glass. Paul Zbinden from the Rapperswil campus showed how edge AI can be used as a resource-saving alternative to traditional CPU or GPU applications – especially for decentralized sensor data processing systems.
In a workshop format at the end, participants were able to contribute their own ideas and suggestions for the further development of the roundtable. At the subsequent drinks reception, the exchange was deepened, new contacts were made and potential collaborations were initiated. The next edition of the Roundtable will take place on November 20, 2025.
