The LINA project is presented in the “Mitteilungen” magazine of the ZHAW Graduate Engineering & Architecture (E&A) department. LINA is a structure funded by the innovation program for the safe testing of autonomous systems. The aim is to test AI-supported drones and other autonomous technologies under real conditions, both indoors and outdoors.
Authors: Hella Bolck and Michel Guillaume
A drone flies over a construction site, scans the facade of a building ,and carries out inspections, completely autonomously and without the use of scaffolding, ropes or heavy equipment. This is almost a reality today. Autonomous systems that combine artificial intelligence (AI) with sensory, control and communication capabilities open up completely new possibilities. In some cases, they act without direct human intervention, make decisions independently and perform complex tasks that were previously only possible with considerable effort and specialized equipment. Especially in the case of AI-based, unmanned drones, the possibilities are enormous, be it the delivery of medical goods, support for rescue missions or the inspection of hard-to-reach locations on construction sites or high-rise buildings. In the context of digitalization, they therefore offer enormous potential for both the economy and society.
But what happens when these systems are used in the real world? How can we ensure that they are not only effective, but also safe and trustworthy? This is where the “LINA” project comes in. LINA is a pioneering project funded by the Digitalization Initiative of the Zurich Higher Education Institutions (DIZH) to develop a national infrastructure that enables the safe testing of autonomous systems. LINA stands for “A Shared Large-scale Infrastructure for the Development and Safe Testing of Autonomous Systems” and is being realized jointly by the ZHAW (Center for Aviation and Center for Artificial Intelligence at the School of Engineering), the University of Zurich, and the Zurich University of the Arts. The project is supported by Matternet, a pioneer in drone logistics, and Skyguide, responsible for air traffic control in Switzerland, who provide practical expertise and guidance.
The goal of LINA is to create a test infrastructure where autonomous systems can be tested under complex and real conditions – both indoors and outdoors. A particularly exciting aspect is the ability to conduct long-range flights beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS). To ensure the safety of such flights, operators must follow the SORA (Specific Operations Risk Assessment) process, which is based on the regulations of the Swiss Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Detailed safety concepts and a structured risk analysis are required. Within the LINA framework, we can work with users to conduct these processes efficiently, ensuring that outdoor tests can be carried out reliably, safely, and in compliance with regulations—whether at the Hegmatten glider airfield in Winterthur or other locations across Switzerland. Additionally, an indoor facility is being developed at the Innovation Park Zurich in Dübendorf, allowing prototypes to be tested and further developed under controlled conditions. These different test environments complement each other, providing a comprehensive testing ground for various levels of autonomous system development.
But LINA is more than just a testing site. It is a hub of innovation and collaboration, bringing together research and industry.
Experts from various disciplines are invited to participate in shaping the future of autonomous systems in their respective fields. LINA will not only become a key infrastructure for research and development in Zurich but also form a network that positions Switzerland as a leading hub for autonomous technologies. Through LINA, we aim to unlock the enormous potential of autonomous systems to transform industries such as aviation, logistics, and urban development in a sustainable way. By creating the necessary infrastructure for safe development and fostering societal acceptance, we are taking a crucial step toward a future where autonomous technologies are responsibly and effectively integrated into our daily lives.