Urbanisation is a global trend. The spread of urbanisation increases the pressure for space on the surface, and useful space is used uneconomically or for high-emission activities. The third dimension, the underground, must be used more and with greater focus. Underground industrial solutions with automatic goods and passenger transport systems, high-security data centres, low-emission treatment plants, vibration-free precision production facilities, greenhouses with a stable climate, etc.

Use of the underground space requires, however, that the relevant technical and economic parameters are evaluated carefully and coordinated and that the necessary technologies for the development and use are existing.

Underground Green Farming

Urban farming is already taking place in many cities and is also a topic of interest for many organizations, cities and universities. The many positive aspects like short transport distances, fresh products, improvement of the urban environment or the utilization of urban spaces are convincing and highlight an area of great potential.

Old subway stations, bunkers or subsurface chambers are already being used to produce agricultural products. With the concept study "Underground Green Farming", SCAUT investigates the use of underground space to produce food.

It will be a full-scale micro data center with six racks, cooling, power and surveillance and will act as a demonstration prototype to interested clients.

Underground Data Center

High-security, high-performance computer centers for big data with optimal energy efficiency are a crucial need of today's society. Why not go underground? Together with a technology partner, Amberg is implementing an Underground Data Center in the Hagerbach Test Gallery. It will be a full-scale micro data center with six racks, cooling, power and surveillance and will act as a demonstration prototype to interested clients.

Waverfab Chip Factory

An underground semiconductor manufacturing plant has distinct advantages, such as vibration-free production in constant temperature and humidity conditions. EPC (Espros Photonics Corporation) built a cavern to produce computer chips in Sargans.

The future of tunnel inspection

The latest version of our Software Amberg Inspections puts its focus on reducing inspection costs and optimizing the sustainability of your infrastructure. It offers a new, efficient workflow beginning with data preparation with high-resolution images scans. The data processing can be easily done on the cloud-based platform which allows you to perform inspection tasks based on a pre-defined catalogue. In the end, the software can do a dynamic reporting with graphics or side by side overlay. Machine learning will be part of the solution as well, helping to predict features which will arise in the future, helping you to plan infrastructure maintenance as efficient as possible.

Digital Twin: A virtual refurbishment

The digital working method BIM enables the creation of a valid and precise 3D model that functions as a digital and automated twin of an existing infrastructure. It enables you to make planning processes simpler and therefore more economical. Furthermore, a digital version of the building is always available. Thanks to georeferencing in the ArcGis program, you have a detailed overview map of all buildings at your disposal. The status of each individual infrastructure can thus be determined quickly, clearly, location-independently and centrally. Information on geology, weather, timetable, traffic and air quality can also be integrated into the database.

The Swiss Center of Applied Underground Technologies (SCAUT)

SCAUT is an international leader in the use of the underground. With its state-of-the-art engineering, innovative concepts and advanced ITC, it contributes significantly to the creation of underground spaces of the future and to the relief of metropolitan areas and conurbations.