From innovation management to Industry 4.0 - Practice-based excellence in training and research

As part of diverse research projects, we analyse, design and optimise hybrid work, value and logistics systems, also with regard to energy and resources efficiency as well as sustainability aspects. Furthermore, we realise basic building blocks for the development of digital and physical process chains for the planning and designing of personalised products. We also plan and design operator and transport concepts for intralogistics infrastructure. Another focus is on the conception and implementation of demonstrators to convey the potential of Industry 4.0.

The range of tasks in the ESB Logistics Factory are

• Research on relevant topics in industry
• Consulting with regard to the automation of logistics processes
• Transfer of these findings into training

Other topics are also dealt with, such as the development of intelligent robot systems for efficient use in the unloading of bulk cargo.

The research group is active in the area of digital communication technology. It conducts research and development work for information technological infrastructure in the area of intralogistics, among others. The focus is high-speed data transfer. Research is also carried out in the areas of modelling and measurement technology. The obtained findings are integrated into teaching.

The research group is active in the design of the adaptive technology and innovation management of SMEs. The research focus is on the design of a continuous process chain, supported by adequate and scalable tools. Another focus is the design of the early phases of innovation management. This is complemented by work in the area of intra/entrepreneurship for small and medium-sized enterprises.

In the context of product lifecycle management, we design continuous data streams and support their implementation within the value chain. In addition, we are working on practical solutions for linking the digital and physical factory with the aim of improving economic efficiency and planning quality. Generative manufacturing processes (especially 3D printing) are integrated to drive personalised product creation.

With 5G the needs of manufacturing companies and the increased demands of industrial applications are taken into account. This is because 5G enables demand-oriented networking with high bandwidth, low latency and a high number of connections. In this way, 5G creates an important basis for Industry 4.0 applications, intelligent mobility and logistics as well as for the Internet of Things. Supplemented by blockchain technology, which can store information securely in unchangeable data blocks, there is potential for increasing the transparency, visibility, automation and efficiency of the supply chain with regard to supply chain management.