Smart Production Graz

Production of the Future

In the production of the future, artificial intelligence, new materials, resource-saving production methods and, above all, well-trained personnel will be commonplace. Researchers at TU Graz are working on production-related issues, determined to discover what exactly this future may look like, what building blocks are needed, and how we can lead the way to make this vision a reality.

smartfactory@tugraz

Schumpeter Laboratory

Additive Manufacturing Lab (AddLab)

Joining Lab

LEAD Factory

Competence Centers

smartfactory@tugraz is a research and learning factory equipped with state-of-the-art production and communication facilities at TU Graz. Here, disruptive technologies, the links between IT and OT levels, and safe working interactions of often highly heterogeneous aggregates are tested and demonstrated using showcase projects. To ensure a smooth operation under the best possible framework conditions, several production robots are available, and communication is handled quickly and securely via TU Graz’s own 5G network. Rudolf Pichler, head of smartfactory@tugraz, says: “We welcome any company that wishes to implement and test their ideas at smartfactory@tugraz. Smart production systems can be not only useful to large industrial companies, but they can also offer small and medium-sized companies in particular valuable opportunities to increase performance.”

The Schumpeter Lab teaches and researches tools for product development from idea generation to finished prototype. Rapid Prototyping and Design Thinking are just two examples. Students and researchers from all disciplines, as well as start-ups, SMEs and established industrial companies meet here for joint innovation work.

At the TU Graz AddLab, researchers are experimenting with state-of-the-art 3D printing technologies; through a process of optimisation, the machines are being made available for the AddLab’s additive manufacturing pilot factory. The goal of this project is to pave the way for the production of lightweight products with complex designs that can maintain the necessary mechanical properties, all while using as few resources as possible. The AddLab is a cooperative effort between the Institute of Production Engineering and the Institute of Materials Science, Joining and Forming.

At the TU Graz Joining Lab, researchers experiment with different welding processes, such as arc welding, electron beam welding, and friction stir welding. Their focus is on new welding processes that use homogenous and heterogenous materials, specifically, aluminium, steel, copper, magnesium, titanium, and other alloys.

The learning factory "LEAD Factory" is a realistic production environment consisting of workstations for the assembly of a commercially available scooter with approximately 60 individual parts. The topics covered are Lean production, Energy efficiency, Agile production and Digitalization. Students are learning in practical exercises to identify inefficient processes, derive measures and implement solutions for modern and efficient production. Production logistics, ergonomics and factory planning play a central role. A production line with electroplating for a component is demonstrated to demonstrate quality assurance and resource productivity. The LEAD Factory not only demonstrates state-of-the-art technologies, but also serves research purposes.

In addition to TU Graz institutes from several faculties, two competence centres are integrated into the Research Center Smart Production Graz. Pro²Future and Know-Center primarily focus on research collaborations with industry. This helps to build additional bridges to private industry.