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Themensessions

In 3 Themensessions, gehostet von den Fields of Expertise der TU Graz, beleuchteten Forschende das Thema Neue Welten in der Produktion im Kontext ihres Wirkungsbereiches und diskutierten neue Forschungsansätze und Technologien mit Gästen aus Wissenschaft, Wirtschaft und Gesellschaft.

Session 1: Digitale Produkte und Produktion

Zeit: 13:30 bis 15:15 Uhr
Ort: Hörsaal II, Tiefgeschoß
Inhalt: 2 Impuls Talks, 7 Research Pitches, 6 Poster
Sprache: Deutsch, Englisch
Host: Rudolf Pichler, Institut für Fertigungstechnik der TU Graz

Diese Session präsentiert Beiträge aus den Fields of Expertise Information, Communication & Computing und Mobility & Production.

Edge und Cloud Computing, 5G, Remote Maintainance, physische wie digitale Sicherheitskonzepte, maschinelles Lernen und künstliche Intelligenz - die Produktionsumgebung der Zukunft wandelt sich mit der Digitalisierung der Gesellschaft. Herausforderungen, denen es wissenschaftlich entgegenzutreten gilt.

Impulse Talk | Digitalisation for Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises

Stefan Trabesinger, Institute of Production Engineering

Digitalisation is a desirable, but sometimes rather difficult endeavour. Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) seem to struggle with developing approaches on their way to successful digitalisation. TU Graz´s Institute of Production Engineering has designed a transformation model to help SMEs on their path to digitalisation.

Impulse Talk | Cognitive Products

Michael Krisper, Institute of Technical Informatics

Cognitive products (for example safety-aware robotic arms, or warehouse drones) can accomplish astonishing tasks by integrating several aspects of technology in one device (or system): perception and awareness, processing and analysis, communication and networking, smart decisions and predictions, adaption, and finally, safe acting. Along the way, they must balance numerous forces and challenges in terms of dependability, cost-and-energy-efficiency, safety and correctness guarantees, high-quality production and longevity of products, as well as sustainability and long-term effects. In their talk, researchers from TU Graz’s Institute of Technical Informatics present projects and use-cases they are working on to make future products cognitive.

Research Pitch | Optimal Operations in Continuous Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: From Synthesis to Tablet Production

Hazem Damiri, Institute of Automation and Control

Continuous Pharmaceutical Manufacturing (CPM) is one of the most important emerging technology in the field of pharmaceutical industry. By this innovation, all subprocesses are integrated to improve quality and reduce cost. Furthermore, the performance of the system could be boosted by real time optimization where an optimization algorithm is triggered when any change occurs in the system. In our work, we employ this approach in a complete CPM line from synthesis to tablet production.

Research Pitch | Edge Computing as a tool to improve industrial production

Jörg Edler, Institute of Production Engineering

In modern production, computerized systems are primarily used both in the planning of production processes and in the manufacturing process itself. Due to this continuous digitalization, data is available that has so far not been used. Edge computing now offers the possibility of accessing existing data in production, processing it, and feeding it back to improve the production process. The great advantage here is that no additional sensors or hardware are necessary, as existing data is used. In this context, two examples of the application of edge computing are presented: while fhe first example pertains to the improvement of machine accuracy in machine tools, the second example involves the early detection of defects in metal cutting production.

Research Pitch | Digital Innovation and its socio-technological impact

Georg Macher, Institute of Technical Informatics

Open innovation was first introduced in 2003 and has since become an umbrella term that links and incorporates several research streams and innovation activities. Despite its popularity in academia, industry and media, defining a coherent body of knowledge has been difficult due to the lack of a proper definition and conceptualization of the paradigm.

 

Research Pitch | Data Spaces

Rudolf Pichler, Institute of Production Engineering

Co-Design and Co-Production in and for innovative products is the formula of successful enterprises. In order to not only manage data, but also relevant property rights, legal frameworks and sustainable executions of a new product idea, there is a need for powerful and above all reliable platforms. In that respect, so-called data spaces offer new attractive solutions. This pitch presents the research approach and characteristics of such data spaces with a string of aspects to obtain them and the basic idea of how to accelerate innovative projects.

 

Research Pitch | Sichere Fahrzeug-Batterien dank künstlicher Intelligenz

Alexander Schmid, Vehicle Safety Institute

Das Verhalten von Batterien in Elektrofahrzeugen im Extremfall ist wenig bekannt. Um ein tieferes Verständnis zu erlangen, werden heute neben realen Experimenten mit tatsächlichen Batterien auch virtuelle Versuche durchgeführt. Dazu benötigen wir ein genaues und effizientes Simulationsmodell, das der Realität möglichst nahe kommt. Künstliche Intelligenz soll uns in Zukunft bei der notwendigen Kalibrierung der Modelle helfen – entwickelt werden die benötigten Algorithmen etwa an der TU Graz.

Research Pitch | Predictive Power to the Particles

Stefan Radl, Institute of Process and Particle Engineering

Production processes involving particles and powders are extremely important in industry, simply because the product itself consists of particles, for example pharmaceutics (tablets), or recycled batteries. Smart calibration of computer models (e.g., for the powder's ability to flow) with experimental data is a game changer to increase their predictive power. We present digital workflows that streamline calibration tasks and use machine learning to give true (predictive) power to particle models.

Research Pitch | Flexible and automated production line for battery packs

Gernot Schlögl, Institute of Production Engineering

Electromobility is becoming one of the most important future paths in the automotive industry. One key issue is energy storage. AVL List GmbH together with TU Graz have created the Battery Innovation Center (BIC) to address this topic and offer solutions. Various battery modules can be assembled from battery cell types, and in a next step, the modules are connected to form a compact battery pack. All of this is done by a flexible production line in an automated manner. An in-depth analysis of cell handling with subsequent development, production and verification of manipulation and testing devices for all cell types as well as for other module components formed the basis for holistically designed concepts.

Session 2: Biobasierte Produkte und Produktion

Zeit: 13:30 bis 15:15 Uhr
Ort: Aula, 1. Stock
Inhalt: 3 Impuls Talks, 8 Research Pitches, 6 Poster
Sprache: Deutsch, Englisch
Host: Gabriele Berg, Institut für Umweltbiotechnologie der TU Graz

Diese Session präsentiert Beiträge aus den Fields of Expertise Advanced Materials Science, Human & Biotechnology, Mobility & Production und Sustainable Systems.

Materialien aus erneuerbaren Ressourcen sind einer der Faktoren, die unsere Gesellschaft auf den Weg in eine nachhaltigere Zukunft antreiben werden. Dazu zählen etwa biobasierte Produkte wie Biopolymere, Carbonsäuren und ähnliche Stoffe, die via Fermentation oder Biokatalyse aus Kohlenstoff gewonnen werden. Oder aber auch biologisch-organische Energieträger und Biokraftstoffe. Um die biobasierte Produktion Realität werden zu lassen, ist ein interdisziplinärer Ansatz notwendig.

Impulse Talk | From CO2 to biodegradable plastics

Vera Lambauer, Institute of Biotechnology and Biochemical Engineering

CO2 is the best-known greenhouse gas. However, it can also be used to produce biological and biodegradable plastics. The problem is that the utilization of CO2 requires a special mixture of gases that are difficult to dissolve in water, which can be toxic, and sometimes even explosive. Researchers at the Institute of Biotechnology and Biochemical Engineering at TU Graz are working on explosion-proof gas fermentation of the oxyhydrogen bacterium Cupriavidus necator for the production of biodegradable plastics under non-gas-limiting conditions.

Impulse Talk | Healthy Seed Microbiom - Healthy Cannabis Plants

Carolina Boto Courinha Lobato, Institute of Environmental Biotechnology

Farming faces numerous challenges such as climate change, soil degradation and limited resources. The Cannabis plant, which has been gaining popularity due to its therapeutic properties, is not immune to these issues. Research on seed microbiomes has shed light on the importance of the endophytic bacteria that inhabit cannabis seeds and their potential role in mitigating these challenges. By understanding and leveraging these interactions, it may be possible to develop biobased products and production methods for Cannabis that promote sustainable agriculture while improving crop yields and their quality.

Impulse Talk | Enhancing crop resilience by harnessing the microbiome’s potential

Wisnu Adi Wicaksono, Institute of Environmental Biotechnology

In the current scenario of a rapidly changing climate, crop plants are more frequently exposed to abiotic and biotic stresses. Plant microbiomes have untapped potential to enhance crop resilience against abiotic and biotic stresses. However, harnessing the untapped potential of plant microbiome is limited due to the complexity of microbial ecosystems. Hence, the exploration of complex plant microbial communities requires a holistic approach to harness the potential benefits of plant microbiomes to increase resistance against abiotic and biotic stresses. Here, we used the multi-omic approach, i.e., whole genome sequencing, advanced microscopic and transcriptomic analysis to investigate plant microbiome responses to abiotic and biotic stresses. This approach will allow us to create more reliable and effective microbiome-based products to mitigate food losses and will change the future of our agricultural sector.

Research Pitch | Plant health: Uncovering the impact of breeding on the seed microbiome

Kristina Michl, Institute of Environmental Biotechnology

Currently, only the plant’s pheno- and genotype is considered when breeding plants. The concept of a plant being a holobiont, which includes the plant as well as all microorganisms, is disregarded. However, a plant’s microbiome plays a vital role in its fitness, health and stress resilience. Researchers at TU Graz studied the seed microbiome of perennial wheatgrass over four breeding cycles and observed a decrease in microbial diversity and its implications for plant health.

Research Pitch | From crude glycerol to biofuel

Maximilian Neubauer, Institute of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology

Our environment not only requires us to use more and more renewable fuel components, but so does the law. From 2030 on, the EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) requires that fuel distributors replace 3.5% fossil components with advanced biofuels. In cooperation with TU Graz, OMV’s Glycerol to Propanol (G2P) project aims to develop a market-ready process that will allow the economic production of large quantities of advanced biofuel propanol from crude glycerol.

 

Research Pitch | Using microbiomes to build a greener agriculture

Olimi Expedito, Institute of Environmental Biotechnology

Microbiome solutions – microorganisms and metabolites – are crucial in achieving sustainability, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fighting declining biodiversity in agriculture. Researchers at TU Graz assessed the role of microbial products developed by the Institute of Environmental Biotechnology and research partners, together with apple farmers in Styria.

Research Pitch | Copper enzymes for sustainable, modern chemistry

Lukas Rieder, Institute of Molecular Biotechnology

Lytic Polysaccharide MonoOxygenases (LPMOs) are a class of copper enzymes which are essential for recovering sugars from renewable carbohydrates that cannot be consumed by humans like cellulose. In the presence of hydrogen peroxide, LPMOs catalyze the oxidation of glycosidic bonds with enormous precision and speed, resulting in entry points for hydrolases involved in the saccharification process. In this way, the degradation of cellulose is boosted, thus increasing the efficiency of biorefineries.

Research Pitch | Methods of calculating Global Warming Potential

Marcella Ruschi Mendes Saade, Institute of Structural Design

Bio-based products are increasingly proposed as a way of fighting climate change. However, there are different ways to calculate their CO2 uptake and release, which may lead to different outcomes. In Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) there is no consensus over how to account for biogenic carbon, of which biomass-based materials are composed. Practitioners, for example, may choose between static and dynamic calculations of Global Warming Potential (GWP). The dynamic calculation approach has particularly caught the attention of policymakers. This approach has been portrayed as a pertinent way to account for biogenic carbon uptake and release in buildings LCAs. This presentation illustrates the application and simplification of the typically employed approaches for biogenic carbon accounting in building LCAs and discusses whether the benefits of allowing for a wide application of methods outweigh potential methodological flaws caused by the negligence of important parameters.

Research Pitch | Intelligent waste recycling: glycerol pollutants

Maxi Vogi, Institute of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology

While biofuels are an essential part of a greener future, the production of biofuels generates one ton of “crude glycerol” per ten tons of biofuels, making it the main source of commercially used glycerol. During the purification of this glycerol, its pollutants form costly waste. TU Graz´s INTEGRAL project uses a novel separation apparatus and machine learning in order to establish an intelligent industrial process which isolates valuable raw materials from different biofuel wastes.

Research Pitch | Holz als Hochleistungswerkstoff

Markus Wagner, Vehicle Safety Institute

Leicht, sicher und umweltfreundlich. Fahrzeugstrukturen auf Basis von Holzlaminaten sollen es möglich machen. Dabei soll ein Prozess aus dem faserverstärkten Kunststofftechnik dazu beitragen Holzlaminaten wieder als Hochleistungswerkstoff im Maschinenbau zu etablieren. Durch „Stiching“ kann die Bruchzähigkeit von Laminaten erhöht werden, so dass sie ihre hohe Festigkeit und geringe Dichte ausspielen können, ohne bei Überlast abrupt zu versagen.

Research Pitch | Utilizing Cyanobacteria for Monooxygenases

Lenny Yap, Institute of Molecular Biotechnology

Oxygenases, with their high selectivity and enantioselectivity for hydrocarbon functionalization, play an important role in synthetic chemistry. However, their utilization is hampered by the difficulty to supply oxygen in the reaction, especially in continuous reactor systems where high pressure and complex oxygen-permeable materials are required. In our work, we propose to utilize cyanobacteria to supply both oxygen and reducing equivalents in the form of NADPH for monooxygenases in a continuous system.

Session 3: Klimaneutrale Produkte und Produktion

Zeit: 13:30 bis 15:15 Uhr
Ort: Hörsaal I, Tiefgeschoß
Inhalt: 2 Impuls Talks, 5 Research Pitches, 4 Poster
Sprache: Deutsch, Englisch
Host: Franz Haas, Institut für Fertigungstechnik der TU Graz

Diese Session präsentiert Beiträge aus den Fields of Expertise  Human & BiotechnologyInformation, Communication & Computing Mobility & Production und Sustainable Systems.

Die Unternehmenskultur spielt eine entscheidende Rolle im Hinblick auf die klimaneutrale Produktion. So bieten beispielweise Treibhausgasbilanzen und Roadmaps hier wichtige Hilfestellungen. Zusätzlich müssen grüne Indikatoren für Produktionsprozesse und -anlagen definiert, Simulationstechniken und Messtechnik weiterentwickelt sowie die Energie- und Rohstoffeffizienz gesteigert werden. Ein hohes Potenzial liegt auch im Bereich Gebäude und Infrastruktur – etwa klimaneutrale Standards für Neubauten, die auch Rückbaumöglichkeiten, Abwärmerückgewinnung, Ökostrom, neue Baustoffe und Green IT berücksichtigen.

Impulse Talk | Secure Computers by Design

Daniel Gruß, Institute of Applied Information Processing and Communications

Security patches and mechanisms reduce system performance and efficiency. With a constant stream of new patches and mechanisms, the question arises as to whether we can afford to avoid taking action. In this talk, Daniel Gruss will raise foundational questions on how we build computers and which aspects of it might be fundamentally wrong and broken by design. He will outline how we could turn around the entire way we build computers and get massive efficiency gains not by removing security, but by adding security.

Impulse Talk | Fusion Reactors for Cleaner Energy

Christopher Albert, Institute of Theoretical and Computational Physics

Fusion reactors could pave the way towards a climate friendly future. However, there are still some major challenges to face. One of these is the construction process. Research today focusses on additive manufacturing of metal components such as coils for electromagnetic fields. Researchers from TU Graz´s engineering and physics departments are assessing the potential of these modern production techniques to reduce the carbon footprint in the construction process of a fusion power plant. Using these techniques, they are planning to build a scaled-down stellarator fusion reactor for research proposes.

Research Pitch | Geopolymers – promising avenues for sustainable use of construction materials

Stefanie Radinger, Institute of Applied Geosciences and Institute of Soil Mechanics, Foundation Engineering and Computational Geotechnics

Conventional cement-based construction materials interact with our environment during their entire life cycle. This interaction refers to the continuous demand for natural resources and the contribution to global warming during manufacturing, as well as to the frequently observed deterioration of concrete structures with time. TU Graz is building novel geopolymer materials sourced from wastes as a potentially durable alternative and contribution to an increase in sustainability.

Research Pitch | Bauteile beschädigungsfrei rückbauen und neu verwenden

Matthias Raudaschl, Institut für Architekturtechnologie

Kreislaufwirtschaft ist auch in der Bauwirtschaft ein zentrales Zukunftsthema.- Im Projekt „ReCon“ arbeitet das Institut für Architekturtechnologie der TU Graz daran, den beschädigungsfreien Rückbau und die Wiederverwendung einfacher zu gestalten. Die Entwicklung von Beton- und Holzbauteilen als Klettkomponenten ist dabei ebenso ein Thema wie ein Bauteil-Datenmanagement.

Research Pitch | Ecological Impact of Traction Batteries

Maximilian Schinagl, Vehicle Safety Institute

In order to reduce greenhouse gases related to traffic emissions, it will be imperative to switch to climate-neutral mobility concepts; here, electric motorcycles will play an important role in urban areas. However, for electric vehicles to positively contribute to environmental policy, it is essential to consider the impact of a vehicle's traction battery throughout its life cycle (product creation, use and recycling). Therefore, these ecological aspects should not be considered in isolation, but rather in constant interaction with economic aspects and under the basic condition of ensuring the safety of the traction battery. The ecological, economic and safety impacts are analysed over the entire product life cycle by investigating bio-based materials, production and assembly technologies of an e-motorcycle traction battery and its components.

Research Pitch | Flavour science as key for sustainable food production

Barbara Siegmund, Institute of Analytical Chemistry and Food Chemistry

Agriculture and food production are responsible for a substantial share of CO2 emissions; sustainable food production is therefore crucial, as also defined in the UN Sustainable Development Goal No.12. Besides shorter transport routes, lower meat consumption and optimised energy use, it is necessary to develop new and innovative products based on regional raw materials that also meet consumer requirements on flavour.

Research Pitch | The power of plasma for ammonia production

Thomas Wallek, Institute of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology

Ammonia is an important basic chemical used for fertilizer production or as a carbon-free transportation fuel. Its production currently relies on the energy-intensive Haber-Bosch synthesis, which is attributable to around one percent of global energy consumption and 1.4 percent of CO2 emissions. As an alternative, we propose to use the power of plasma in a gas discharge reactor to synthesize green ammonia as a climate neutral product solely from nitrogen, green hydrogen and green electricity.