The session focussed on the question of how artificial intelligence can be used in product development. OTH Regensburg presented current research and teaching activities in the CAE laboratories for the finite element method (FEM) and multi-body simulation (MBS) as well as CAD. The lively discussion showed the great interest of the industry in these topics. Particularly in the field of artificial intelligence, it became clear that there is still a great need for knowledge in this area and that closer co-operation is desired. In a fortnight' time, the company FunctionBay will present its AI strategy to the working group members, which will certainly provide further exciting insights and discussions.
Another focus was the transfer of knowledge and securing expertise on the digital twin in product development. The establishment of a joint knowledge platform was driven forward. The aim of this platform is to pool the knowledge of those involved, utilise synergies and thus make the development and implementation of digital twins more effective. The shared use and further development of expertise is intended to benefit small and medium-sized companies in the mechanical engineering sector in particular in order to strengthen their competitiveness.
The working group meets regularly at different locations and consists of the university professors Prof Dr Florian Nützel, Prof Dr Thomas Schaeffer, Prof Dr Carsten Schulz, Prof Dr Marcus Wagner as well as academic staff and representatives of well-known companies from the region. The working group was initiated by the Walter and Elfriede Niehoff Foundation, which provides financial support for research in the field of digital twins at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at OTH Regensburg. It thus makes an important contribution to the networking of basic and applied research in the field of digital twins. Through the exchange, practical recommendations for action can be developed that promote sustainable and future-orientated product development. The next working group will take place in April 2025.
