At the Hannover Messe, Aalen University of Applied Sciences presented several innovative projects on future topics - from artificial intelligence (AI) and digitalization to battery technologies and energy supply. The AI Workshop for SMEs, the SmartPro network, the Baden-Württemberg AI Alliance and the 5G++ Flexicell research project made the innovations of the East Wuerttemberg region visible to the numerous German and international visitors.
This year's main theme of the Hannover Messe was "Energizing a sustainable industry". Over 4,000 exhibitors presented cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions for a modern and climate-friendly industry to more than 130,000 visitors. Under the brand "THE LÄND", two joint stands presented Baden-Württemberg companies as well as educational and research institutions on the topics "Digital Ecosystems" and "Energy Solutions".
Future topics presented by the institution of higher education Aalen University of Applied Sciences
In the field (of) "Digital Ecosystems", a variety of approaches to the application of AI and digitalization for SMEs were presented. Using a demo factory, the AI workshop for SMEs at Aalen University of Applied Sciences impressively demonstrated how AI and digitalization can be used in production. At the AI Alliance Baden-Württemberg, in which Aalen University of Applied Sciences is involved, researchers from the Department, Institute for Materials Research Aalen demonstrated how AI is revolutionizing the examination of data and material quality. Close to this, the 5G++ Flexicell research project was also presented: Under the Management of Prof. Dr. Stephan Ludwig and Prof. Dr. Doris Aschenbrenner, a 5G network is being used to support manufacturing, particularly in medium-sized companies.
On the topic of "Energy Solutions", the SmartPro network presented an innovative applied research project on energy supply under challenging conditions - in the deep sea, 6000 meters below sea level. The team led by Professor Dr. Heinrich Steinhart demonstrated power electronics underwater in a large aquarium. This impressive presentation attracted a lot of attention and led to discussions with the curious visitors. The guests also explored the research topics in the field (of) battery technology, for example solid-state batteries or completely new manufacturing processes. As part of, within the framework of the tour, the visitors also had the opportunity to ask Prof. Dr. Sebastian Feldmann about current projects and research work and gain insights into the practical application of AI.
Positive response and fruitful exchange
During the fair, the teams from Aalen University of Applied Sciences also had the opportunity to exchange ideas with important political decision-makers and make valuable contacts with companies. Minister of Economic Affairs Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut and Ministerial Director Dr. Hans J. Reiter from the Ministry of Science, Research and the Arts showed great interest in the innovative approaches and solutions presented by the institution of higher education. Aalen University of Applied Sciences was also able to welcome delegations from various countries at its valid from. This underlined the international importance and interest in the developments in the region and the topics presented.
Especially in the last days of the fair, more and more interested pupils and students came to the stands. "The fact that so many inquisitive young people visited our research stands is an absolute gain for the institution of higher education in Aalen and the Ostalbkreis region. Especially in times of declining student numbers throughout Germany, it is all the more important to make the strengths of the institution of higher education in terms of applied research in fields (of) artificial intelligence more visible on a national level," summarized Professor Doris Aschenbrenner.
This extensive participation was made possible by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection (BMWK), the state of Baden-Württemberg and the European Union, the Ostalbkreis district and the city of Aalen, which support SmartPro, 5G++ FlexiCell and the KI-Allianz Baden-Württemberg and KI-Werkstatt Mittelstand.
