The automotive and supplier industry has reason to rejoice: The digital testing platform DigiPrüfF is now officially open. The 35c innovation project “DigiPrüF” was supported by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy and includes five industry partners, three research institutions and two associated large companies. The platform is intended to help simplify and automate the testing of vehicle parts and components in order to improve quality in the automotive industry.
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Support for the car industry through promotion
“DigiPrüF” consortium members (Foto: Hochschule Aalen)
ATR Software GmbH, ADZ NAGANO GmbH, msg systems ag, PlanB. GmbH and Schmidlin Labor + Service GmbH & Co. KG have launched the DigiPrüF innovation project together with research institutions such as Aalen University, Ulm University and Hahn-Schickard-Gesellschaft für angewandte Forschung e.V. as well as two associated large corporations from the automotive and supplier industry. The project aims to develop and improve digital inspection and testing procedures for the production of vehicle components. The aim is to increase the quality and efficiency of production and to reduce costs.
A research project for the development of a digital testing platform is being supported by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection with approx. 5.5 million euros as part of the funding measure “Future Investments Vehicle Manufacturers and Supplier Industry”. The aim of the project is to create a platform that enables vehicle manufacturers and suppliers to test their products virtually and thus optimise testing and production processes. The digital platform should help to make the production of vehicles more efficient and cost-effective and thus contribute to sustainability.
The platform enables users to create and expand a virtual test infrastructure in the digital test centre. In doing so, they can access simulation models of the test benches and components provided as digital twins by manufacturers. Manufacturers can use these models to test their products virtually and make predictions about the behaviour of the real products.
An advantage for later users is the possibility to perform virtual tests already during product development, even without having a real test object. The use of virtual tests makes it possible to save time, costs and resources for real tests. In addition, tests can also be carried out when no real test infrastructure is available, which increases the flexibility and efficiency of the testing process.
The project, which is tailored to the needs of SMEs, has several goals. In addition to the development of a digital test centre, the aim is to provide users such as vehicle manufacturers and suppliers as well as manufacturers of test benches and their components with the best possible support in using the platform and digitising their business. The platform is intended to help optimise the companies’ processes and increase efficiency.
Improvement of Digital Twins through IIoT connector and generic model:
The research project aims to develop a platform that offers companies new opportunities to provide services and business models. Particular focus is placed on Prognostics and Health Management solutions for predictive maintenance and production quality prediction. In addition, a self-learning, collaborative digital voice assistant is being developed to support inspection and production staff. EurA AG is coordinating the project, which is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2025.
Cooperation partner of “DigiPrüF
ATR Software GmbH: Machine communication for efficient production
ATR Software GmbH is based in Neu-Ulm and specialises in the development of software solutions for manufacturing companies. The focus is on optimising processes with the help of automation technology and production planning. The services offered include automation solutions, image processing systems, machine communication for networking production, manufacturing execution systems (MES) and predictive maintenance. By combining individually programmed systems with standardised methods, the company is able to optimally meet the requirements of customers from a wide range of industries such as automotive, telecommunications, logistics, solar industry, measurement technology and sensor technology as well as pharmaceuticals and life science. ATR is also active as a consortium leader in the project.
ADZ NAGANO GmbH: High-performance sensors for the automotive industry
ADZ NAGANO GmbH is a globally active company based in Ottendorf-Okrilla, which has specialised in the development and production of high-quality sensor technology for industrial applications since its foundation in 1998. The company offers its customers a wide range of customised solutions as well as new standard products at the cutting edge of technology. Customers from various industries, including process technology, the automotive industry and other industries with pneumatic and hydraulic systems, rely on ADZ NAGANO’s reliable and innovative products.
Solutions for sensor and actuator challenges in the life sciences at Hahn-Schickard
The Hahn-Schickard Research Institution has been working in close cooperation with small and medium-sized enterprises to develop innovative products and technologies since 1955. Its research areas include mobility & motion, life sciences & medical technology, sustainability, energy & environment, and Industry 4.0. The facility’s expertise ranges from integrated microsystems, sensor and actuator technology, cyber-physical systems and analytics to microelectronics, packaging and interconnection technology as well as data analysis and information and communication technology.
New paths in drive technology: Aalen University relies on Digital Twins and PHM systems for sustainability
Aalen University is a renowned university of applied sciences in Baden-Württemberg and has around 5,800 students. The Institute for Drive Technology (IAA) in particular focuses on research in vehicle and drive technology as well as the virtual testing of systems. Numerous projects have already been realised in the field of digital twins and PHM systems. The existing test bench infrastructure, in particular the drive and complete vehicle test bench, makes it possible to further develop simulation models and PHM systems and promote sustainable drive technology applications.
msg systems ag uses IoT and AI to increase efficiency and automation
msg systems ag is an internationally active group of companies specialising in the development of innovative solutions. With more than 40 years of industry expertise and over 10,000 experts in 32 countries, the company is represented in the world’s most important markets. Both companies and employees benefit from state-of-the-art systems and expertise in the areas of Master Data Management, Business Analytics, Big Data, IoT and Artificial Intelligence. By generating relevant knowledge from data and the smart digitalisation of processes, msg systems ag is helping to inspire the world of tomorrow with new products.
PlanB. GmbH: AI and contemporary working methods for Industry 4.0
Since its foundation in 2007, PlanB. GmbH has established itself as an important cooperation partner for industry and is based in Hüttlingen. The company specialises in digitalisation and the transformation of companies through the use of cloud technologies. Together with more than 150 experts, PlanB. develops innovative digital solutions for its customers, especially in areas such as Industry 4.0, Artificial Intelligence and New Working Methods. The focus is always on the maximum business benefit for their customers.
Schmidlin Labor + Service GmbH & Co. KG: The future of laboratory technology
Schmidlin Labor + Service GmbH & Co. KG – your reliable partner for gas generators and laboratory equipment for over 25 years. We offer our customers customised solutions and support you in selecting and implementing the optimal products. With our broad product portfolio and continuous service, we have established ourselves as a leading supplier in the industry. By developing our own digital and smart products, we aim to significantly expand our business in the future and offer our customers even more added value.
Model reduction and optimisation at the University of Ulm
The Institute for Numerical Mathematics (INM) at the University of Ulm is one of the world’s leading research groups in the field of model reduction for parametrised equations as well as technical simulation and numerical optimisation of real-world problems. With its innovative research work, the INM has proven time and again in recent years that mathematical methods have enormous potential to overcome complex challenges in various application domains. By successfully transferring research results into practice, INM contributes significantly to the development of new technologies and applications.
