A zero-emission smart factory covering around 600 square metres is being built, which will serve as a model for smart and resilient value creation for companies. The factory will first be planned as a digital twin and then implemented – a milestone for the region and Germany as a business location. In addition, a master's degree programme in smart production is planned in collaboration with Augsburg University of Applied Sciences and Kempten University of Applied Sciences. Based on the "digital and regional" model, this combines the advantages of e-learning and local study and can be pursued alongside work or as a dual study programme, i.e. in combination with work experience or as a degree programme with in-depth practical experience.
"The establishment of both TTZs at one location sends a strong signal to the regional economy. An innovative campus is being created that will actively contribute to the transformation of companies in the district with a smart factory," says Prof. Dr. Uta M. Feser, President of Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences. She added: "We are not just constructing a new building, we are building bridges – between theory and practice, between the university, businesses and the region, between people and their ideas. This campus will be a meeting place for bright minds and bold ideas, enriching the innovation ecosystem." In addition, a master's programme in Smart Production is planned in collaboration with Augsburg University of Applied Sciences and Kempten University of Applied Sciences. Based on the "digital and regional" model, this combines the advantages of e-learning and local study and can be studied alongside work or as a dual programme, i.e. in combination or as a degree programme with in-depth practical experience.
Andrea Hofmann, managing director of the Areal Pro special-purpose association, is delighted with the progress being made at Areal Pro. "The development that the site is currently undergoing is unique. With the construction of our campus, we are setting an example for a reorientation towards an innovative, forward-looking and modern centre. This is only the first step in this innovative development process. It will continue shortly with the construction of a large data centre that will be significant not only for our region, but far beyond."
About the TTZ Smart Production and Logistics at AREALpro in Leipheim
HNU has been rooted at AREALpro with the TTZ Smart Production and Logistics since 2020. Initially, the "Systems Engineering (B.Eng.)" degree programme found a new home in the premises of the AREAL Digital start-up centre located there, together with a Digital Operations Lab. "The activities and networking of AREAL Digital were the seed for this special collaboration between the university, industry and local authorities, which is now taking another important step forward in the new building," says Axel Egermann, managing director of Regionalmarketing Günzburg, where the start-up centre is located.
TTZ Data Analytics & Artificial Intelligence moves to Leipheim
In addition to the model factory, the second TTZ of the HNU, the TTZ Günzburg, which focuses on data analytics and artificial intelligence, is also moving into the new building. It provides practical support to companies in the development and implementation of AI solutions, offers workshops and promotes networking. It also conducts intensive research in areas such as natural language processing, neuro-symbolic AI (e.g. emotion recognition) and reinforcement learning in robotics – with the aim of automating, optimising and accelerating production processes. AI in combination with robotics opens up new potential for industry and is demonstrated in a practical manner at the site.
Synergies and research focus
The merger of the two TTZs creates a strong innovation ecosystem that combines teaching, research and transfer. HNU's current research priorities in the field of artificial intelligence will be integrated and offer potential starting points for further joint topics such as cyber security. Prof. Dr. Jürgen Grinninger is driving forward the development of the smart factory and researching how intelligent and networked production processes can transform industry. Prof. Dr. Tobias Engel is continuing this work, focusing on sustainable supply chains and developing strategies to combine ecological responsibility and economic efficiency. Prof. Dr. Philipp Brune, with his focus on natural language processing, is providing new impetus for the processing and use of language in digital applications. Prof. Dr. Alexander Bartel concentrates on applied AI and shows how companies can increase their innovative strength through practice-oriented AI applications. Together, they are actively contributing to the transformation of companies in the district and strengthening the position of HNU as a driving force for AI innovations throughout Bavaria.
Contact person
Prof. Dr. Jens Kolb
