This focal point targets the development of practical automation solutions involving com-plex key technologies on the most modern and comprehensive laboratory equipment available in the fields of electrotechnology, control and process control technology, drive engineering, measurement and automated control engineering, as well as discrete and continuous simulation technology. This research deals with areas such as the automation of sensitive or distributed real-time systems in power plants, buildings and production plants, in addition to other complex processes such as traffic control and logistics. For automation purposes the scope of this research also makes use of cutting-edge sensor technology and when necessary, intelligent actuator-sensor combinations are developed in house.

This research deals predominantly with projects in the areas of optical measuring technol-ogy, industrial image processing and x-ray computer tomography, as well as acoustic and vibration technology. The most frequently measured variables are distance, evenness, 3D geometries, temperature, surface finish, strength and acceleration, as well as material de-fects, such as cracks. Test superstructures and stands are also commonly developed. Our laboratories make use of several UV/VIS/NIR spectrometers, a shearography measuring station, an IR camera, several laser interferometers, a vibrometer, acoustic intensity probes, laser stripe and triangulation sensors, PSD devices, equipment for modal analysis, and an industrial x-ray computer tomograph, among others.

This main focus of research orientates itself strongly on the needs of the Upper Austrian industry. The improvement of the characteristics of tool steels and of modern steels for lightweight construction forms the core of the R&D efforts with regard to metals. Here, heat and surface treatment technology stand in the foreground. With regard to plastics technol-ogy, the processes of extrusion and injection moulding take centre stage. Here, the investigation of screw extrusion systems represents one of our main areas of interests. In the testing of materials, x-ray computer tomography (CT) plays a central role, enabling 3D structures to be inspected nondestructively. Further emphases include metallography, deformation-quenching dilatometry, ultrasonic inspection and eddy-current testing. 

This R&D emphasis comprises the combination of ‘green’ forms of energy and environ-mental topics, from efficient power production by means of fuel and solar cells, energy-efficient building construction to the analysis of foodstuffs, the decomposition of pollutants using photocatalysis and the environmental-technical improvement of dust filters. Our laboratories make use the most modern equipment, including a hydrogen fuel-cell and so-lar test bed, thermal imaging camera for the analysis of the energy efficiency of buildings, biology and chemistry laboratories, photocatalysis and fermentation laboratory.