Engineering and fabrication technologies

Sensor and actuator technologies

Definition

Sensor and actuator technologies comprise both sensors and actuators. A sensor converts certain physical events into signals (electrical, optical). An actuator works the other way around from a sensor and takes certain electrical, thermal or optical signals as inputs and converts them into physical action, for example activating or positioning a device.

Keywords (selection)

Sensor networks, Actuator Networks, Optical fibre sensors, Ultrasonic sensors, Digital
sensing, Internet of Things, Cyber-Physical Systems, Embedded Systems, Internet of Things, Digital Twin, Transducers, Molecular machinery; CRISPR-cas9 technology; Biotechnology; Bioengineering, Synthetic biology, Remote sensing, Plasmonics.

Imaging technology

Definition

Imaging technologies deal with the generation, collection, duplication, analysis, modification and visualisation of images (optical and non-optical). In an industrial context, imaging technologies are mainly used for quality control and, combined with artificial intelligence, problems can be detected faster based on self-learning systems. Imaging technology also plays a major role in medical technology.

Keywords (selection)

3D imaging, Vision in the loop (visual servo), THz and far-infrared imaging, Radio
imaging, X-ray imaging, Optical and infrared, Medical imaging, Molecular imaging,
Image-guided intervention, Tomography, Image reconstruction, Image processing,
Image analysis, Machine learning, Plasmonics, Electron microscopy, Magnetic
resonance, Astro imaging.

Mechatronics and Optomechatronics

Definition

Mechatronics involves the integrated design of mechanical systems and associated control and regulation systems and combines mechanical, electrical and ICT engineering. Optomechatronics involves the integration of optical technology into mechatronic systems. Optomechatronic systems play an important role in semiconductor manufacturing, scientific instruments, medical equipment and robotics.

Keywords (selection)

Active and Adaptive optics, Multivariable and Robust Control, Adaptive algorithms/
Smart Optics, Free-form optics, Wavefront sensing, Telescopes, Cameras, Spectrometers, Cryogenic temperatures, Computational optics, Topology optimisation for optics and mechanics, Plasmonics, Flat-optics for new imaging systems.

Additive manufacturing

Definition

Additive manufacturing is the process of making a product by building it up layer by layer (3D printing). It is the opposite of subtractive manufacturing, where an object is made by cutting away a block of material (e.g. machining). It encompasses material development, process development and equipment development.

Keywords (selectie)

Bioprinting, Selective Laser Sintering, Stereolithography, Biofabrication, Computer Aided Manufacturing, protoptyping, 3D metal printing, Print process qualification, 3D printing for bio-degradables, for food and pharma.

Robotics

Definition

Robotics is an interdisciplinary integration of computer science and engineering. The goal of Robotics is to create intelligent machines that can assist humans in various ways.

Keywords (selection)

Autonomous assembly and disassembly, Unstructured environment, Human-robot
interaction, Self-configuration, Series of one, Customisation, Artificial intelligence,
Autonomous systems, Soft robotic matter.

Medical: Medical robotics, Surgical robots, Hospital robots, Rehabilitation robotics, Collaborative robots, Exoskeleton, Agro-food application, Pick and place, Drone systems, Social robotics.

Digital manufacturing technologies

Definition

Digital manufacturing technologies are a key driver of productivity growth in industry. They build on systems and technologies such as cyber-physical systems, digital twins, ERP systems, robotics and AI and machine learning. In industry, these include a digital representation of physical processes and systems for the purpose of digital, scalable and flexible manufacturing. Digital twins continue to develop into more autonomous, interactive and dynamic production systems, partly through the application of AI. B2B platforms and data spaces are important here, as well as (predictive) maintenance.

Keywords (selection)

Industry 4.0, Digital Technical intelligence, Real-time and Embedded Systems, Viable
System Model, Embedded Systems, Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS), Cybernetics, Autonomous Systems, Computer Architecture, Predictive modeling, AR/VR, digital
data spaces, Agent-based manufacturing, Predictive maintenance.

Microelectronics

Definition

Micro-electronics encompass semiconductor components and/or highly miniaturised electronic subsystems and their integration into larger products and systems. They include the fabrication, design, packaging and testing of semiconductor components into microscale systems that integrate multiple functions on a chip (semicon devices). They also include High Frequency and Mixed Signal Technologies (combining digital and analogue signals from different sources in an integrated system).

Keywords (selection)

Electronic Transistors, Microchips, Semiconductor Diodes, Semiconductor Manufacturing, Semiconductor Detectors, Sensor electronics, Internet of Things, Medical electronics, Computing hardware, Signal processing hardware, 5G/6G, Biomedical biochemical sensors, GPS, communication, Radar, LIDAR.

Systems engineering

Definition

Systems engineering is a methodical, multidisciplinary approach to the design, realisation, technical management, operation and decommissioning (design for recycling) of a system during its lifecycle. It involves a (complex) system that includes all the elements needed to (optimally) produce and realise solutions: hardware, software, equipment, facilities, personnel, processes and procedures.

Keywords (selection)

Complex systems, AI, Machine learning, Industrial engineering, Production Systems
Engineering, Process systems engineering, Mechanical engineering, Software engineering, Electrical engineering, Cybernetics, Organizational studies, Project management, Power electronics, Knowledge Based Engineering, Multi-disciplinary Optimization.