Research
The research activities of the Faculty of Production and Engineering cover the entire value chain of an industrial company – from market research, development, design, procurement, work preparation, manufacturing, and logistics to sales, to name just a few areas of research.
Topics: Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Virtual Product Development, Production Engineering, Wood Technology, Industrial Engineering, and Digital Engineering.
Cooperation with companies
Companies have the opportunity to carry out publicly funded research projects in collaboration with the university or to commission such projects directly. Take advantage of the contact options with the individual sections in our faculty. If you cannot find a suitable contact person in our university through the laboratories, the Research & Transfer department of our university or the Dean’s Office (tel. +49 5261 702 3601) will be happy to help you.
Institutions
The Research institute Future Energy for Energy Research is committed to bringing about the energy transition. It develops energy solutions for neighborhoods, mobility, and working environments. Scientists from four faculties are involved: Detmold School of Architecture and Interior Architecture, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics, and Faculty of Production Engineering and Wood Technology. The goal is to create the ideal energy system: renewable, state-of-the-art, safe and reliable, sustainable, accepted by all stakeholders, and affordable.
Research focus
The ProErgo research focus – "Ergonomics and Industrial Engineering" – aims to work with industrial companies to design socio-technical systems, also known as work systems, based on ergonomic and economic criteria and taking new technological developments into account. Further information on the content and the project partners involved can be found at:
Direct digital manufacturing in the context of Industry 4.0 is a research focus at the Lemgo campus funded by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.
The overarching goal is to achieve physical and virtual consistency throughout the entire product development process, from the definition of requirements to prototype construction and manufacturing. This involves the equal integration of various innovative manufacturing technologies and new concepts of human-machine interaction. Further information on this research focus can be found at:
The overarching goal of the Smart Wood Center research focus at the (TH) OWL University of Applied Sciences and Arts encompasses the areas of
- forest-wood-construction innovations,
- product innovations, and
- process innovations
, thus covering the entire wood processing value chain.
Materials science and materials engineering influence current developments in electromobility, energy technology, mechanical and automotive engineering, and information and communication technology. Materials are important but hidden drivers of innovation. Material efficiency is important for keeping costs economical. Against this backdrop, several laboratories in the faculties of Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics as well as Production Engineering and Wood Technology are working on the research focus "Innovative Materials."
research activities
Dr. Theo Kiesel: Drive technology, machine measurement technology
- Measurement of mechanical variables
- Vibration testing
- Calculation of dynamic systems (simulation)
Dr.-Ing. Jian Song: Precision engineering and microsystems technology
- Electromechanical components and systems
- Plastics engineering
Dr.-Ing. Andreas Paa: Piston engines, Mechatronic Systems
- Power roller test benches
- Hydraulic systems
Dr.-Ing. Georg Klepp: Fluid mechanics and energy technology
- Flow simulations (CFD)
- Power and working machines (fans, centrifugal pumps, radial compressors)
- Impact jets (flow, heat and mass transfer)
- Biofuels (production and storage)
Dr.-Ing. Jozef Balun: Materials science, materials testing
- Non-destructive, mechanical-technological testing methods
- Stress-appropriate material selection
- Damage analysis
You can find information about research activities in FB7 on the websites of the individual sections.
Selected Current Projects
The goal of the FeDiNAR collaborative project is to develop and evaluate an AR-based learning system with accompanying learning scenarios in order to use mistakes made by learners as efficiently as possible for individual skill acquisition. With the FeDiNAR system, learners can be presented with specific responsibilities in learning scenarios that require them to make decisions, perform actions, and evaluate results. Learners stand at the actual machine and can interact with it directly. However, some of the actions (and their effects) take place exclusively in the virtual world (via a digital twin), so that, for example, a wrench left on the milling machine only flies through the workshop virtually, and this is visualized for the learner via AR.
Partner:
- Institute of Industrial Engineering at RWTH Aachen University
- Institute for Human-Machine Interaction at RWTH Aachen University
- oculavis GmbH
- QualiTec GmbH
Funding Agency and Grant Number:
The FeDiNAR project (Grant No.: 01PV18005C) is funded under the “Digital Media in Vocational Education and Training – Research Projects on Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR) in Vocational Education and Training (VRARBB)” program, administered by the project management agency DLR.
The KI-Pro project is conducting research into innovative assistance system technologies for Mechanical Engineering in collaboration with the Helmut Schmidt University of the German Armed Forces and the companies HOMAG Kantentechnik and HOMAG Plattenaufteiltechnik. The project utilizes methods of artificial intelligence and machine learning.
The CO2-BINDER project is an interdisciplinary research and technology transfer project aimed at replacing fossil-based building materials with innovative wood-based construction products. Academic leadership is provided by Georg-August University of Göttingen (Department of Wood Biology and Wood Products) in cooperation with the (TH) OWL University of Applied Sciences and Arts (Faculty of Production and Engineering, Smart Wood Center research focus) and the University of Applied Sciences and Arts (Faculty of Architecture, Faculty of Building and Preservation, Hildesheim).
The goal of the project is to identify and further develop new wood products based on wood species—particularly hardwood—and qualities that have been little used to date. These include hybrid wood products, such as those made from a combination of hardwood and softwood, as well as recyclable, high-performance joints. The focus is on bio-based adhesives, metal-free wood-to-wood joints, and the optimization of product development—from material selection through design and manufacturing to practical application. CO2-BINDER covers the entire innovation chain: from basic research in the laboratory through prototypes and demonstrators to production layouts and product data sheets. Through detachable, bio-based joints, resource-efficient and load-bearing hybrid solutions, and the use of regional wood assortments, recyclability and carbon sequestration are increased, and energy-intensive building materials are replaced.
A main focus area at the (TH) OWL University of Applied Sciences and Arts is on the development of production processes that are close to series production and are material- and energy-efficient. This includes CNC and automation solutions as well as the design of suitable tools and fixtures to enable scalable production and the subsequent application of the products in construction practice.
Title: AGrandBuild – Investigation of the potential for using coastal fir wood (Abies grandis (Dougl. ex D. Don) Lindl.) as a climate-resilient alternative to spruce wood (Picea abies Karst.) in load-bearing timber construction products
Project Leader: Prof. Katja Frühwald-König | Faculty of Production and Engineering
Research Focus: Environment & Resources
Brief description:
The scarcity of spruce wood, caused by climate change, makes it necessary to investigate climate-resilient alternatives to meet the rising demand for sustainable, bio-based building materials. The “AGrandBuild” project focuses on the potential applications of coastal fir wood in load-bearing timber construction products. To date, only the use of coastal fir wood of North American origin (USA, Canada) for load-bearing purposes is permitted in Germany through the “Hemfir” product range. The goal of the project is to assess the suitability of coastal fir wood of German origin based on German strength grading standards and to prepare for classification under EN 1912 in order to ensure a long-term supply of wood-based raw materials for the construction industry. The project is structured around four main objectives along the value chain: Roundwood properties: The quality of the raw wood and the influences of silvicultural measures are being investigated. A possible adaptation of existing grading criteria for coastal fir is also to be evaluated. Strength grading: Both visual and machine grading of the wood according to relevant standards are being tested. The goal is to adapt the grading criteria and grade limits to the specific properties of coastal fir so that it can be included in the catalog of gradeable timber species upon project completion. Construction products: The production of glued construction products made from coastal fir will be evaluated, and their physical and mechanical properties will be determined. Modeling and Optimization: Elastomechanical and hygroscopic wood properties will be determined and used for computer-aided material modeling and the optimization of building products. This project aims to facilitate high-quality use of coastal fir wood in the construction industry to address climate-related challenges and meet the growing demand for sustainable timber construction.
Project website: not yet available
Duration: October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2028
Funding amount: €438,617.84
Partners: Wald und Holz NRW
Contact:
Prof. Katja Frühwald-König
Tel.: +49 5261 702 5827
Email: katja.fruehwald(at)th-owl.de
(As of: October 6, 2025)
Funded by: Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Home Affairs (BMLEH)
The "3D-MC2B" project investigates customizable circuit carriers and the resulting possibilities for integrating highly compact electronics into complex and confined spaces. The innovative approach involves the use of powder-coated metal substrates, which, compared to the injection-molded plastics used previously, offer significantly better thermal properties for heat management, among other benefits. For more information, visit:
With the goal of integrating retrofit sensor systems spatially into machines and plants, the “RESSIAR-MID” project is investigating and further developing innovative MID process technologies. Among other things, the project utilizes laser direct structuring of additively manufactured plastic components, as this method allows for the production of customized sensor systems even in small batch sizes. For more information, please visit:
The interconnection of machines, devices, and applications in the Internet of Things (IoT) places high requirements on product development. There is a gap between the high demand for custom sensors and the electronic technologies currently available on the markets. The solution lies in sensors that are custom-manufactured using additive manufacturing (AM) and mechatronic integrated devices (MID). Thanks to MIDs, mechanical and electrical functions are integrated into a single component. Where it was previously difficult to place sensors, this is now possible with the help of the new technology. As part of the it's OWL project, these very new application possibilities for AM-MID applications in mechanical and plant engineering are to be analyzed. The Fraunhofer IEM, TH OWL, Lenze SE, CP contech electronic, steute Technologies, and Berg & Co. are collaborating on the project. For more information, visit:
Companies are seeing a growing need for custom software applications to digitize and perform optimization of processes. Currently, IT specialists are primarily required to develop and customize these applications. Since many companies face a shortage of IT specialists and IT departments are often overburdened, this approach is costly and involves long deployment times. An alternative is for employees in specialized departments to quickly and easily create their own company-specific software applications that digitally support and thereby optimize existing processes. A consortium working on such a solution is the it’s OWL project “Development and Implementation of a Holistic Approach to the Digitalization of Processes in Industrial Companies Using Low-Code Software” (Pro-LowCode), funded by the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, which launched in early March with a two-year duration.
The “SInnAssist” project is developing, testing, and implementing an innovative assistance system for people who require support. The goal is to enable these individuals to participate as fully as possible in the workforce. In addition to providing situational support services in the area of manual assembly, an assistance system designed to support social work will also be deployed. The project thus makes a decisive contribution to the integration of these individuals into the primary labor market. On behalf of TH OWL, the Laboratory for Industrial Engineering (Prof. Dr. Sven Hinrichsen and Prof. Dr. Sven Tackenberg) is participating in this collaborative project. The project is led by the Diakonie University of Applied Sciences in Bielefeld (Prof. Dr. Frank Dieckbreder). Further information on the project’s scope and participating partners can be found at the following link:
Autonomous guided vehicles are used in companies across nearly all industries to perform automated transport tasks. They require multiple lanes to accommodate oncoming traffic and overtaking maneuvers. The goal of this project is to minimize the space required for these traffic routes, thereby freeing up valuable additional factory floor space for production.
Concept design of the KonVa automated guided vehicle
The research focuses on the development and implementation of an innovative technical and logistical solution concept designed to enable the automatic transport of small load carriers on the narrowest transport routes using driverless transport vehicles with variable contours. The goal is to enable bidirectional and overtaking traffic of loaded and unloaded vehicles on a single lane. This is achieved when the vehicles are capable of dynamically adjusting their contours in response to the situation, allowing them to “pass over and under” obstacles.
Key elements of the project include the development of the contour-variable driverless transport vehicles, vehicle control, and a system prototype with a higher-level control system.
A successful development opens up new possibilities for intralogistics in many industries where small load carriers are used and leads to resource conservation by minimizing traffic lane space and avoiding vehicle congestion.
The collaborative project is being carried out by the Laboratory for Technical Logistics at the (TH) OWL University of Applied Sciences and Arts in Lemgo, led by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Li Li, and the industry partner AAT Automation GmbH in Karlsruhe, from January 1, 2021, to August 30, 2023. The project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology as part of the “Central Innovation Program for small and medium-sized businesses (SMB)” (ZIM). The project, with funding code KK 5122001RF0, is managed by AiF Projekt GmbH.
Sustainability and the circular economy in the construction and operation of buildings can only be achieved with the participation of all stakeholders along the value chain. Requirements regarding material and energy use necessitate coordinated collaboration between the scientific community and stakeholders in the construction industry to develop targeted solution strategies in areas such as “serial construction and renovation,” “future-proof building technology,” and “circular use of building materials.”
The project’s objectives are to analyze the needs and challenges of the construction industry to ensure its future viability, to derive concrete action plans to address these challenges, and to establish a cooperation platform to promote knowledge transfer focused on the theme of “decarbonization in construction and the building stock.”
- The “CO2Bau” project is funded under the “Cooperation Platforms 2022” funding program of the Ministry of Culture and Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia (MKW NRW).
- Duration: May 1, 2023 – April 30, 2027
- Project partners:
o (TH) OWL University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Faculty of Production Engineering and Wood Technology, Prof. Katja Frühwald-König
(TH) OWL University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Detmold School of Architecture, faculty of Building Physics and Technical Finishing, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Susanne Schwickert
o Düsseldorf University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Institute for Livable and Environmentally Friendly Urban Development IN-Lust, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Eike Musall
Publications
The publications of the Mechanical Engineering faculty are collected centrally in our database. For an overview, please use the following link.
The publications of the Faculty of Production Engineering and Wood Technology are collected centrally in our databases. For an overview, please use the following link.
Research and transfer at TH OWL
TH OWL is one of Germany's leading universities of applied sciences in terms of research and is committed to lively knowledge transfer. Our culture of innovation is results- and application-oriented. This means that we conduct research in joint projects with companies, thereby strengthening the innovative power of our partners and the region. In doing so, we focus on profiling ourselves in strategic fields of research.
We believe that people who meet in a creative environment form the basis for original approaches to research. TH OWL provides the framework for this: a well-developed research infrastructure, optimal support for doctoral studies and start-ups, and an established network of business, science, society, and culture. All these threads come together in our Research and Transfer Center (FTZ).
Research unlocks new knowledge and satisfies the curiosity that lies within us all. It becomes visible through publications, inventions, and artistic works—at TH OWL, this is particularly evident in collaborations with partners from industry and science, as we place a strong emphasis on practical application.