In the field of Cyber-Physical Systems, research and development projects are carried out for a wide range of applications. These projects are developed in collaboration with national and international companies, as well as research institutions and end users. Typically, they address cross-cutting topics in which the various areas of the institute are interconnected:
 

Communication Systems

• 5G: Development and demonstration of innovative 5G applications in conjunction with an in-house 5G campus network and high-quality measurement equipment. The communication components can be implemented either ground-based or drone-based. (Contact: siegfried.roedel@th-deg.de
   
• LoRa/LoRaWAN: Establishment of communication networks with specific requirements, for example low power consumption and long range. These networks can be used for the transmission of sensor data. (Contact: johannes.haselberger@th-deg.de)
   
• Software Defined Radio: Enables the development and testing of a wide variety of high-frequency and wireless applications using universal hardware. The institute provides high-quality equipment whose data can also be processed using artificial intelligence. The areas of application range from testing new communication systems to the analysis of radio signals. (Contact: stefan.kunze@th-deg.de)

AI/Edge-AI

• Development, evaluation, and optimization of models for analyzing data from sensor networks, cameras, or software-defined radios using suitable frameworks. Depending on the application, it may be beneficial to perform (pre-)processing of data as close as possible to the data source. To achieve this, models must be specifically optimized for execution on less powerful edge devices. (Contact: alexander.faschingbauer@th-deg.de)

Sensor Applications

• Networks: Selection and deployment of sensor networks for various application domains (ranging from ambient assisted living to flood monitoring) in combination with an appropriate communication network and associated data management. (Contact: johannes.haselberger@th-deg.de)
• Analysis: Sensor data is often analyzed using artificial intelligence either on the server or at the edge. Core tasks include the implementation, optimization, and evaluation of algorithms and models. (Contact: simon.uhrmann@th-deg.de)

Drones

• Innovative Applications: Use of drones as carrier systems for various cameras (hyperspectral, multispectral, thermal infrared), sensors such as laser scanners and ground-penetrating radar, as well as communication platforms. (Contact: julian.wurm@th-deg.de)
• Security: Secure integration of drones into airspace and detection of non-cooperative drones through communication analysis, for example in conjunction with software-defined radio and edge AI. (Contact: stefan.kunze@th-deg.de)

Web Applications 

• Development of websites and Android apps using modern frameworks or no-/low-code approaches (e.g., Node-RED). The developed solutions can be standalone systems or part of projects in other areas, such as prototype frontends for various communication and sensor applications. (Contact: laura.fiegler@th-deg.de)

The Digital Economy division is dedicated to shaping the digital transformation in the regional economy and society. The focus lies on knowledge and technology transfer as well as strengthening innovation capacity in structurally weaker regions, particularly in Eastern Bavaria and adjacent areas.

Support for Companies and Public Institutions
Guidance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as public institutions in their digital transformation processes. The services offered include:

• individual consulting on digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI)
• practice-oriented training and continuing education programs
• test environments, living labs, and demonstrator pilots
• support in accessing funding opportunities and project development

Contact: markus.eider@th-deg.de

Strengthening the Region

• A central objective is the sustainable development of rural areas through digital innovation. This includes:
• analysis of the digital maturity level in selected regions
• development of data-driven strategies
• establishment and maintenance of networks with stakeholders from academia, industry, public administration, and civil society

Special emphasis is placed on Eastern Bavaria as well as neighboring regions in Austria and the Czech Republic. The goal is to make regional ecosystems smarter, more resilient, and future-ready.

(Contact: johanna.trager@th-deg.de)

Research and Transfer
 Activities in the Digital Economy field are based on application-oriented research and close collaboration with national and international project partners.
 Scientific findings are translated into practice-oriented concepts and implemented jointly with partners in concrete projects – from ideation to implementation.
 (Contact: markus.eider@th-deg.de)

In the field of Bionics & Innovation, the research focus lies on the methodological approach of bionics, its processes, and tools. The research outcomes contribute to the development of a theory of bio-inspired design. Furthermore, the work ensures that bionics can be adopted by industry—for environmentally conscious design.

This means that the bionic development process is structured in a way that allows it to be systematically applied across various industries and applications. Industry partners are supported in adapting bionics to their specific frameworks and objectives and in integrating it into existing projects and processes. For current challenges from different application domains, support is provided in identifying solutions through bionics, as well as connecting with domain experts. The working group raises awareness of the still untapped potential of bionics and promotes transdisciplinary collaboration.

The topics addressed so far at the TCF include, among others, functional surfaces (easy-to-clean properties), exoskeleton optimization, microplastic filtration, architecture (building adaptation to hot climates), and ecosystem services.

The following focal areas are addressed within the various projects:

• Process Optimization:
  • Integration of innovation management phases into the bionic development process
  • Integration of AI into the bionics process
     
• Development of Methodological Tools:  Analysis and development of (digital) tools to support and evaluate the bionics process (canvas-based approaches)
   
• Sustainability: Analysis and integration of sustainability assessment tools for bionics
• Training and Education: Development of teaching and learning modules for training young professionals and practitioners in bionics

Contact: kirsten.wommer@th-deg.de