The Maintenance and Repair Technologies Department focuses its research activities on applying a variety of innovative MRO process technologies to optimise processes that are still performed manually. To achieve this, we are investigating and developing a range of digital, automation and robotics technologies. Their application in relation to inspection and repair processes should provide a simultaneous increase in both efficiency and quality. Another aspect is generating and using data that can be fed into a digital twin and made available for further process steps, as well as being accessible throughout the entire product lifecycle. Digital and automated documentation and reporting also forms part of the department’s research.
The department also develops condition monitoring technologies to detect damage and degradation during operation. To achieve this, we look into which existing sensor technology can best be used to evaluate and assess the condition. In addition, we are working on the integration of additional sensor technology and the automated evaluation of the data generated.
An important facet in the digitalisation and (partial) automation of manual and individual processes is the human aspect, as intuitive human-machine and human-data interfaces make the corresponding technologies accessible. For this purpose, the department develops visual interfaces, through augmented and virtual reality, for instance, along with physical assistance systems.
The institute’s Application Center MRO provides the means for these research topics to be developed, demonstrated and evaluated in the practical sense.