As in the previous year, the members of the two research sectors Automated Production Systems and Engineering Systems came together at Burg Feuerstein in Ebermannstadt to conduct the joint strategy meeting. The individual workshops provided a very good opportunity to analyze and sharpen the future strategic orientation and to define measures for further development.

During the first two days, the research sector E|Sys examined its main content areas from different perspectives, e.g. by comparing current trend topics with existing competences from ongoing research projects. The opportunity to have in-depth discussions with the entire team, away from the daily business, formed the basis for thinking through strategic analyses, critically questioning and initiating new ideas. The last day was reserved for organizational topics such as the preparation of the ASIM 2021 conference organised by the FAPS Chair and a short training in time management.

In their workshops, the research sector A|PS focused in particular on the mid- and long-term strategic orientation of the research focus. Besides evaluating the previous research fields, the current needs and trend topics of the automation industry were intensively analysed and discussed. As a result, key topics were identified that clearly sharpen the research profile of A|PS and give the research activities a better and more comprehensible profile. Future projects will be divided into the following four main research areas:

– Control and sensor technology,

– Industrial communication,

– Software & IT in manufacturing and

– Factory energy networks and energy efficiency

Beside the official programme, there was also the opportunity for cross-group networking during team building events. This year’s activities ranged from a nice walk to dinner, using the facilities at Burg Feuerstein and a game of disc golf at a nearby course.

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