The Chair

History

 
  • 2017

    For the research of laser-based processes for the joining of copper materials, a new test cell is available to the Chair of Factory Automation and Production Systems. The special machine tailored to the requirements of the chair was realized in close cooperation with the company ERLAS Erlanger Lasertechnik GmbH. Integrated into the test cell are a welding optics BEO D70 and a scanner welding optics PFO33-2 of the manufacturer Trumpf, which are used in combination with a beam source TruDisk 8001.
    At the general meeting of the Mechatronics & Automation cluster in Augsburg, Prof. Jörg Franke will once again be elected to the Executive Board.
    Dr.-Ing. Alexander Kühl receives the Best Paper Award at the IEEE IEMDC 2017 – International Electric Machines & Drives Conference for the paper “Technologies and Processes for the Flexible Robot Assembly of Electric Motor Stators”.

  • 2016

    Unique universal wrapping machine expands the E|Drive machine park. Changing winding schemes, varying wire geometries, changing winding types – every new research and industry project of the E|Drive-Center places different demands on the winding, the heart of every electric motor.
    For the presentation of the publication “Mechatronic Integrated Devices Produced by Laser Direct Structuring on Powder-Coated Aluminum Substrates” at the 39th International Spring Seminar on Electronics Technology (ISSE) in Pilsen, the conference committee honored Mr. Thomas Kuhn with the “Excellent Presentation Award for Young Scientists”.
    Martin Müller is awarded the “Best Presentation Award for Young Scientists” for the publication “Feasibility Study of Generating Mechatronic Devices by Digital Direct Metallization with a Plasma Based Copper Coating Process”.
    The EU is supporting the “PEER-Lab” (Power Electronics Endurance and Reliability Laboratory) project for three years with grants of 750,000 euros through the ERDF Structural Funds support program.
    As Chairman of the Executive Board, Prof. Jörg Franke will be unanimously re-elected by the General Assembly of the Research Association Spatial Electronic Assemblies 3-D MID e.V. for the period 2016 to 2019.

    November 8: Presidential election in the United States. Republican Donald Trump receives 302 electoral votes and becomes the 45th US President on January 20, 2017.

    December 13: 200th birthday of Werner von Siemens

  • 2015

    Prof. Franke is elected as a new member of the German Academy of Engineering Sciences. acatech represents the German technical sciences at home and abroad in a self-determined, independent and public welfare-oriented manner. As a working academy, acatech advises politics and society in questions of technological science and technology policy. In addition, acatech has set itself the goal of supporting the transfer of knowledge between science and industry and promoting young scientists in the field of technology.
    Aarief Syed-Khaja will is awarded with the “Young Researcher Award 2015” for his publication “Influential Parameters in the Development of Transient Liquid Phase Soldering (TLPS) as a New Interconnect System for High Power Applications” at the IEEE CPMT Symposium 2015 in Kyoto, Japan.
    Jochen Zeitler will be honored in WInTeSys 2015, the Science and Industry Forum Intelligent Technical Systems, in Paderborn for the best contribution to the 10th Workshop “Design of mechatronic systems” entitled “Approach to the Integrative Development of Spatial Optomechatronic Assemblies”.
    The German Research Foundation (DFG) is funding the research group OPTAVER (“Optical assembly and connection technology for bus-integrated bus systems) with a grant of 1.35 million euros over a period of three years.
    The EU is supporting the “MagLAB: Magnetic Field Measurement Laboratory for the Development of Automated System Solutions for the Testing and Characterization of Magnetic Materials, Components and Subassemblies” for a total of 3 years through the ERDF Structural Funding Program.

    December 9: Angela Merkel is awarded the title of Person of the Year by the US news magazine Time.

  • 2014

    At the general meeting of the Scientific Society for Assembly – Handling – Industrial Robots (WG MHI) eV (www.wgmhi.de), which will take place on 20.05.2014 at the Chair of Factory Automation and Production Systems at its research location Auf AEG in Nuremberg, Prof. Jörg Franke will be confirmed as Member of the Board.
    The chair invests in an electric car with promising data and grandiose appearance: the Tesla Model S by Teslamotors, headquartered in California, USA.
    Michael Scholz wins the first Green Factory Bavaria Award with his project “E|Flow – Energy efficient, versatile and autonomous transport vehicles for in-house material flow”.

    June 12 to July 13: 20th Football World Cup in Brazil; The winner is Germany.

  • 2013

    At the CIRP Annual Congress, which is held in Copenhagen in August 2013, Prof. Jörg Franke is admitted to the International Academy of Production Sciences. CIRP (www.cirp.net) is the world’s leading research company in the areas of production engineering, engineering and organization. The research corporation has a limited membership of approximately 600 members worldwide, who have proven themselves through outstanding scientific expertise.
    Kick-off event for the Green Factory Bavaria: The Free State of Bavaria is supporting the development of an interdisciplinary research project for energy-saving production technologies in the framework of a package of measures for the energy transition agreed between several ministries. The project is planned for four years with a planned total volume of 12 million euros.
    Kick-off for the bionic center “Bionicum”: The project, which has been funded over five years, is being carried out in cooperation with the TH Nuremberg and is dedicated to 3D printing of artificial muscles at the FAPS chair.
    Dr. Christian Ziegler receives the Bühler Motor Mechatronic Award at the International Electric Drives Production Conference (E|DPC).
    The EU is supporting the development of the PEP Lab with the structural funding program ERDF. With a project volume of more than 750,000 euros, an application center for power electronic manufacturing processes is being launched under the leadership of the FAPS chair together with partners from the Bavarian industry.

    A Mercedes S-Class vehicle drives as an autonomous land vehicle the historic Bertha-Benz route from Mannheim to Pforzheim completely autonomously in the presence of journalists.

  • 2012

    The Bavarian Technology Center for Resource-Efficient and Intelligent Living “E|Home-Center” starts. The chair FAPS supports the energy transition by optimizing the use of energy in production (Green Factory Bavaria), in traffic (E|Drive-Center) and now also in the field of private housing. The Bavarian Ministry of Science has provided funding for the construction of the “Bavarian Technology Center for Private Housing” (E|Home-Center) over a period of three years. The E|Home-Center should provide the citizens of Bavaria with the necessary knowledge, provide advice and, in particular, carry out developments in order to exploit this potential. The offices of the E|Home-Center are now being set up on the former AEG site in Nuremberg, and integrated solutions for private housing are developed across faculties with the participation of several research institutes and various companies.
    Prof. Franke is appointed as a founding member of the board of the scientific society for assembly, handling and industrial robotics (MHI).

    Opel celebrates its 150th anniversary.

    The International Year of Sustainable Energy for All takes place.

  • 2011

    The chair moves to its new location “auf AEG”. After completion of the conversion work in the new laboratory hall, the E|Drive-Center can undertake its research work on a total of 2,400 square meters spread over 2 floors. On the ground floor, a laboratory environment of the latest standard has been created after 4 months of conversion. The spacious and open design of the laboratory hall provides scope for innovative research work along the process chain of electrical engineering, which will be successively built up in the coming months. On the second floor, the premises of the former Electrolux dishwasher development department provide excellent conditions for the research of the E|Drive Center.

    The compulsory military service in Germany will be suspended from March.

  • 2010

    Start of the E|Drive-Center: with a start-up financing of nine million euros, the Free State of Bavaria is supporting the buildup of the Bavarian Technology Center for Electric Drive Technology (E|Drive-Center) as part of the structural program for the Nuremberg-Fürth region. Under the leadership of the FAPS chair, the work of the transfer center, which focuses on the production of electric drives, will start in April 2010 with the aim of providing sustainable support to Bavarian companies in an industry with above-average growth prospects.
    MID application center founded at FAPS: MID, molded interconnect devices or mechatronically integrated devices show great potential in terms of functional integration and miniaturization. The FAPS chair is therefore setting up an MID application center (MIDAZ) in order to support companies in the development and construction of mechatronically integrated devices as well as the production of prototypes and small batches. In the starting phase from August 2010, the EU is supporting the establishment of the MID application center with a Structural Fund under the ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) funding program for a total of 3 years. Prof. Jörg Franke becomes chairman of the board of the research association 3D-MID e.V.

    2 January: The world’s only mixed-use conventional and automatic subway in Nuremberg is completely converted to automatic operation.

  • 2009

    Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jörg Franke takes over the management of the chair FAPS of Prof. Feldmann, who led the chair created in 1982 for almost 27 years. The focus of the scientific work will continue to be the development, production and assembly of mechatronic systems.

    Barack Obama receives the Nobel Peace Prize “for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation among peoples”.

  • 2007

    Start-up event for the mechatronics and automation cluster at AUDI in Ingolstadt. Prof. Feldmann is re-elected as the first chairman of the research group 3-D MID e.V. Y. Zhuo graduates as 90th Dr.-Ing. of the FAPS institute.

    In the Olympiastadion in Berlin, 1. FC Nuremberg wins the German Football Cup.

  • 2006

    In the Northeast Park, technology policy is discussed with State Secretary Wöhrl. A new collaborative research centre on electronics begins. Presentation of the cluster initiative in the Bavarian State Chancellery, Prof. Feldmann is appointed by Minister Huber as spokesman in the cluster Mechatronics and Automation. Start of cooperation INI.FAU with AUDI, FAPS participates with a project on electronics. The 7th MID Congress takes place in the Stadthalle Fürth, Dr.-Ing. Enser receives the MID-Award.

    For the World Cup, the “Schöne Brunnen” in Nuremberg is covered with chairs.

  • 2005

    The research alliance TB 52 for electronics, founded by the DFG, begins. FAPS is once again participating in the “Girls and Technology” program. A public colloquium in the context of the joint project for power electronics – powerline, sponsored by the bmbf, is held at Theuern castle, Amberg. Completion of the Bavarian Competence Network BKM and the transfer to a joint research association. The British Ambassador visits FAPS.

    After early elections, a great coalition is formed, Dr. A. Merkel becomes Federal Chancellor.

  • 2004

    The “Visions-Innovations-Markets” series is openened at the Forschungsfabrik in Nordostpark Nuremberg in the presence of State Secretary Spitzner. After the maximum possible duration of 12 years, the SFB 356 production systems in electronics is concluded with a public colloquium. The first father at the FAPS is taking parental leave for two years. Dr. Meier receives the doctorate award of MID e.V., Dr. Eisenbarth the Staedtler Foundation award.

    EU eastward enlargement to 25 states.

  • 2003

    Visit of Minister Bulmahn with intensive discussions on the politically wanted changes of study conditions throughout Europe. Dr. J. Wunderlich receives the Ludwig Erhard Prize, Dr. Wenk is awarded the doctoral prize by the Industrial Research Foundation. In order to promote research with cooperating robots, another system with two articulated arms is installed. Prof. Feldmann is elected as a member of the Convention for Technology Sciences – acatech.

  • 2002

    Inauguration of the Nuremberg research factory and relocation of the micromechatronics and electronics production sectors to Nuremberg. FAPS hosts the 9th International CIRP Seminar on Life Cycle Engineering. In the Stadthalle Erlangen the 5th MID Congress takes place with over 300 participants from 16 countries. The Erlangen mechanical engineering achieves a top position at the CHE ranking.

    In April, Prof. K. D. Grüske took over the office of the president of the university, Prof. G. Jasper. Introduction of the Euro.

  • 2001

    Foundation for the new Nuremberg research factory in the Nordostpark. Presentations in the FAPS labs for the Bavarian-wide high-tech day – OB Balleis and Rector Jasper served the drinks on the server. For the successful completion of the project “Refurbishing Medical Devices” Minister Schnappauf in Forchheim is laying the foundations for a new production hall. The further course of study Mechatronics starts. The mechanical engineers in Erlangen achieve top position in the DFG ranking. Alumni form the circle FAPSart, Automotive Round Table.

    On September 11th 2001 the terrible attacks in the USA shock the world.

  • 2000

    The extensive joint project “Bavarian Competence Network Mechatronics – BKM” is launched by the Minister of Economics, Wiesheu. In the partnership with 5 other institutes in Nuremberg and Munich, numerous projects on macro- and micro-electronics are being worked on. In the meantime, a total of five doctoral students from Indonesia and China are active at the institute. In co-operation with the WiSo Faculty, the new course of studies in Industrial Engineering is being launched.

    The Expo 2000 takes place in Hanover.

  • 1999

    In July, the results of the collaborative project “New Materials for MID Technology” is presented in a large event with Minister of the Interior Bulmahn in Garbsen. During the university days, Prof. Feldmann reports on simulation and experiment at the city hall Amberg. A long-term cooperation for student exchange with the French engineering college École Supérieur d’Ingénieurs en Génieum, ESIGELEC in Rouen, begins.

    Relocation of the German Bundestag to Berlin. The world’s population is growing to more than 6 billion people.

  • 1998

    The 3rd MID-Congress is taking place with an accompanying exhibition in the Stadthalle Erlangen. On the days of research in June, the prototype for a construction robot will be introduced, which will flexibly and automatically take over the difficult overhead work when setting anchors and spacers on the ceiling. In a tragic accident on the Mediterranean, our chief engineer, Dipl.-Ing Christian Schnur drowns.

    After 16 years in Bonn the government of H. Kohl changes to G. Schröder.

  • 1997

    The study program is extended by the new course of studies “Production in Electrical Engineering”. With the first, still voluminous beamer, a new technology begins in teaching. In the framework program “Production in the 21st Century”, bmbf is sponsoring a project for research and further education in electronics production. When roofing the multi-purpose buildings, a smoldering fire is triggered, which is discovered in the evening by odor-sensitive staff. The Bayerische Fernsehen broadcasts a discussion with Prof. Feldmann from the Staatskanzlei.

  • 1996

    A further special research area under the leadership of the mechanical engineering department starts with the topic “Robust, shortened process chains” as SFB 396, FAPS is involved with assembly topics. The Bayerische Forschungsverbund Simulationstechnik with Prof. Feldmann as a speaker begins. The bmbf supports a comprehensive collaborative project for the development of new materials for mechatronic applications. In the Collegium Alexandrinum, Prof. Feldmann deals with automation and the labor market. Dipl.-Ing. W. Weller becomes a member of the Academic Senate.

    In May, Dr. S. Balleis is elected as mayor of the city of Erlangen as successor to Dr. D. Hahlweg.

  • 1995

    SFB 356 is continued with phase II. A. Rothhaupt if the 1000th Dr.-Ing. of the faculty of technology, the dean congratulates personally. Dr. J. Franke is awarded the Kienzlemedaille by the Wissenschaftliche Gesellschaft Produktionstechnik. Prof. Feldmann is a guest lecturer at Chiao Tung University in Hsinchu, Taiwan for production automation. His tutor, Prof. S. K. Lin, had graduated in 1988 in Erlangen. For the conclusion of PAP after 10 years the results are presented.

    The abolition of border controls at the signatory states of the Schengen Agreement.

  • 1994

    At the 1st MID-Congress 300 participants from 13 nations meet in the university. Prof. Feldmann is involved in the “Technology Helps Healing” program for the VDI during the day of technology at the Nuremberg Exhibition Center. FAPS is hosting the 2nd International CIRP Seminar “Life Cycle Engineering”. Dr. Ernst, Siemens AG, starts a lecture on project management. The collaborative research centre 356 production systems in electronics gather for creative reflection in the monastery of Banz. Prof. Feldmann becomes active member of CIRP in Singapore.

    The area cleared by the US army in Erlangen becomes one of the largest development areas of the city named Röthelheimpark.

  • 1993

    With a delegation of the Scientific Society for Production Engineering – WGP, current questions are discussed with the Bundestag delegates during a parliamentary evening in Bonn. The research group FORSYS is presenting itself with a large public event at BMW in Munich. The SFB 182 “Multiprocessor and Network Configurations” goes into phase 3.

    Friedrich-Alexander-University celebrates its 250th anniversary. The Maastricht Treaty enters into force.

  • 1992

    The collaborative research centre “Production Systems in Electronics” starts with Prof. Feldmann as a speaker. The Research Association for Spatial Electronic Assemblies 3D-MID e.V. is founded, Prof. Feldmann has been the first chairman ever since. Inauguration of the converted multi-purpose buildings. Prof. Feldmann becomes the first chairman of the VDI district of Nuremberg. Dipl.-Inf. B. Bärnreuther is the first woman at the institute graduating for a Dr.-Ing. A used robot is placed in front of the main entrance as an art object.

    The last section of the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal is opened by President von Weizsäcker.

  • 1991

    The user laboratory ALFI moves from Tennenlohe into the renovated laboratory rooms in the Egerlandstrasse. FAPS and several companies found the work group “EPMElectronic Production in Mechanical Engineering”. As one of the first institutes at the university, FAPS presents itself on the Internet, the e-mail address @faps.uni-erlangen.de is defined. At the anniversary of the International Research Association for Production Engineering – CIRP in San Francisco, Prof. Feldmann is admitted as a Corresponding Member.

  • 1990

    After the German reunification, Prof. Feldmann is involved as an expert in the reorganization of the universities of Jena and Saxony. Used computers are provided to the TU Dresden. The construction of an extended experimental building in Egerlandstrasse is in progress. In July, the Bayerische Forschungsverbund Systemtechnik-Forsys is launched. At Fameta, Nuremberg, FAPS presents a comprehensive CIM special show. PAP goes into phase II.

    In April Prof. Dr. G. Jasper becomes Rector of the University as successor to President Prof. Dr. N. Fiebiger.

  • 1989

    In June, return visit of a delegation of the Department of Technology of the University of Jena. FAPS presents its focus on assembly planning and simulation at EMO, Hanover. Prof. Feldmann becomes a member of the board of the REFA Landesverband Bayern. After the theft of a PC, the rueful perpetrator drops the device several days later in front of the entrance door. FAPS is presenting its on a booth and the symposium at the Productronica in Munich in November.

    On November 9th the Berlin Wall falls.

    In Dresden Prof. Sauer starts spontaneously with his Wartburg to Munich and at the Productronica a successful partnership between FAPS and the IET of the TU Dresden begins.

    Dr. Ernst is honored by the Faculty of Technology with the Helmut Volz Medal.

  • 1988

    As part of the nationwide promotion of computer-integrated production, a demonstration center for CIM-TT will be set up at the institute. In the CAD area, new developments are possible with the commissioning of networked autonomous workstations. Communication via e-mail is introduced at the institute. In the course of a journey to Jena, the partner city of Erlangen, which was still very complicated at that time, exploratory talks are held with the management of the university and the section technology. Student excursion to Berlin-West.

    T. Schöck becomes new Chancellor of the university, following K. Köhler.

  • 1987


    The SFB 182 “multiprocessor and network configuration” starts, FAPS is involved with the topic of computer-guided assembly cells. The first PAP presentation is very popular. At the Productronica in Munich, the institute presents itself with a complete line for electronics production. Secretary of State for Science, Wild, visits the booth and the institute. Prof. Feldmann rejects a call to the TU Berlin after making commitments in the field of personnel and the construction of an extended experimental facility. The Bayerische Fernsehen broadcasts a detailed report on the production automation with contributions from the model factory at the institute. The number of study beginners reaches 150 for the first time.

  • 1986

    The Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs promotes the establishment of a user laboratory for production automation and industrial robot – ALFI. For this purpose, rooms are being rented at the new Innovation and Start-Up Center in Erlangen-Tennenlohe. In the winter term, 93 new students are enrolled. After several thefts of electronic devices, the chair applied for simplest security measures on the technically creatively designed windows. Deutsche Welle reports on robots and automation at the institute in a TV report.

  • 1985

    The exemplary co-operation project “Automated Production Systems – PAP” between Siemens AG and the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg is launched in January. With the joint planting of an oak, the ten years lasting collaboration is sealed. First offices and a small hall in Egerlandstrasse 7 are ready to move in. After a successful application for large instruments and equipment, a VAX 750 with 8 MB main memory is proudly put into operation. Participation in the mobile presentation of the Ministry of Economic Affairs on microsensors with a sensor-integrated robot.

  • 1984

    The inner courtyard of the Egerlandstrasse 5 building is covered and furnished as a laboratory, a neighboring hall converted into offices. By means of clever architecture two more office spaces are possible in the roof area. With Dr. A. Friedl 1st doctorate at the chair. First talks with Dr. Ernst, Siemens AG, on cooperation in production automation. Prof. Feldmann is traveling with a delegation from BMBF to China. Lecture on robots and automation at Collegium Alexandrinum. Host of the VDI congress for the assembly with 250 participants at the German National Museum in Nuremberg.

  • 1983

    The institute already has 10 employees in January. The first robot is put into operation temporarily in an office in Egerlandstrasse 5. In the Haberstraße, a CADIS workplace is used to start the CAD engineering. Together with Prof. Seitzer and Prof. Herzog, the project E.I.S. for microelectronics starts. A first DFG project with Prof. Wedekind on the topic “Design of Integrated Engineering Databases” is approved. First lectures, first participation at Productronica Munich with a panel discussion on electronics production.

    Ulf Merbold flies into space with the Columbia to the Spacelab Mission.

  • 1982

    On October 1st, Prof. Feldmann and the first three employees meet in a converted flat in Haberstraße 2 and begin the construction of the chair. The first equipment is a used drawing board and an electric typewriter. In addition to interviews with applicants and coordination with the building office, there are already initial contacts with colleagues on possible cooperations.

    Also in Bonn a new beginning: after a constructive vote for no confidence, Helmut Kohl assumes the office of the Federal Chancellor from Helmut Schmidt.

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