OPC UA is an open, platform-independent standard for industrial communication that is particularly suitable for describing industrial robots thanks to its modelable structure. However, the corresponding Robotics Companion Specification (CS) is currently only in the early stages of development. URDF is an XML-based format for modeling robots in the Robot Operating System (ROS) and contains comprehensive information on structure and kinematics. Since both formats are based on XML, structured mapping between URDF and OPC UA appears useful for converting existing models into standardized OPC UA structures.

Increasing networking and standardization in industry are opening up new opportunities for the uniform mapping and control of production systems. In this position, you will have the opportunity to help design a forward-looking digital twin framework based on industry standards that combines machine control, simulation, and monitoring. You will work at the interface between research and practice and develop solutions that can be transferred to a wide range of production machines.

Rising product complexity, shorter development cycles, and sustainability demands are driving automation in product development. AI-based generative design, especially in topology optimization, offers efficient ways to explore complex design spaces and enable largely automated processes.

The efficient assessment of a component’s structural integrity using deep learning enables the joint optimization of material selection and distribution. This allows for a more flexible and exploratory design space exploration, fostering the development of more holistic design solutions.

Subject areas:

1. Simulate Contact Deformation in FEM (Siemens NX)

2. Parametric Simulation Studies

3. Stress Distribution and Stiffness Analysis

4. Computational Tolerance Analysis

Subject areas:

1. Finite Element Method (FEM), via Siemens NX

2. Parametric Simulation Studies

3. Stress Distribution and Stiffness Analysis

4. Computational Tolerance Analysis

Revoltech is a young start-up at TU Darmstadt that develops sustainable leather alternatives. In order to substantiate the sustainability of one of their products, MATTR, with facts and figures, a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is now to be carried out. The scientific challenge here is dealing with missing data on a product in the development stage and formulating sustainability requirements.