it's OWL - Intelligente Technische Systeme OstWestfalenLippe

© it's OWL - Intelligente Technische Systeme OstWestfalenLippe

The fourth Industrial Revolution

In the Technology Network Technical Systems OstWestfalenLippe (abbr. it`s OWL), 247 companies, universities, research institutes and organizations have pooled their expertise to jointly address the innovation leap from mechatronics to intelligent technical systems. In the Leading-Edge Cluster global leader in the field of mechanical engineering, electrical and electronic engineering and the automotive supply industry as well as international prestigious top-class research facilities bring together their strengths. The common aim is to reach a leading position in the region OWL in the global competition for intelligent technical systems.

In the technology network both economy and science realize application orientated research projects of a total volume of 100 million euros. Thus five years from now the partner will develop technologies for a new generation of products and manufacturing systems.

it’s OWL

Intelligent technical systems result from the synergy between engineering and information technology. Their applications range from intelligent sensors, for example to monitor hazardous materials storage areas or to regulate dough mixers, through individual automation and drive solutions, to complete, networked production plants for agriculture or industrial laundries. “Everyone talks about Industry 4.0 – we develop concrete solutions and thereby contribute in a major way to making production sustainable in Germany,” says Hans Beckhoff, Managing Partner of Beckhoff Automation GmbH.

Industry 4.0

it’s OWL supplies concrete solutions for the fourth Industrial Revolution. The Leading-Edge Cluster’s innovation projects are advancing the digitisation of production technology on the way to the factory of the future. This is not only adaptable, resource-efficient and ergonomic, but – entirely in keeping with the concept of open innovation – also involves customers and business partners more in the value added process. Manufacturing systems and end products thus become more reliable, more efficient and more userfriendly. In this way, it’s OWL contributes to improving both working and living conditions in Germany.

Shared knowledge

The interdisciplinary technology topics examined in the cross-sectional projects of it’s OWL include the self-optimisation and intelligent networking of production facilities or interaction between humans and machines. All the cluster partners regularly exchange results and experiences. The market orientation and social acceptance of new technologies or protection against product piracy are also discussed. In addition, the players in the cluster play an active part in national and international standardisation bodies.

Securing specialists in the long term

New interdisciplinary study courses in the fields of mechatronics and automation as well as the it’s OWL Summer School are components for sustainably securing skilled personnel. The Summer School informs Master’s students, postgraduate students and young professionals about current research fi ndings and career opportunities in the region.

Internationalisation

Through it’s OWL the region is also involved at a European level in the field of Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KIC). Collaborations with clusters in Finland, Turkey and China strengthen international networking and open up new markets.