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TOMORROWTODAYTOMORROWTODAYMAI_2013
05
Developing the technologies, methods and tools of tomorrow
ISOTOPIC FINGERPRINTS FORFOOD CHECKS ��
MOBILITY
BIKING 2.0: THE FUTURE OF CYCLING
FORESIGHT & POLICY DEVELOPMENT
GUIDELINES FOR FUTURE RTI SCENARIOS
ENERGY
SMARTEST LABORATORY FOR SMART GRIDS
SAFETY & SECURITY
INNOVATIVE SECURITY CHECK SPEEDS UP BORDER CONTROLS
01_englisch_Layout 1 15.04.13 13:33 Seite 1
SAVE THE DATE:
ALPBACHTECHNOLOGY FORUM 2013
22.-24.08.2013Congress Centrum Alpbach/Tirol
SAVE THE DATE:
ALPBACHERTECHNOLOGIEGESPRÄCHE 2013
22.-24.08.2013Congress Centrum Alpbach/Tirol
SAVE THE DATE:
ALPBACHERTECHNOLOGIEGESPRÄCHE 2013
22.-24.08.2013Congress Centrum Alpbach/Tirol
SAVE THE DATE:
ALPBACHERTECHNOLOGIEGESPRÄCHE 2013
22.-24.08.2013Congress Centrum Alpbach/Tirol
SAVE THE DATE:
ALPBACHERTECHNOLOGIEGESPRÄCHE 2013
22.-24.08.2013Congress Centrum Alpbach/Tirol
SAVE THE DATE:
ALPBACHERTECHNOLOGIEGESPRÄCHE 2013
22.-24.08.2013Congress Centrum Alpbach/Tirol
Details: www.alpbach-technologyforum.com, Information: [email protected]
Future Innovation: Conditions – Experiences – Values
Alpbach_2013_engl.indd 1 15.04.13 11:03
➜ CONTENTS/EDITORIAL 03
INTERVIEW WITH THE AIT MANAGEMENT
STRUCTURE FOLLOWS KNOWLEDGE FOLLOWS STRUCTURE
Systems expertise is the key term that best describes whatmakes the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology so unique.
ISOTOPIC FINGERPRINTS FOR FOOD CHECKSAIT experts can ascertain both the geographic origin and thevarietal purity of food of plant and animal origin using isoto-
pes and DNA analysis.
BIKING 2.0: THE FUTURE OF CYCLING
In view of the everyday traffic jams and lack of parking
spaces in our towns and cities, the bicycle has developed
into a viable transport alternative in urban areas. AIT
experts have developed technological solutions set to
increase the attraction of cycling.
GUIDELINES FOR FUTURE RTI SCENARIOSResearch, technology and innovation are undergoing signifi-
cant change due to advancing globalization, new forms ofcommunication, and radical trends. AIT experts have develo-ped a variety of scenarios for the year 2030 to provide a deci-
sion-making basis for future research policy.
SMART, SMARTER – SMARTEST!The new AIT SmartEST Laboratory offers the technical infra-
structure and scientific expertise needed to develop thesmart grids of the future.
THE FUTURE OF BORDER CONTROLBorder controls are generally an inconvenient and time-con-suming business for air passengers. AIT has therefore deve-
loped an automated control system, which is designed tomake future passenger processing significantly more effi-
cient as well as user-friendlier.
INTERVIEW WITH AIT SENIOR ENGINEER HELFRIED BRUNNER
EVENTS/AIT SCIENTIFIC PAPERS
04
08
12
16
20
24
28
32
34
IMPRESSUM. The magazine Tomorrow Today is a media collaboration with the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology. Editorial responsibility rests with Austria Innovativ. Mediaowner and publisher_Bohmann Druck und Verlag GesmbH & Co. KG., 1110 Vienna, Leberstrasse 122, phone: +43 1 740 95-0. DVR: 0408689. Management_Gabriele Ambros, Gerhard
Milletich. Publisher_AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, Tech Gate Vienna, Donau-City-Strasse 1, 1220 Vienna, phone: +43 (0) 50550-0. Publishing manager_Patrick Lehnhart.
Editors-in-chief_Michael Hlava, e-mail: [email protected], Christian Klobucsar, e-mail: [email protected]. Editors_Margit Noll, Daniel Pepl, Victoria Reinicke.
Authors of this edition _Alfred Bankhamer, Angelika Prohammer, Doris Griesser. Project management_Daniel Pepl. Graphic design_Anita Frühwirth. Layout_Markus Frühwirth
(REPROMEDIA). Print_ Druckerei Odysseus, Haideäckerstrasse 1, A-2325 Himberg. Cover shot_AIT. Publication_4 times a year. All copyrights reserved, including Section 44 paras.
1 and 2 of the Austrian Copyright Act. ISSN 1994-5159 (print), ISSN 1994-5167 (online). Free subscription via [email protected].
Disclosure pursuant to Section 25 of the Austrian Media Act.Media owner: Bohmann Druck und Verlag Gesellschaft m.b.H. & Co. KG. Reg. office: 1110 Vienna, Leberstrasse 122. Purpose of business: the production, publishing and distribution of prin-
ted works of all kinds, especially specialist journals. Selling of books, journals, art and music. Trading in goods of all kinds. Event management. Managing directors: Gabriele Ambros, Ger-
hard Milletich. Shareholders: Dietrich Medien Holding Gesellschaft m.b.H. 90.91%, Bohmann Druck und Verlag Gesellschaft m.b.H.
9.09%. Executive shareholder: Bohmann Druck und Verlag Gesellschaft m.b.H.. Bohmann Druck und Verlag Gesellschaft m.b.H. & Co.
KG has shareholdings within the meaning of § 25 of the Austrian Media Act in: D & R Verlagsgesellschaft m.b.H. Nfg. KG, Reg. office in
Vienna; purpose of business: the production, publishing and distribution of printed works of all kinds, especially specialist and service
journals. Verlag Holzhausen GmbH, Reg. office in Vienna; purpose of business: publishing of non-fiction and technical books in the fields
of: politics, economics, science, health and art, architecture and culture. Norbert Jakob Schmid Verlagsgesellschaft m.b.H., Reg. office
in Vienna; purpose of business: book and journal publishing. V & R Verlagsgesellschaft m.b.H., Reg. office in Vienna; purpose of busi-
ness: editing. Repro-Media Verlagsgesellschaft m.b.H. Nfg. KG, Reg. office in Vienna; purpose of business: advertising graphics studio,
production of and trade in pre-production products. The fundamental aim of the publication Tomorrow Today is to inform the general
public about current developments, successful achievements, innovations, new applications and concepts of the non-university, appli-
cation-based, industrially relevant research of the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology.
EDITORIAL
Dear reader,
This issue of TOMORROW TODAY has under-
gone what is known in the media world as a
“soft relaunch”. Along with several haptic and
design changes we have also altered the con-
tent structure of our magazine. You will also
notice that we have included a new section on
AIT corporate news – offering insights into strategic policy and
economic measures, the AIT career model and the Alpbach
Technology Forum, which we organize in collaboration with
Austria’s ORF Ö1 radio station. The focus, however, remains as
always on reports about our research projects, which are targe-
ted to provide solutions to tomorrow’s key global infrastructure
issues. Such projects are not only excellent evidence of our
systems expertise but also serve as business cases for our
research partners in industry.
As you read through this issue you can’t fail to see how smart
technologies are set to make life easier in a variety of ways. And
the good thing about that from an Austrian point of view is of
course that research approaches developed by AIT research staff
are often providing much-needed responses to the global chal-
lenges of our time. If you take a look at page 12, for example,
you’ll read that even food products have their own unique “finger-
print”, which can be used to verify a range of information – from
geographical origin to production method. Anyone who travels
regularly by air knows all too well how annoying and time-consu-
ming the required security checks can be. Experts at AIT have
therefore been looking at what can be done to speed up the pro-
cess without compromising on security. They have developed an
innovative system, which is already attracting considerable inter-
national attention – the article on the project “Future Border Con-
trol” starts on page 28.
As always, our communications team is happy to provide further
information or answer any questions you may have – contact
details are given at the end of each article.
Michael H. Hlava
Head of Corporate and Marketing Communications
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03_letzt_Layout 1 04.06.13 09:25 Seite 1
04 ➜IntervIew
“An internAtionAl reputAtion for systems expertise”/// Ait managing directors Wolfgang Knoll and Anton plimon talked to
tomorroW toDAy about the challenge of seeking to expand after five
successful years of consolidation. ///
04-07.indd 4 04.06.13 09:26
IntervIew 05
cular in sectors where we have expertise at sys-
tem level.
Does the federal ministry for transport, innova-
tion and technology – one of your two sharehol-
ders – use Ait in the implementation of general
research strategy measures? Generally spea-
king, to what extent do you think the Austrian
government’s intensified r&D initiatives contri-
buted to the fact that Austria has coped relatively
well with the economic crisis?
Plimon: We’re very pleased that Ait can contri-
bute towards supporting the federal
government’s r&D initiatives and we have cer-
tainly played a role in raising the profile of Austria
as a research location. We are driving forward
specific topics as consortium leaders in several
eu projects, which is obviously of considerable
benefit to Austrian companies.
last year at the Alpbach technology forum, Aus-
trian infrastructure minister Doris Bures congra-
tulated Ait on its outstanding success. if you look
back to 2008 and the intervening years, what are
the achievements you are particularly proud of?
AntonPlimon: By strategically focusing on a few
specialized areas in which we have the relevant
expertise and critical mass, we have developed
the systems expertise that has made us a leading
point of contact for a wide range of research
questions in the infrastructure sector – both at
national and international level. As these issues
are becoming increasingly complex, critical mass
is essential and this is something which industry
and even the majority of universities simply do
not have due to a lack of resources. of course,
our participation in a wide range of eu and flag-
ship projects is fundamental to extending know-
ledge in our research areas. they make an enor-
mous contribution towards our systems expertise
by helping in the correct interpretation of abrupt
system changes. this means we can better un-
derstand the possible consequences, which ma-
kes us an even more attractive partner for indus-
try. Companies need to ensure their products are
excellent – and by working with us they can en-
sure that is the case.
By focusing on very few areas, doesn’t Ait run the
risk of losing the necessary range of expertise?
wolfgang Knoll: We counteract that by forming
strategic alliances in basic research. We look
worldwide to find the particular expertise that we
need. one good example is Anton Zeilinger, the
world’s leading expert in quantum optics. the fact
that we have him “on board” so to speak could also
be interpreted as a form of risk management to en-
sure we’re on the right track in our quantum cryp-
tography research activities. yet it is not our aim
only to follow trends in certain areas but also to
pave the way for developing the technology of to-
morrow today – which is of course our key mission.
Plimon: the clear structuring of our research
areas in five departments in alignment with the
key infrastructure areas has also proved to be
the right strategy with regard to targeting market
needs. this restructuring has meant a return to
profitable operation. every four years we reas-
sess our core areas of research. experience has
shown that we’re financially successful in parti-
● AntonPlImon
Anton Plimon (55), born in Wolfsberg/Ca-rinthia, studied Phy-sics at Graz University of Technology, began his professional career as a specialist for opti-cal fluid diagnostics and later worked in the field of numerical si-mulation technology at AVL List GmbH in Graz. In 1999, he joined Ar-senal Research as head of the transport technologies division
and became managing director in 2000. Anton Plimon was appointed managing director of Austrian Research Centers GmbH in 2008 and managing director of Aust-rian Institute of Technology GmbH in 2009. He is on the board of several scientific institutions and associations, member of the University Council at Graz University of Technology and chairman of the supervisory board of LKR Leichtmetallkompetenzzentrum-Ranshofen GmbH.
Anton plimon: “every four years we reassess our core
areas of research. experience has shown that we’re
financially successful in particular in sectors where
we have expertise at system level.”
04-07.indd 5 04.06.13 09:26
06 IntervIew
Knoll: internationally, Austria ranks in the top
third among eu countries in terms of innovation
strength. in my view, this is largely thanks to the
combination of investments in innovation and in-
telligent measures introduced to the labour
market, which were made by both the federal
government and companies.
Plimon: many Austrian companies have, despite
economically difficult times, been highly success-
ful in securing a good position with regard to in-
ternational competition, mainly because they de-
cided against merely cutting costs during the
crisis, which started in 2008. they realized that
they can only benefit from economic recovery by
retaining their qualified research staff in this dif-
ficult period. these companies have used the
slow period to work on their internal research
and development projects. their good recovery is
ph
oto
s:
pe
ter
rig
au
d c
/o s
ho
tvie
w p
ho
tog
rap
he
rs,
pa
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ff
proof that this was indeed exactly the right strat-
egy. their recipe for success: strategic action
pays off.
But haven’t most of the other countries in the eu
meanwhile started to focus on research and de-
velopment too?
Knoll: that’s precisely why being able to com-
pete at international level will mean combining
existing expertise at appropriate interfaces in
order to both build up systems expertise and
generate new knowledge. We’re noticing in par-
ticular that in those areas where we have en-
hanced our systems knowledge in addition to
our technological expertise, we are well positi-
oned to take on a role in major international
projects – and indeed often assume the position
of lead partner in such projects. this systems
knowledge enables us to gain new perspectives
on what can be achieved with technologies away
from the well-trodden research routes. of
course, that doesn’t mean that everything that
can be done should be done. the market acts as
the regulating factor here.
What are the main factors that are important with
regard to participation in large international pro-
jects?
Knoll: Well, it depends how you look at it really.
for a comparatively small country like Austria,
for example, one of the key factors is of course
collaborations. many research areas are often
so large or are already being worked on by so
many different players that it only makes sense
to invest time, money and effort in such topics if
it can be done in collaboration with other insti-
tutions.
Plimon: As far as Ait is concerned, i would say
our systems expertise is the biggest factor here.
it is undoubtedly an ever more valuable asset in
the global market.
Along with the federal ministry for transport, in-
novation and technology, your second sharehol-
der, the federation of Austrian industries, also
recommends that Ait launches an internationali-
zation drive. last year there was even talk of
fresh money being made available. How high
would the additional budget need to be to cover
such an initiative?
● wolfgAngKnoll
Wolfgang Knoll (64), born in Schwäbisch Hall/Germany, studied Physics at the Univer-sity of Karlsruhe. In 1976, he completed his PhD at the University of Constance. Wolf-gang Knoll held seve-ral academic posts and in 1986 completed his habilitation at the Mu-nich University of Technology. In 1993, he was appointed director of the Max Planck Ins-
titute for Polymer Research. In 1998, he was appointed Professor of Chemistry at the University of Florida in Gainesville and in 1999 Adjunct Professor at Hanyang University in Seoul/Korea. Since 1999 he has also been Temasek Professor at the National University of Singa-pore. Wolfgang Knoll was appointed scientific director of the Austrian Research Centers on 1 April 2008 and managing director of Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH in 2009.
Wolfgang Knoll: “many research areas are being
worked on by so many different players that it only
makes sense to invest time, money and effort in such
topics if it can be done in collaboration with other
institutions.”
04-07.indd 6 04.06.13 09:26
IntervIew 07
Plimon: We aim to grow by 20 per cent within the
next five years. Generally speaking, growth in the
research sector is, however, limited less by mo-
ney and more by human resources. if the aim is
to be one of the top players in the research sector
then it automatically means facing global compe-
tition for human resources.
Knoll: in the scientific champions league we’re
talking about only a few individuals who are
enormously mobile. these top players will
choose to perform research wherever they con-
sider there are the most interesting research to-
pics and the most attractive career opportuni-
ties. that’s why we put a focus on career
development and have developed a clearly defi-
ned career model. However, since we are unable
to find relevant experts for some of our research
fields in Austria or even in europe, we have of
course extended our search worldwide. We are
also keen to have a growing influence on acade-
mic education. Ait has, for example, initiated the
first bi-national graduate programme in bio- and
nanotechnology in collaboration with the techni-
cal university of nanyang in singapore. this ex-
change programme for doctoral students also
has the added advantage that some of the stu-
dents will stay on at Ait as junior research staff
and it will also prove helpful in extending our in-
ternational network.
the recruitment of so-called “best heads” natu-
rally presupposes an internationally compatible
salary for research staff. Can Ait compete with
the large research institutions when it comes to
salary?
Plimon: in this context i always like to quote a line
from a meeting of our strategic research Advisory
Board held last year: “the most expensive option is
not employing top people and then ending up in the
wrong league.” of course, we offer reasonable sa-
laries. But the recruitment of excellent people
doesn’t just come down to salary. What makes jobs
of this kind attractive to “best heads” is being able
to offer relevant career prospects.
Knoll: of course there may be jobs where our
staff could earn more. But under different condi-
tions. After all, there are only a few institutions
which can offer research projects running over a
period of several years. Word has also clearly al-
ready spread throughout much of the global re-
search community about Ait’s carefully develo-ph
oto
s:
pe
ter
rig
au
d c
/o s
ho
tvie
w p
ho
tog
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rs,
pa
wlo
ff
Further details:michael H. Hlava, Head of Corporate and mar-keting Communica-tions, phone: +43 505 50-4014, e-mail: [email protected], Web: www.ait.ac.at
ped career plan and we’re receiving an increasing
number of spontaneous applications from ab-
road.
What are Ait’s goals for 2013?
Plimon: our strategy is focused on longer term
goals. We seek, for instance, to play a pioneering
role in our specialist research areas, to take the
lead at system level, to act as a network hub for
industry as well as remaining a research partner
of choice for public institutions.
Knoll: We’ve already seen plenty of indications
that our image in europe has changed conside-
rably. A prime example is Ait’s membership in the
european energy research Alliance – a group that
plays a leading role in shaping the energy future of
europe. the same goes for our involvement in
other key areas such as urban europe or in euro-
pean security research. ///
Anton plimon: “the recruitment of excellent people
doesn’t just come down to salary. What makes jobs in
research attractive to “best heads” is being able to of-
fer relevant career prospects.”
04-07.indd 7 04.06.13 09:26
08 ➜InsIde
Low energy buILdIngs that feed moreenergy into the grid than they actually consume.
Smart energy meters that communicate this
energy transfer to the energy provider who
instead of charging for electricity actually pays its
former “consumers”. This is of course just one of
many different scenarios – just one example of
how our lives will change or in some cases indeed
already have changed. Similar examples can be
found in just about all areas of our lives. Take a
look at the articles in this issue of Tomorrow To-
day and you’ll see reports of projects currently
being carried out at the AIT Austrian Institute of
Technology which not all that long ago would have
belonged in the realm of science fiction.
Yet these dramatic new advances come as no
surprise. They are the result of a research envi-
ronment which is itself in flux and which through
the creation of new structures and levels enables
progress at a rate that would have been quite un-
attainable using the conventional applied re-
search approach employed for decades.
structurIngofsystems“Vision AIT-2020”, the AIT Austrian Institute of
Technology’s strategy paper, which was develo-
ped in collaboration with its two shareholders,
the Federal Ministry for Transport, Innovation and
Technology and the Federation of Austrian Indus-
tries, certainly makes exciting reading. “Structu-
red freedom” in research could become the new
mantra for radical innovation in applied research.
In concrete terms, AIT aims first and foremost to
focus its research activities at the point where
the value cycle of an innovation starts to flatten
out and therefore needs to be replaced by ano-
ther innovation. However, these new responses
require a new approach, an entirely new setting,
the modular basis for which is described in the
strategy paper.
LeadIngthewayA successful example here is of course smart
grids research, which is taking (green) energy ge-
neration to a new level. In this area, AIT has influ-
enced an entire industry by being alert and pi-
cking up on the initial and rather vague questions
that started to be asked by companies. AIT used
this input in combination with its existing energy
STrucTure FollowS Know-ledge FollowS STrucTure
/// Systems expertise is the key term that best describes what makes the AIT
Austrian Institute of Technology so unique. It is also a major leveraging factor
enabling the identification of new research approaches and leading to radical
innovation. ///
08-11.indd 2 04.06.13 09:26
InsIde 09
ping solutions aimed at supporting older or disa-
dvantaged people and enabling them to continue
living at home. These solutions involve the use of
user-centred technologies such as “smart home
sensors”, which are subtly integrated into the
person’s home and make an important contribu-
tion to safer living. with many years of experience
in the development of AAl technologies and pro-
cesses, AIT plays a leading role in this research
field in europe.
energyThe AIT energy department is working in close
cooperation with the Federal Ministry for Trans-
port, Innovation and Technology on efforts to es-
tablish the european “Member States Initiative
Smart cities”. The aim is to develop a clear posi-
tion on this topic on the part of the eu member
states in order to provide a sound basis for targe-
ted funding programmes for sustainable urban
energy supply systems. Another goal pursued by
the energy department is the strengthening of
Austria’s position within the european Innovation
Partnership (eIP) Smart cities and communities,
where future research strategies will be coordi-
nated at european level in order to drive the de-
velopment of smart urban technologies. Progress
was also made in the eerA Joint Programme
Smart cities, in which AIT is responsible for sci-
entific management and coordination. last year
saw the launch of the first smart city project
“Transform” in the 7th eu Framework Pro-
gramme. The aim of the project managed by AIT
is to support cities in achieving their climate
goals. Following the successful development of a
low carbon city Action Plan for the chinese city
of nanchang, which has a population of five mil-
lion, the strategic cooperations formed are to be
continued. More recently, the Sutong eco Park
project was launched – a chinese-Austrian eco
park close to Shanghai, which is expected to
serve as a role model for the whole of china. AIT
was contracted with developing an energy con-
systems expertise to develop a structured ap-
proach. In addition to in-depth scientific exper-
tise, being on the relevant european committees
also proved essential as did building up aware-
ness among industry partners for possible solu-
tions, extending existing networks with uncon-
ventional new nodes, starting pilot projects and
above all – as the biggest challenge – overcoming
the scepticism that existed on the part of energy
suppliers.
If we compare this holistically planned approach
where – at least on a structural level – as little as
possible is left to chance, with contract research
as it was performed until only very recently, it is
immediately clear that the r&d landscape is in
the midst of a period of radical change.
systemsexpertIseLeadstobreakthroughInnovatIonsStructuring of systemic research with regard to
sustainable development means that increasingly
complex contexts need to be recognized and un-
derstood. However, knowledge geared towards
global r&d processes is highly complex and re-
quires a system-oriented approach. expertise in
dealing with and understanding complex system
environments is therefore a key element in AIT’s
research strategy. AIT is excellently positioned to
offer such systems expertise with five research
departments focusing on tomorrow’s global inf-
rastructure challenges:
heaLth&envIronmentAIT scientists from the H&e department conduct
research activities within the wide range of is-
sues in the fields of health and environment, fo-
cusing on “resource exploitation & Manage-
ment” and “Biomedical and Biomolecular Health
Solutions” with the primary objective of providing
relevant responses to the challenges posed by an
aging society and the increasing shortage of na-
tural resources. In both of these areas, the
Health & environment department is part of nati-
onal and international scientific networks. As
well as collaborations with universities such as
eTH Zürich (cH), the university of cambridge
(uK) or the university of Saskatoon (cAn), further
important strategic partnerships are formed on
an ongoing basis.
In the research field of Ambient Assisted living
(AAl), for example, research staff from the H&e
department take a holistic approach to develo-
Structuring of systemic research with regard to
sustainable development means that increasingly
complex contexts need to be recognized and
understood.
08-11.indd 3 04.06.13 09:26
10 InsIde
cept for this showcase project. The main focus
here is on providing scientific support in the plan-
ning of a sustainable building and energy infra-
structure including relevant adaptation to local
climatic conditions.
mobILItyFrom a research perspective, mobility is very
much a cross-cutting field involving key global
challenges. The goal of the Mobility department
is therefore to take a systemic approach to deve-
loping new and sustainable mobility solutions.
one of the research focuses is on developing so-
lutions in the field of e-mobility. AIT research
staff in the Mobility department have core exper-
tise in this area. over many years, they have built
up a wealth of e-mobility systems knowledge,
ranging from electric drive technology and light-
weight construction used in such vehicles
through to comprehensive infrastructure solu-
tions and expertise in their integration in co-mo-
dal transport systems.
AIT’s expertise is in international demand as re-
flected in the active involvement of the AIT Mobility
department in numerous european umbrella or-
ganizations such as eArPA (european Automotive
research Partners Association), ecTrI (european
conference of Transport research Institutes), Ph
oto
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AIT
Au
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23
rf
FeHrl (Forum of european national Highway re-
search laboratories) and erTIco (Intelligent
Transport Systems and Services for europe).
safety&securItyover the last year, the Safety & Security depart-
ment has been successful in consistently pooling
technological expertise in key application do-
mains of safety and security research, ensuring it
is even more closely aligned with the strategically
defined market goals. This has further secured
the department’s successful positioning as an
excellent r&d player within the european safety
and security research community. with 50 per
cent of its submitted projects successful in a re-
cent call for proposals under the european Secu-
rity research Programme (FP7), the department
has the highest success rate among the euro-
pean research centres in this field.
The “FastPass” project, which aims to provide a
“harmonized, modular reference system for all
european automatic border crossing points” is a
prime example of successful interdisciplinary re-
search (see the article on page 28 in this issue).
AIT, in its role as consortium leader, is respon-
sible for managing one of the largest security re-
search projects in europe with a total of 27 euro-
pean partners.
Around 1,100 AIT re-search staff in seven locations are wor-king on the develop-ment of tomorrow’s infrastructure solu-tions.
08-11.indd 4 04.06.13 09:26
InsIde 11
Public authorities need solutions to meet the
ever-growing demand for housing and adequate
energy supply, efficient transport management
as well as solutions to issues related to security
and health. Such challenges can only be pro-
perly addressed with a comprehensive range of
measures.
The focus on research activities in infrastruc-
ture, energy, mobility, information and commu-
nication technologies, environment and gover-
nance enables the development of system
approaches leading to the targeted reorientation
of urban structures.
The inclusion of stakeholders including public
authorities, housing and project developers, inf-
rastructure operators, industry, research etc.
enables greater use of synergies from the vari-
ous different infrastructure fields. detailed ana-
lysis of city districts or urban development areas
is carried out at a conceptual level. A key focus
is placed on thematic integration of thermal and
electric energy infrastructure, noise and air
emissions, sustainable transport systems, buil-
ding management, security and data protection
for IT networks and energy grids as well as on
transport and water infrastructure. ///
foresIght&poLIcydeveLopmentover recent years, the systems examined by the
Foresight & Policy development (F&Pd) depart-
ment as part of its innovation and sustainability
research activities have become increasingly
complex. This is due, for example, to globaliza-
tion of research and development, european
liberalization, increasing numbers of stakehol-
ders with new functions and continual differen-
tiation in society.
current research activities are therefore prima-
rily focused on the necessary (further) develop-
ment of theoretical concepts, methods, models
and tools required to describe, model, simulate
and strategically align complex social and natu-
ral systems. Along with Austrian government
ministries and private organizations, an increa-
sing number of directorates-general of the
european commission rely on the AIT depart-
ment’s research expertise. over the last year,
the commission’s interest in AIT’s expertise was
seen, for example, in the conclusion of frame-
work agreements with five F&Pd consortia.
1+1Ismorethan2while AIT and its five departments are well posi-
tioned internationally (as testified by the finan-
cial success over the last few years), it is increa-
singly clear that technical solutions to the key
global infrastructure challenges can only be met
by working on an inter-departmental basis, as
both current and future systems are increasin-
gly addressed in more than one department.
Three key international research topics were
thus identified in the AIT strategy, which will be
addressed on a targeted inter-departmental ba-
sis. These are:
n Smart grids involving the energy, Mobility, Sa-
fety & Security as well as the Foresight & Policy
development departments,
n Ambient Assisted living Systems involving all
five departments and
n urban Systems also involving all five depart-
ments.
The value of inter-departmental systems exper-
tise is particularly clear in the research area ur-
ban Systems. with its strong interdisciplinary
profile, AIT positions itself as a systems provider
in the development of long-term strategies for
the sustainable improvement of quality of life –
particularly in cities experiencing rapid growth.Ph
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Technical solutions to the key global infrastructure
challenges can only be met by working on an
interdepartmental basis.
Further details:daniel Pepl, corporate and Marketing com-munications, Phone: +43 505 50-4040, e-mail: [email protected], web: www.ait.ac.at
08-11.indd 5 04.06.13 09:26
12 ➜HealtH&environment
Consumer trust in food quality had al-
ready been shaken – even before the recent hor-
semeat scandal. The numerous quality labels,
which are meanwhile handed out by a variety of
institutes, do little to help.
In fact, consumers can only be protected against
falsely labelled food through consistent testing
using verified methods. Yet how can it actually be
proved that what is labelled as “genuine Styrian
ISOTOPIC FINGERPRINTS FOR FOOD CHECKS
/// AIT experts can ascertain both the geographical origin and the varietal purity
of food of plant and animal origin using isotopes and DNA analysis. ///
● inanutsHell
Scientists at AIT use isotope and DNA tests to obtain exact data on the origin of foodstuffs, the animal or plant species contained in them as well as on their or-ganic or conventional production. AIT can draw on the largest scientific isotope laboratory in Austria to establish the “isotopic fingerprint” of animal and plant-based foods, which provides information about their geographical origin. The other hot lead in the quest to reveal the truth about our food comes in the form of DNA analysis, which is used to determine the animal and plant species con-tained in foodstuffs. Researchers carry out this analysis at the AIT Gene Re-source Centre in Tulln where already half a million DNA samples are stored.
12-15.indd 2 04.06.13 09:27
HealtH&environment 13
to the losses amounting to millions of euros suf-
fered by the food sector and agriculture on a re-
gular basis as a result of various food scares or
scandals”.
aCounterfeit-proofmetHodSo how exactly does isotope analysis work? The
analysis of stable isotopes in foodstuffs is based on
so-called bioelements, which are hydrogen, oxy-
gen, carbon, nitrogen and sulphur. “Several isoto-
pes occur in nature for each of these elements.
Isotopes are atoms of an element, which have the
same number of protons but varying numbers of
neutrons. So the mass varies depending on the
number of neutrons,” explains biologist Andrea
Watzinger. “The relationship between these isoto-
pes is, amongst other things, uniquely affected by
the climate, the soil characteristics or the geologi-
cal qualities of a particular region.” The unique
qualities of each region mean its isotope signature
is also unique, which enables reliable determina-
tion of the origin of animal and plant-based foods.
“Even if an animal is transported half way around
the world to be slaughtered its isotopic fingerprint
remains unchanged,” says the AIT scientist, poin-
ting out one of the main advantages of this method.
However, isotope analysis helps not only to estab-
lish the geographical origin of foods and non-food
products such as wood or the authenticity of phar-
maceutical products. It can also be used to verify if
a product has been produced according to organic
or conventional criteria. An organically-grown ra-
dish, for example, absorbs the naturally occurring
nitrogen from the soil, which is reflected in the
specific isotope ratio in the plant. This ratio is com-
pletely different if artificial fertilizer has been used.
naturaland“nature-identiCal”flavouringsApart from being used to test animal and plant-
based foods, isotope analysis is also used to
check the authenticity of flavourings. Although
pumpkin seed oil” does in fact originate from Sty-
ria? How can it be proved that what is labelled as
“Austrian beef” hasn’t actually come from a pony
that used to graze in a meadow somewhere in
Romania? How do we know that the expensive
“Ayurveda Spice Mix” doesn’t contain cheap addi-
tives? The good news is that there is in fact a
whole range of new methods available, which are
able not only to trace the origin of foodstuffs but
also to identify any processed animal or plant
species they may contain. Scientists at AIT spe-
cialize in the profiling of natural traces such as
isotopes and genetic markers in order to provide
the retail food sector with a reliable control tool.
isotopesrevealoriginsIsotope analysis provides a reliable method for
establishing the regional origin of foodstuffs be-
cause the composition of chemical elements in a
food product is influenced by local environmental
conditions and cultivation systems. This means
that each agricultural product from a certain re-
gion has its own distinct isotope distribution. In
order to identify such isotopic fingerprints, AIT
scientists can draw on Austria’s largest scientific
isotope laboratory. “For isotope analysis you need
a comprehensive database in the background in
order to compare a particular isotopic fingerprint
with as many other fingerprints as possible,” exp-
lains Felix Steyskal, Head of Business Unit Envi-
ronmental Resources & Technologies.
In order to find out where a piece of meat or a ra-
dish comes from you therefore need to have refe-
rence samples from many different regions. This
collection of isotopic fingerprints is currently
being established: “Within just a few years and
with an investment of around three million euros,
we can establish a top database for our isotope
laboratory in Tulln, which will enable the origin of
a wide range of foodstuffs to be verified,” says
Felix Steyskal. “That’s not really much compared
silviafluCH///seniorscientist,Health&environmentdepartment
“Ultimately, the consistent use of reliable food detectives like isotopes and DNA will be necessary to restore consu-mer confidence in our food-stuffs.”
felixsteyskal///HeadofBusinessunit,Health&environmentdepartment
“Isotope analysis requires a comprehensive database in order to compare a particular isotopic fingerprint with as many other fingerprints as possible.”
12-15.indd 3 04.06.13 09:27
14 HealtH&environment
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the chemical structure of a “nature-identical” fla-
vouring found in pineapple yoghurt may be the
same as that found in real pineapple, artificial
flavouring has nothing at all to do with the actual
fruit. “This may not necessarily have any health
implications but here too the labelling needs to
be correct,” says Felix Steyskal. “Since ‘nature-
identical’ flavourings are much cheaper than
their natural counterparts, incorrect labelling by
the competition can in fact be commercially da-
maging for reputable suppliers.”
The number of diverse applications for isotope
analysis has only been fully realized by trade and
industry as a result of the food scares of recent
years. Previously, these methods had mostly
been used in hydrology. “Of course, we still carry
out groundwater analysis and exploration but the
method is now being increasingly used in the food
sector,” says Steyskal. With its decades of experi-
ence in isotope analysis and its cutting laboratory
in Tulln, AIT has taken on a pioneering role in this
area. It therefore came as no great surprise that
the AIT isotope experts were again successful in
this year’s ANIP call (Austrian Network on Isoto-
pes in Precipitation) organized by the Environ-
ment Agency Austria.
ourfood’sgenetiCfingerprintWhereas stable isotopes can be used to establish
geographical origin, DNA analysis provides relia-
ble information about the animal and plant spe-
cies contained in foodstuffs. As with isotope ana-
lysis, this also requires a database for
comparison with many different genetic finger-
prints. Scientists at AIT are able to make use of
facilities at their own Resource Centre, where
half a million DNA samples of plant and animal
origin are stored under quality assured condi-
tions. Work is also currently underway on a certi-
fication system for foodstuffs as well as for
plants and seeds, which will enable identification
of local origin at genetic level. So why, we might
ask, is isotope analysis not used here? “Whereas
isotopes have a connection with a particular area,
the genetic fingerprint relates to a specific indivi-
dual,” explains Silvia Fluch from the AIT Re-
source Centre in Tulln. “Particularly in the case
of regional specialities, which may be based on
materials such as wild growing herbs from the
region, DNA testing can be used to ascertain if
wild plants have in fact been used. This would not
be possible using isotope analysis if both plants
researCHserviCes
Isotope chemistry can be used to analyse the influence of environmental conditions on plants and animals. This makes it possible to trace the ori-gin and authenticity of foodstuffs and to verify the cultivation and ma-nagement practices used in their production. AIT’s accredited isotope la-boratory can draw on decades of experience of providing high-quality analysis and sophisticated solutions: verifying geographical origin of high-quality foodstuffs in terms of place of production/producer, country of origin, protection of trademarks and quality labels; analysis of food quality, e.g. illegal addition of water, sugar and/or aroma (adulteration), authenticity of foodstuffs (e.g. honey, aromas, domestic rum); verifying cultivation and management practices, e.g. organic versus conventional agriculture, and method development.The AIT Resource Centre stores a wide range of DNA samples of plant and animal origin, thus giving scientists online access to decoded genetic material from across Europe. The AIT Resource Centre houses a compre-hensive collection of DNAs for comparison with samples under investiga-tion. The genetic fingerprints required for certification still need to be further developed and improved. Services include DNA analyses to verify the animal and plant species processed in foodstuffs; verifying the local origin of foodstuffs on a genetic basis; and extraction of DNA from various tissues (plant: fresh/dry leaf, root, bark; animal: blood, sperm, tissue). ///
DNA analysis is used to determine the animal and plant species contained infoodstuffs.
12-15.indd 4 04.06.13 09:27
HealtH&environment 15
pending on the issue in hand, the targeted
combination of isotope and DNA analysis and the
consistent use of these reliable food detectives
will be necessary to restore consumer confi-
dence in our foodstuffs. ///
have grown in the same region.” This can also
play a role in the case of imports of cheap plants:
“Although these may have grown in Austria over
several years and therefore also have the rele-
vant Austrian isotope signature, they often die
sooner because they are not really suited to the
new environment.” Another important field of ap-
plication for DNA analysis in the food sector are
expensive spices: “Saffron, for example, is a very
expensive product and it isn’t uncommon for con-
sumers to be deceived,” says Silvia Fluch. “Time
after time, we come across cheaper substances
that have been added to the saffron powder.” As
the original plants for these diluting fillers are
mostly from the same region as the saffron itself,
isotope analysis isn’t all that helpful in such ca-
ses. “It is only possible to detect such adultera-
tion with DNA testing,” says Fluch. Ultimately, de-Ph
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Weitere Infos:Health & Environment Department, Zlata Kovacevic,Phone: +43 505 50-4406, e-mail: zlata. [email protected], Web: www.ait.ac.at/health_environment
Half a million DNA samples are stored at the AIT Resource Centre in Tulln.
12-15.indd 5 04.06.13 09:27
16 ➜Mobility
As the bells rAng in the new yeAr inViennA, they also marked the launch of the
Year of the Bicycle 2013 in the Austrian capital.
Numerous events, campaigns and special offers
will be used to put cycling in the spotlight,
heighten people’s awareness for cycling and en-
courage them to make greater use of this
healthy and environmentally-friendly mode of
transport. In view of the traffic congestion in
our towns and cities it is clear that the bicycle is
BIkINg 2.0: THE FUTURE OF CYCLINg
/// In view of the everyday traffic jams and lack of parking spaces in our towns
and cities, the bicycle has developed into a viable transport alternative in urban
areas. AIT experts have developed technological solutions set to increase the at-
traction of cycling. ///
● inAnutshell
More and more Austrians regularly ride a bike, regarding it not only as a piece of sports equipment but as a way of getting from A to B as quickly and as easily as possible. In view of the everyday traffic jams and lack of parking spaces in our towns and cities, this environmentally-friendly mode of transport definitely has its advantages, particularly in urban areas. Experts at the AIT Mobility De-partment have set themselves the goal of further increasing the attraction of cycling by combining modern communication technologies with complex scien-tific methods. The solutions developed are designed to increase the efficiency of bike sharing schemes, guide cyclists to their destinations using individually optimized routes and provide the basis for greater road safety for e-bikes.
AIT experts use electronic data feedback to improve bike routing by analysing waiting times at traffic lights.
16-19.indd 2 04.06.13 09:28
Mobility 17
ved. Working in collaboration with the Vienna
University of Technology, optimization algorithms
are being developed to calculate the concrete
route suggestions for the next few days, which
are constantly adapted in line with changes in the
situation.
The drivers can easily access this service on their
smartphones to help them plan their tours and
make them more efficient. Following a trial pe-
riod of operation in the summer, the system is
due to become fully operational by the middle of
next year.
bikesAsMobilesensorsSwitching to using a bike can be encouraged not
only through efficient bike sharing schemes but
also through efficient routing. “The data available
for bicycle traffic is, however, very limited,” says
Straub. “The aim of the project Com-oVer was
therefore to collect and analyse movement tra-
jectories and subjective feedback from cyclists.”
A number of test participants were invited to
download an app to their smartphones so that
they could be tracked via gPS as they travelled
around the city. (It is still possible to register un-
der www.meineradspur.at and contribute further
gPS tracks.) By analysing and evaluating this
“floating bike data”, it was possible to filter out
popular routes and use the information to make
improvements to route suggestions.
Test participants also had the opportunity to type
in positive and negative remarks about their cur-
rent position on the display – for example about
the width of the cycle path, the number of bike
parking spaces or the subjective potential risk.
“This enables monthly reports to be generated,
for example, highlighting hotspots identified in
the cycle path network and providing a summary
of user comments,” says Straub, who regards
this as a valuable basis for an efficient complaints
management system or optimized cycle path
planning.
set to play an increasingly important role in co-
modal transport systems of the future. Using
cutting-edge technologies, the AIT Mobility De-
partment therefore aims to increase the attrac-
tiveness of travelling by bike – through impro-
ved logistics for bike sharing schemes,
personalized navigation, optimized planning of
cycling infrastructure and greater safety for
new generations of bikes such as e-bikes.
bikeshAringCitybike Wien operates a bike sharing system in
Austria’s capital with around 100 stations and
more than 1,200 bikes, which were used to travel
a total of 2.3 million kilometres last year. The
bikes can be rented out from and returned to any
one of the stations, which depending on the time
of day, the weather or the proximity of public
transport leads to uneven utilization rates at the
rental stations. “The major challenge lies in re-
distributing bicycles in such a way that both suf-
ficient bicycles and spaces for incoming bicycles
are available at all times at all stations,” explains
Markus Straub, expert for dynamic transport
systems at the AIT Mobility Department. These
redistribution trips are currently done by cars
with trailers and the drivers plan their routes
based purely on previous experience. The project
BBSS (Balancing Bike Sharing Systems) aims to
optimize the redistribution logistics using ma-
thematical-statistical methods in such a way that
the effort invested in redistribution has the big-
gest possible impact towards a well-balanced
system.
optiMizedrouteplAnningProject partner Citybike Wien provided detailed
historical data on customer routes in the system
as well as on usage rates for the individual sta-
tions over the last three years. On the basis of
this data, AIT experts developed a statistical mo-
del in order to predict how many bicycles will ar-
rive and be picked up at a given station within the
next few hours.
Various parameters affecting rental behaviour
are taken into account, including, for example,
weather conditions, season, time of day, day of
week and usage rates of neighbouring stations.
“Based on this data, the aim is to establish the
optimum combination of redistribution journeys
from a huge number of possibilities,” says
Straub, pointing out the scientific challenge invol-
MArkusstrAub///Juniorengineer,Mobilitydepartment
“The major challenge lies in redistributing bicycles in such a way that both sufficient bi-cycles and spaces for inco-ming bicycles are available at all times at all stations.”
16-19.indd 3 04.06.13 09:28
18 Mobility
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indiViduAl“greenwAVe”oftrAfficlightsAIT experts also use the Com-oVer data and re-
sults in the project BikeWave in order to make bi-
cycle routing more efficient by taking into account
waiting times at traffic lights. In a first step, traf-
fic light locations and traffic light intervals are fil-
tered out of gPS tracks. “Using complex waiting
time models, we can pre-calculate the waiting
times at the next set of traffic lights depending on
current speed and position,” explains Straub. The
goal pursued here by AIT together with project
partners BikeCityguide and mobimera is the int-
roduction of a “green Wave Assistant” app, which
cyclists will be able to download and use on their
smartphones. The assistance system offers the
cyclist tailored routing suggestions and provides
personalized tips about how fast he or she needs
to be travelling to make it through the next green
light. It enables cyclists to create their own per-
sonal “green wave” so they spend less time wai-
ting at traffic lights and arrive sooner at their de-
stination.
sAfee-bikingInterest in electric bikes has grown considerably
over the last few years, yet there is still a lack of
empirical data on these new players in the trans-
port sector. “In particular, it is not yet clear what
the effects of biking with higher acceleration and
at higher speeds will be on road safety and risk of
accidents,” says AIT expert Peter Saleh, who ana-
lyses the safety aspects of e-bicycles and e-mo-
peds in the SEEkINg (SAFE E-BIkINg) project,
which received the 2011 National Mobility Award.
In vehicle dynamics tests, participants were given
the task to ride bicycles and e-bicycles around a
track featuring tight corners requiring critical
braking and acceleration manoeuvres. key ve-
hicle dynamic data – acceleration in three axes,
speed, pitch, roll and yaw – were recorded using
commercially available smartphones, which
reseArchserVices
Modern transport systems generate huge amounts of data – for example, from vehicles which deliver up-to-date positional information via GPS. AIT uses this data and its expertise in the areas of mode detection and user profiling to generate personalized travel time forecasts and routing sug-gestions.
Mastering complex route planning tasks also necessitates the use of so-phisticated mathematical-statistical methods. AIT applies the latest scien-tific findings and develops innovative optimization algorithms to ensure ef-ficient and reliable transport planning.
Many cities have introduced public bike sharing systems in the last few ye-ars to enhance the sustainability of the transport system. The Department supports operators of (e-)bike sharing systems in siting, maintenance pl-anning and bike distribution in order to ensure sustained customer satis-faction.
The analysis and simulation tools developed by AIT allow the correlations between road parameters, vehicle dynamics and accidents to be examined objectively. This provides the basis for simulation-based analysis of acci-dent causes, detailed accident statistics, accident risk forecasting and tar-geted suggestions for effective accident prevention. ///
petersAleh///engineer,Mobilitydepartment
“The SAFE E-BIKING pro-ject, which received the Na-tional Mobility Award in 2011, aims at analysing the safety aspects of e-bicyc-les.”
The AIT project SEEkINg aims at scientifically analysing safety aspects of e-bikes.
16-19.indd 4 04.06.13 09:28
Mobility 19
measurable differences between types of bike.
Both objective and subjective driving safety de-
pend to a large extent on the technical specifica-
tions and vehicle electronics, which is a clear in-
dication of the importance of defining technical
specifications and establishing minimum stan-
dards. Experts at the AIT Mobility Department
are also convinced that targeted measures need
to be introduced in terms of engineering, training
and legislation to ensure the safe integration of
electric two-wheelers in the transport system. ///
come as standard with the necessary sensors
and a video camera. The video recordings and
subjective surveys conducted among the riders
by experts from the BOkU University of Natural
Resources and Life Sciences in Vienna were in-
cluded with the measurement data in the vehicle
dynamics analysis.
conflictstudiesonthewörtherseeThe next phase of the project was launched in
April: “By conducting tests on a shared pedest-
rian and cycle route that runs along the Wörther-
see in Carinthia, we also want to examine the
conflict potential in encounters with non-moto-
rized cyclists and pedestrians,” says Saleh. The
results from the vehicle dynamics tests and con-
flict studies will be used in the development of
targeted prevention measures in collaboration
with the Austrian Road Safety Board. It is already
apparent that improvements are needed in cer-
tain areas: “After test participants had completed
just two rounds of the track in the vehicle dyna-
mics tests we noted a significant learning effect –
it would therefore be useful, for example, for peo-
ple to have a short training session when they buy
an e-bicycle,” adds Saleh. There were also clearly
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Further details: Mobility Department, Christina Pikl,Phone: +43 505 50-6322, e-mail:[email protected], Web: www. ait.ac.at/mobility
sAndrAwegener FROM THE
INSTITUTE FOR TRANSPORT AT
THE BOkU UNIVERSITY OF NATU-
RAL RESOURCES AND LIFE SCI-
ENCES IN VIENNA ON THE FU-
TURE OF E-BIkES AND ROAD
SAFETY ISSUES.
The SEEKING project focuses on the sci-entific analysis of the safety aspects of electric two-wheelers. What do you find
so interesting about this project? What are the challenges?Exciting projects tend to be ones where there is a personal benefit.
With SEEkINg that’s very much the case. I tried out an e-bike for the
very first time while working on the project and immediately saw the
benefits. The practical orientation in the form of test rides with the e-
bikes and the direct contact with test participants are not only enjo-
yable but also mean that any problems that occur are immediately
and highly tangible. The main challenge is in drawing the right con-
clusions from the data and in formulating joint recommendations for
e-biking in the interests of road safety.
How do you see future developments in this area?Sales figures for e-bikes in Austria show a clear upward trend. There
is huge potential for e-mobility – in particular for e-bikes – in com-
muter traffic, i.e. for getting to and from work in urban areas, but
also among the older section of the population. The e-bike offers au-
tonomous mobility providing an alternative to a car with the plus of
having a positive impact on the environment, health etc.
Of course, the relevant conditions for using an e-bike need to be in
place; these range from improved cycling infrastructure and clear le-
gal provisions through to e-biking campaigns and road safety trai-
ning for the various target user groups. The focus of all these consi-
derations must, however, be on road safety – more injuries or even
deaths on our roads would be too high a price to pay for new mobi-
lity…
How do you see the cooperation with AIT? What are the synergies?The cooperation between AIT and BOkU is absolutely excellent. As
the project coordinator, AIT ensures solid project management with
a constant flow of information which enables the project to make ra-
pid progress. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our colleagues
at AIT. Our areas of responsibility complement each other in that AIT
is responsible for the technical implementation, i.e. for the test rides
with the e-bikes and for the various measurements while we at the
BOkU focus on the thematic orientation and the survey. Working on
the various areas in this way and in cooperation with the other pro-
ject partners (Carinthian Road Safety Board, Provincial government
of Carinthia and Strombike) has enabled successful completion of
this comprehensive project. On a personal level, I particularly appre-
ciate the mutual respect and open communication, and I’m already
looking forward to working on a possible follow-up project in collabo-
ration with AIT in the future. ///
16-19.indd 5 04.06.13 09:28
20 ➜Foresight&PolicyDeveloPment
AlittleoFthesPiritthAtmADeviennA’scoFFeehouses famous recently arose in one of
the city’s traditional cafés. However, this time it
wasn‘t writers or artists meeting in a coffee
house to work, find inspiration or debate world
events, but rather a range of representatives
from Universities Austria, the EU, the Austrian
Council for Research and Technology Develop-
ment, business and industry.
scenAriovisuAlizAtionThe RIF World Café Vienna workshop held in the
Cafe Griensteidl on 22 October 2012 considered
the possible futures of research, right through to
the year 2030. The attendees were presented with
a variety of scenarios, drawn up step-by-step in
advance for further discussion and development.
“The World Café Vienna workshop demonstrated
the value of scenario development for the 30 or so
participants who came from different back-
grounds,“ says Philine Warnke, Senior Scientist
in the AIT Foresight & Policy Department.
One representative was so impressed by the me-
thodology used and the necessity of considering
various possible futures that, after the workshop,
she immediately commissioned AIT to undertake
a corporate foresight project for her company.
The event was one of several held as part of the
EU project Research & Innovation Futures 2030
GUIDELINES FOR FUTURE RTI SCENARIOS
/// Advancing globalization, completely new forms of communication, and radi-
cal trends such as „open innovation“: research, technology and innovation are
currently undergoing significant change. As part of the EU project Research &
Innovation Futures (RIF), the AIT Foresight & Policy Development Department
is working together with international partners to develop a variety of scenarios
for the year 2030 in order to provide a sound decision-making basis for future
research policy. ///
● inAnutshell
How will innovation and research be undertaken and organized in the future? And what impact will this have on society? In the EU project Research & Inno-vation Futures (RIF), which runs from October 2011 to September 2013, the AIT Foresight & Policy Development Department is working with international partners to examine these questions. After identifying and analysing general trends, the experts use a two-step method for scenario development. In a first step, workshops were held to develop explorative scenarios which extrapolated from current developments to identify potential conflicts and dilemmas, both in society and the research system as a whole. These formed the basis for drawing up transformative scenarios, making it possible to think through even unexpected developments. The RIF results pro-vide an important basis for decision-making, both for research policy as well as for other stakeholders in the research system.
20-23.indd 2 28.05.13 10:12
Foresight&PolicyDeveloPment 21
into transformative scenarios, enabling unexpec-
ted developments to be thought through and po-
tential radical changes to be considered. These
transformative scenarios were then discussed
with various social groups in the World Café Vi-
enna workshop. A key focus of the project is to in-
volve all the relevant social groups, including civil
society which is taking on an increasingly impor-
tant role as a knowledge generator. At the same
time, the project should demonstrate what deve-
lopments are possible and in what areas, who
will be affected by these developments and to
what extent. Depending on perspective, some of
these developments are more desirable for the
position of Europe‘s research landscape than
others.
DeterminingAPProPriAtecoursesoFActionUltimately, the scenarios allow both policy-ma-
kers and research organization managers to de-
termine their strategic options and decide on ap-
propriate courses of action. Clearly there is a
great difference between the impact caused by
radical rather than gradual change. Social groups
and areas are affected in very different ways, de-
pending on the development. Consequently the
various stakeholders can use the scenarios to
design their own strategies in a forward-looking
manner.
It is important to EU research and innovation po-
licy whether the major challenges of our time
(such as climate change) can be tackled with the
means and measures currently available. Which
groups need to cooperate in order to solve the
grand challenges in the future? This is relevant to
many individual areas, stakeholders and inte-
rests, as already demonstrated for individual
ideas, for example, the plan to shift from diesel
and petrol cars to electric cars in the near future.
How should a research project be designed in or-
(RIF), which deals with the subject of science and
society and their future development. The fore-
sight project, coordinated by AIT, focuses particu-
larly on the question of how innovation and re-
search can be undertaken and organized in
tomorrow‘s information society: the challenges
that need to be considered during the change
process, how they will affect researchers and
other social groups, and what impact these
transformations and changes have on Europe‘s
research landscape.
Other research partners include the Fraunhofer
Institute for Systems and Innovation Research
(ISI), the University of Twente, Manchester Uni-
versity and the VTT Technical Research Centre of
Finland. The project runs from October 2011 to
September 2013 and has already generated nu-
merous findings.
shArPeningthesystemicview“There are many change processes currently un-
derway which have consequences for the re-
search system,“ explains Wolfram Rhomberg,
Expert Advisor in the AIT Foresight & Policy De-
velopment Department. „The RIF project focuses
on assessing and analysing the science and re-
search system as a whole, including all its stake-
holders. We develop different scenarios and mo-
dels for further discussion that enable the
consideration of ongoing change processes.“ By
taking a systemic view of the potential future of
science and research it is possible to avoid the
danger of narrow-minded thinking; the approach
is targeted directly at helping break away from
common logic, or „business as usual“. Scenario
development also offers the opportunity to pre-
pare for potential conflicts, frictions or trend re-
versals.
exPlorAtivescenAriosThe international RIF project involves several
systematic steps. The first was to identify and
analyse the relevant general trends and driving
factors before developing them into explorative
scenarios in workshops. These scenarios de-
scribe the potential outcomes of current develop-
ments, and the conflicts, frictions and dilemmas
which these outcomes could cause. The two-step
method of scenario development devised by AIT
was used for the first time in the project to de-
scribe further possible changes. In the second
step, the explorative scenarios were developed
wolFrAmrhomberg///expertAdvisor,Foresight&PolicyDeve-lopmentDepartment
„The RIF project focuses on assessing and analysing the science and research system as a whole, including all its stakeholders.”
20-23.indd 3 28.05.13 10:12
22 Foresight&PolicyDeveloPment
der to drive the necessary transformations? Fo-
resight approaches such as the scenario method
are helpful in clarifying these and similar questi-
ons, and identifying courses of action for policy
makers.
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mAnyAPPlicAtionsFortheFinDingsThis is doubly interesting for the AIT experts,
since the project results are not only relevant to
EU research policy but also for AIT’s own future
strategic development. For example, the RIF pro-
ject has shown that applied research organiza-
tions, such as AIT or Fraunhofer, are strongly im-
pacted by the changes to the research system
and, depending on the scenario, could either as-
sume new functions or become less relevant. The
question of how Europe can maintain its current
position in science and innovation in the face of
increasing international competition is another
important point. Last but not least, the RIF pro-
ject also offers the stakeholders themselves im-
portant insights into potential developments by
involving them in the process.
The final workshops focus on the consequences
and conclusions thrown up by these various fu-
ture scenarios. And these could offer extremely
important input, for example for EU research
reseArchservices
Research, technology and innovation (RTI) policy plays a central role in the development of innovation systems, and thus in strengthening the econo-mic performance and the ability to tackle societal challenges. This requires designing, analysing and evaluating efficient and coordinated organizatio-nal structures, governance processes and policy instruments. Foresight is a key tool in this context.This research service focuses on the development of research and innova-tion strategies for RTI policy makers, knowledge-based organizations and research promotion agencies. Strategy formulation and implementation is based on intensive knowledge transfer between research institutes and companies, internationalization of research and development, service in-novation or the integration of customers into the innovation process. ///
Explorative scenarios are developed in workshops. These provide the basis for drawing up transfor-mative scenarios, making it possible to think through even unexpected develop-ments.
20-23.indd 4 28.05.13 10:12
Foresight&PolicyDeveloPment 23
core question here is who determines which sub-
jects will be researched? Civil society demands
greater involvement. „We‘re talking here about
new forms of knowledge,“ says Warnke. „In ana-
lysing areas of tension, the question increasingly
arose as to what is officially recognized as sci-
ence and how knowledge is legitimated.“ For ex-
ample, the discussion of whether conventional
medicine alone is valid, and what „alternative“
medicine can offer.
grAnDchAllengesForreAlInspiration and innovation in particular are ex-
pected from unconventional sources of know-
ledge, making the world significantly more multi-
faceted. An increasing number of stakeholders
are generating and disseminating knowledge. In
turn, the “Grand Challenges for Real” scenario
deals with a world in which catastrophes lead to
targeted, global research efforts. Having develo-
ped the final five scenarios, the next step is to de-
termine the courses of action for each stakehol-
der. In a first step, a RIF High Level Stakeholder
Workshop entitled “Exploring strategic policy op-
tions of Research and Innovation Futures” was
held in Amsterdam on 15 March. This will be fol-
lowed by further workshops in which the indivi-
dual stakeholder groups will be supported in
using the outcomes from the RIF scenarios to de-
termine consequences for their strategies, ensu-
ring they are equipped to face the challenges of
the future. ///
funding. Thinking about the future always has an
immediate impact on the future. One key trend
which has been identified is the increasing ope-
ning up of science. Additionally, the manner in
which research is undertaken is becoming incre-
asingly heterogeneous. There is increasing com-
petition and a strong focus on results. Tensions
arise between excellence in research compared
to its contribution to solving social needs, diver-
sity versus homogeneity, cooperation versus
competition, intellectual property and economic
exploitation versus free access to knowledge, the
importance of quality and integrity in science and
much more.
thereseArchlAnDscAPeintrAnsitionCombining these observations and using them to
systematically present transformative scenarios
opens up clear development paths. One such
transformative scenario, for example, is that of
Open Research Platforms, where scientists
worldwide are brought together via web plat-
forms and can share their results to drive re-
search in their fields.
This path has been smoothed and encouraged as
a result of greater coordination in the field of R&D
as well as greater complexity in the research sys-
tem. The driving forces behind this development
have been declining state funding paired with in-
creasing global cooperation and trends towards
the open exchange of knowledge. In this scenario,
it was the failure of the highly fragmented re-
search landscape to rapidly find a solution for a
suddenly occurring fatal epidemic which finally
led researchers to jointly search for a solution via
an open platform.
The important point is to closely scrutinize the
transformation processes in the areas of open
source, self-organization via open research plat-
forms and the question of intellectual property.
„In the future lay people, users or affected par-
ties such as patients could contribute to the re-
search process, or companies even open up their
development departments, in order to find new
solutions,“ explains Rhomberg. The trend is al-
ready perceptible; the question is how much
stronger it could become. Yet the question of how
in future intellectual property rights and remune-
ration can be regulated or projects implemented
in practice still remains to be clarified.
Another possible scenario developed as part of
RIF is referred to as Knowledge Parliament. The Ph
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Further details:Foresight & Policy Development Depart-ment, Beatrice Rath,Phone: +43 505 50-4508,e-mail:[email protected], Web: www.ait.ac.at/f_pd
PhilinewArnke///seniorscientist,Foresight&PolicyDeve-lopmentDepartment
„One of the core questions in the development of potential scenarios is to find out who determines what is researched.“
20-23.indd 5 28.05.13 10:12
24 ➜EnErgy
ThEincrEasingusEofrEnEwablEEnErgy
is seen as one of the most effective measures in
the fight against climate change. In future, incre-
asing numbers of distributed solar, wind and bio-
mass plants will feed electricity into the grid,
where they can lead to voltage fluctuations and
capacity constraints due to fluctuating supply and
bidirectional power flow.
In the foreseeable future, many operators will not
be able to integrate further distributed power
plants into their networks without costly line re-
Smart, Smarter – SmarteSt!
/// the new aIt SmarteSt Laboratory offers the technical infrastructure and
scientific expertise needed to develop the smart grids of the future. ///
● inanuTshEll
Over the coming years, an increasing number of distributed generators such as photovoltaic plants and wind parks will feed energy into the grid. So-called “smart grids” enable the efficient management of fluctuating power flows using intelligent network management. With its new SmartEST Laboratory, AIT now offers a globally unique testing and research infrastructure for these fu-ture-oriented network systems. A wide range of cutting-edge equipment can be combined in the laboratory, enabling new components and control concepts as well as their interaction with the grid to be tested and optimized under rea-listic operating conditions. This experimental development facility is of particu-lar interest to network operators and manufacturers of components for distri-buted power plants.
24-27.indd 2 03.06.13 17:55
EnErgy 25
required, enabling us to simulate different net-
work configurations and states in the laboratory,”
explains Christoph mayr from the aIt SmarteSt
Laboratory. “this enables us to establish, for ex-
ample, how components react to grid failures or
voltage drops or the triggering of protective me-
chanisms.”
One important component of distributed energy
generation are inverters, which in photovoltaic
systems, for example, transform the direct cur-
rent from the PV module into alternating current
for the grid. With the increasing share of distribu-
ted renewable energy, this power electronic ele-
ment takes on more and more active grid support
functions and therefore plays a key role in net-
work management. In order to be able to carry
out tests under realistic conditions, the aIt
SmarteSt Laboratory also features a PV simula-
tor capable of providing direct voltages of up to
1,500 volts and currents of up to 1,500 ampere.
“Currently, the trend in inverters is clearly fo-
cused on higher system voltages as these provide
higher system outputs and enhanced efficiency
levels at lower cost,” says mayr. “this PV simula-
tion system, which is the only one on this scale in
the world, allows us to offer manufacturers a
state-of-the-art test and development platform
needed for tomorrow’s system developments.”
connEcTingvirTualandrEalworldsIn the smart grids of the future, electricity and in-
formation do not flow in only one direction – there
is permanent interaction between the power ge-
nerator, the grid and the consumer. these com-
plex interactions can be simulated and analysed
in the SmarteSt Laboratory in so-called “Power
Hardware in the Loop” simulations (P-HIL),
where a section of the network is simulated by
the software and the components are hooked into
the virtual grid environment. the P-HIL simulati-
ons provide real-time information about how
inforcement. “the solution to this problem is
smart grids,” says Wolfgang Hribernik, Head of
Business Unit electric energy Systems at the aIt
energy Department. “these intelligent electricity
networks make optimal use of system capacity
via constant coordination between electric power
generators, consumers and storage devices and
thus facilitate intelligent energy management.”
Setting up the smart grids of the future does,
however, raise the key question of how the multi-
tude of new components and control concepts
will affect the networks.
For safety reasons it is not possible to test the va-
rious scenarios in real network operation. the
aIt SmarteSt (Smart electricity Systems and
technologies) Laboratory, which was opened at
the end of april, is a globally unique infrastruc-
ture enabling the components and concepts for
the networks of the future to be tested under rea-
listic operating conditions. “With our new labora-
tory we offer manufacturers as well as network
operators the possibility to analyse interactions
between components and the grid to ensure that
their products and concepts are fit for the future,”
explains Hribernik.
PEakPErformancEforacanddcPotential test candidates for the aIt SmarteSt
Laboratory are various components used in dis-
tributed energy technology. the range extends
from photovoltaic inverters to electric energy sto-
rage systems and grid controllers through to
components used in combined heat and power
systems or charging stations for electric vehic-
les. a total of three independent, freely configura-
ble laboratory grids are available for testing pur-
poses and can be operated at powers of up to
1000 kilowatts. this allows, for example, the mo-
delling of low voltage networks supplying several
houses at 1:1 scale.
“Using grid simulators and adjustable network
models, voltage and frequency can be varied as
chrisToPhmayr///Engineer,Energydepartment
“Grid simulators and adjus-table network models allow us to vary voltage and fre-quency as required to simu-late different electrical condi-tions in our laboratory grid.“
wolfganghribErnik///headofbusinessunitElectricEnergysystems
“Smart Grids make optimal use of system capacity via constant coordination bet-ween energy generators, con-sumers and storage devices and thus facilitate intelligent energy management.”
24-27.indd 3 03.06.13 17:55
26 EnErgy
compatible the individual components are both
with the overall grid structure as well as with
other devices connected to the network. “Our inf-
rastructure allows us to connect up to several
components simultaneously, for example a PV
system, an electrical storage unit and a charging
station for an electric car, which is the kind of
Ph
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configuration we will see more and more in the
future,” explains mayr.
Climate conditions ranging from arctic to tropical
In operation, the individual components of the
energy infrastructure are exposed to a range of
climatic conditions, which strongly influence the
components’ efficiency levels and service life. In
the environmental test chamber at the SmarteSt
Laboratory, these influences are simulated by
subjecting the components to temperatures ran-
ging from between -40 to +120° and humidity le-
vels of up to 95%. “Unlike other test chambers,
here we have the possibility to test the devices in
operation, i.e. at full power,” explains Christoph
mayr, talking about the main advantage over con-
ventional environmental tests. In the course of
long-term tests with constantly varying tempera-
tures and humidity levels, the experts can lite-
rally watch the equipment age. Within just a few
weeks, the simulated, accelerated aging process
enables conclusions to be drawn about the state
and performance of a component after 20 years
of operation in outdoor conditions.
iT’sallinThEmix“the key feature of the aIt SmarteSt Laboratory
is that high-performance laboratory infrastruc-
ture for grid simulation, PV simulation, real-time
P-HIL simulation and environmental simulation is
all concentrated in one location and can be com-
bined as required. this opens up the way for no-
vel test and research approaches,” says Senior
engineer roland Bründlinger, explaining the
unique qualities of the new facility. Indeed, it is
currently not possible in any other laboratory
worldwide to test a high-performance inverter in
the environmental chamber at full power under
varying solar radiation and grid conditions provi-
ded by the PV and grid simulators. this will in fu-
ture also improve the predictability of fluctuating
energy sources such as solar power. “Internatio-
nal efforts are focused on enabling the power
output from PV systems under varying weather
conditions to be proactively fed into the grid ma-
nagement system, which is already common
practice in the case of wind power,” says Bründ-
linger. “reliable data about the effect of environ-
mental influences on the output of photovoltaic
systems is indispensable for such performance
predictions.”
With its comprehensive infrastructure and exten-
sive expertise built up over many years, the aIt
rEsEarchsErvicEs
The SmartEST Laboratory offers state-of-the-art infrastructure and quali-fied experts for smart grid research and development. It allows distributed generation components and their interactions with the grid infrastructure to be tested under realistic conditions in a safe laboratory environment. The infrastructure includes configurable laboratory grids, grid simulators, PV simulators, equipment for power hardware-in-the-loop simulations and an environmental chamber for tests under extreme temperature and humi-dity conditions. These advanced testing and simulation facilities can be combined to provide completely new testing capabilities going far beyond the standard. The SmartEST Laboratory is open to grid operators and ma-nufacturers, making an important contribution to the development and op-timization of new products and control strategies for distributed genera-tion. ///
rolandbründlingEr///seniorEngineer,Energydepartment
“The key feature of the AIT SmartEST Laboratory is that different simulation infra-structure can be combined as required.“
24-27.indd 4 03.06.13 17:55
EnErgy 27
ducts and their interaction with the network un-
der realistic conditions. “Our primary objective is
to ensure that our energy infrastructure is well
equipped to deal with future challenges and to
further strengthen the competitiveness of aust-
rian industry within the future-oriented smart
grids market”, says Bründlinger, confident that
the aIt SmarteSt Laboratory is set to make a key
contribution in this area. ///
energy Department is already recognized as a
leading player among the top research and test
centres for distributed energy generation. this is
clearly reflected, for example, in its role as lead
participant in international networks, including
Derlab, the association of top european labora-
tories and research institutes in the field of distri-
buted energy technologies, as well as its interna-
tional equivalent, the Smart Grid International
research Facility Network (SIrFN) of the Interna-
tional energy agency.
bEnEfiTsformanufacTurErsandnETworkoPEraTorsNaturally, there is strong interest from manufac-
turers and network operators in the new test and
research centre. Grid operators can use the
SmarteSt Laboratory to test their control con-
cepts and protection mechanisms in a safe expe-
rimental environment under extreme conditions
before implementing them in their own networks.
For manufacturers, on the other hand, the most
important thing is to test and optimize their pro-
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Further details:energy Department, michaela Jungbauer,Phone: +43 505 50-6688, e-mail:[email protected], Web: http://www.ait.ac.at/energy
hannEshEigl, teamLeaDer
PrOCeSS teCHNOLOGy, re-
SearCH aND DeVeLOPmeNt
SOLar eLeCtrONICS, at FrO-
NIUS INterNatIONaL GmBH ON
tHe ImPOrtaNCe OF mODerN
reSearCH INFraStrUCtUre
FOr DIStrIBUteD eNerGy Ge-
NeratION.
What does Fronius regard as the key chal-lenges in the integration of renewable energies in electricity grids?as a technology-driven company the focus is mostly on technical is-
sues and on finding appropriate solutions. and this also tends to be
the main debate on the market. yet technical implementation is re-
ally only one aspect. Personally, I see the main challenge not in tech-
nical implementation but in understanding that distributed power ge-
neration needs a completely different perspective than centralized
energy supply. If we focus all our efforts on integrating them into the
existing infrastructure, then many benefits of distributed energy ge-
neration will go unused. In my opinion, from a technical point of view,
local energy management is one of the key issues when it comes to
efficient energy supply of the future.
Fronius and AIT have a successful long-standing collaboration. What is the role of research and development for your company as one of the world’s leading manufacturers of photovoltaic inverters?
to put it briefly, development creates turnover in the near future and
research creates turnover in the longer term. So they’re both key to
the long-term survival of a company. at the same time it’s also im-
portant to take the opportunity to deal with new or challenging to-
pics, with less of a focus on concrete turnover figures. this of course
calls for being patient together with having the ability to think outside
the box and daring to venture into unfamiliar territory. at the end of
the day, success as well as the role r&D can play within a company,
depend to a great extent on the people involved and their ability to
turn ideas into reality and quantifiable results.
The AIT SmartEST Laboratory provides a globally unique laboratory infrastructure for tests and simulations. What is the importance of this experimental development facility to Fronius as a manufactu-rer of components for distributed energy generation?In the still relatively new and rapidly changing photovoltaic sector
there are currently few opportunities at international level to exa-
mine technical or normative research questions and exchange ideas
with experts. Fronius considers itself very lucky that we have a lea-
ding research institute working in this field here in austria. By enab-
ling early examination of technical questions, the infrastructure pro-
vided by the SmarteSt Laboratory represents a key step towards
identifying solutions in the renewable energy field. For us as a com-
pany, this infrastructure opens up improved opportunities for us to
react to the constantly changing market requirements and shorten
our innovation cycles. I also anticipate that aIt will use the SmarteSt
Laboratory to further extend its expertise in the field of renewable
energy and will thus continue to be an important partner for Fronius
in the future. ///
24-27.indd 5 03.06.13 17:55
28 ➜Safety&Security
airpaSSengerSStilllookScepticallyat
the glassed-in border control system which, in a
field trial at Vienna Airport, has recently become
an addition to normal border controls. With its
scanners and cameras, the system takes over the
role of the police in checking passports and their
bearers.
„In future, automation should speed up the entire
border control process, giving police more time
to maintain security,“ explains Andreas Kriech-
baum, project manager and image processing
specialist in AIT’s Safety & Security Department.
Police are currently making air passengers
aware of the eGate, which has been installed
close to the conventional border booths for ma-
nual passport control, as the idea of automated
border controls is still completely new to most air
passengers.
automaticSupportforcontrolSThe first prototype was developed, and is being
continually optimized, as part of the Future Bor-
der Control (FBC) project to speed up border con-
trol processing. The project is managed by AIT in
cooperation with the Federal Ministry for the In-
terior (BM.I), Vienna Airport, IT specialist ATOS
(system design, biometrics) and Gunnebo, world
leading provider of entrance control systems. The
Institute for Empirical Social Studies (IFES) is
THE FUTURE OF BORDER CONTROL
/// Border controls are generally an inconvenient and time-consuming business
for air passengers. However, these controls are necessary for a country‘s inter-
nal security. Together with partners, AIT has therefore developed an automated
control system at Vienna Airport which is designed to make future passenger
processing significantly more efficient as well as user-friendlier. These automa-
ted control systems support the work of the border police, although police of-
ficers can naturally step in at any time. ///
● inanutShell
Since October 2012 field testing of an automated border control system has been underway at Vienna Airport. The system was developed by AIT together with partners as part of the national Future Border Control research project. Passengers walk through a fully glassed-in security gate, the eGate, one possi-ble form that an automated border control system could take. It only requires the passport to be placed on the passport scanner. The first door opens and as the passenger walks in, a camera system checks that only one person has en-tered and that the photograph in the passport is that of the passenger. The se-cond door opens only when all the criteria for crossing the border have been fulfilled. The project aims to identify the criteria required in an efficient, quick and user-friendly automated system for border controls. The AIT experts bring to the project their specialized expertise in the field of image processing, and evaluate the overall system on behalf of Austria‘s Federal Ministry for the Inte-rior (BM.I) and Vienna Airport.
28-31.indd 2 04.06.13 09:31
Safety&Security 29
passenger is requested to enter. Inside the
eGate a stereo camera on the ceiling checks
that only one person has entered. The solution
for this so-called system of “passenger separa-
tion” is one of AIT’s contributions. The AIT algo-
rithm also detects backpacks, trolleys or any
other objects that have been left behind. A se-
cond camera checks whether the face corres-
ponds to the digital image in the electronic
passport; the passenger is not required to stand
still for this check, but can simply walk through
the passageway. The second gateway opens
only when all the criteria for the border cros-
sing have been met, thus completing the pro-
cess. Where the criteria have not been met,
border police take over.
Thanks to automation, in future a single border
policeman will be able to monitor several eGates
via cameras from a surveillance station. The
technology will reduce the necessity of manual
processes such as stamping the passports of
non-EU citizens in a few years, giving border po-
lice more time to identify suspicious passengers
or luggage.
largeShareofaitexpertiSeIn addition to project coordination, AIT will also
evaluate the entire Future Border Control project,
which involves examining similar automated sys-
tems at other airports. IT specialist ATOS is res-
ponsible for the system design, processing and
biometric control systems and Gunnebo for the
mechanical locks. AIT is examining a variety of
passport readers and contributes its expertise in
video technologies using its own algorithms. The
evaluation of passport data transmission will take
into account not only speed but also factors such
as potential manipulation and secure encryption.
A second camera is used for facial recognition,
comparing the image with the passport photo-
graph; the system is implemented by ATOS. The
facial recognition system and another commer-
also involved, examining aspects of user friendli-
ness and acceptance. The aim of the project is to
investigate the criteria required for an efficient,
quick and user-friendly automated border control
system. Field tests for the Future Border Control
project started in November 2012. The national
research project was launched in November 2011
as part of the Austrian safety and security pro-
gramme KIRAS and sponsored by the Federal Mi-
nistry for Transport, Innovation and Technology
(BMVIT).
The project will generate information about the
reliability of automated border controls. As these
systems are planned for operational use in the
future, the project will not only encourage further
development by industrial and research partners,
but also enable the BM.I to draw up sound tender
specifications for the commercial version of such
a system.
intenSivefieldteStingtomaximizeuSer-friendlineSSThe project is also providing Vienna Airport with
valuable experience in using such systems and
embedding them into existing infrastructure. As
well as technical aspects, the tests examine
user acceptance, legal considerations, integra-
tion into existing systems and necessary secu-
rity criteria. In April and July 2013, social scien-
tists from the IFES will carry out surveys to
investigate acceptance levels for the installed
prototype.
As all relevant data is automatically recorded the
research project has been registered with the
Data Protection Commission. Passengers are in-
formed about the research project and the use of
their personal data via a display on the eGate and
must agree to this use prior to passing through
the system. This is necessary so that the data ge-
nerated (e.g. facial images) may be used for re-
search purposes in order to improve the system.
Once fully operational, the system will not record
any personal data.
highuSabilityThe eGate consists of two glass gateways and a
glass passageway. Air passengers simply stand
in front of the deliberately transparent entry
gate and place their electronic passport with
chip onto a passport reader. The system then
reads all the relevant data on the passport chip.
Subsequently, the first gateway opens and the
andreaSkriechbaum///Scientist,Safety&Securitydepartment
„Our system will speed up the entire border control pro-cess, giving police more time to maintain security.“
28-31.indd 3 04.06.13 09:31
30 Safety&Security
cial system will be evaluated by ATOS and AIT and
optimized for the application environment. “Auto-
mated border control systems are coming, that’s
for sure,” says project coordinator Kriechbaum.
“The question is how to design them so that they
quickly find acceptance.” Automated systems
such as today’s ubiquitous cash dispensers al-
ways need a certain familiarization period. The
automated system is primarily targeted at busi-
ness travellers and frequent flyers.
aitSetSthepaceineuropeThe automated recording and control of entry
data is also important to the EU. As recently as
the end of February the European Commission
presented its Smart Borders Package which pro-
poses an entry-exit system automatically recor-
ding the entry and exit of travellers from third
countries. This will be complemented by a Regis-
tered Traveller Programme for frequent flyers
from third countries, enabling this group of peo-
ple to use eGates.
reSearchServiceS
Reliable image processing is essential for next generation security ap-plications, especially in the surveillance of critical infrastructure and in-dustrial processes. Novel concepts, architectures and algorithms im-prove detection quality of video systems and reduce false alarms. The new high-resolution cameras enable new applications, but also require novel hardware architectures such as multicore concepts and new pro-cessors as well as advanced software architectures and algorithms. The challenges include higher performance, higher resolution (at exponenti-ally increasing data rates), higher detection and tracking quality, more complex algorithms for enhanced robustness at reduced false alarm ra-tes as well as better usability. The image processing algorithms must also produce reliable results both in indoor and outdoor applications, even under poor lighting conditions. The Safety & Security Department has extensive expertise in optical 3D stereo vision, a high-performance application for combining data from dif-ferent sensors. The research results are being applied in the implementa-tion of multimodal sensor systems for obstacle and lane detection as well as navigation of autonomous systems. New concepts, architectures and algorithms are being developed for mo-del-based analysis of video content for security applications, for high-per-formance content analysis of printed media and for autonomous systems using 3D vision. /// P
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recording and control
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Safety&Security 31
passengers should be able to look forward to fas-
ter border controls, coupled with greater secu-
rity. ///
These developments are very important for a
further project led by AIT, which was launched in
this year and will run for four years involving 27
European partners: the EU project FastPass is
intended to create a harmonized and modular
system for automated border controls across the
EU. The experiences gained during the Future
Border Control project will be extremely helpful.
FastPass is also designed to find the best way of
combining increasing mobility with greater secu-
rity demands, and is developing systems for use
across the EU, including roads and harbours. Air
Further details:Safety & Security Department, Michael Mürling,Phone: +43 505 50-4126, e-mail:[email protected], Web: www.ait.ac.at/safety_security
colonelJohannriedl, FEDE-
RAL MINISTRy OF THE INTERIOR
(BM.I), ON THE OPPORTUNITIES
AND ADVANTAGES OFFERED By
FULLy AUTOMATIC BORDER
CONTROL AT AIRPORTS.
Colonel Riedl, passengers at Vienna Air-port have been able to test the first fully automatic border control system for the past couple of months. The new system
has been developed in a project led by AIT. What are the BM.I’s ex-pectations for this prototype?The development of fully automatic border control systems to sup-
port the border police in managing constantly growing passenger
streams is striding ahead. The BM.I anticipates that the prototype
currently being tested will provide practical experience demonstra-
ting what can be expected from a fully automatic border control sys-
tem, as well as indicating the opportunities and risks associated with
this technology.
Air passengers want to get through the border controls as quickly as possible. They are always in a hurry. What security aspects must be considered?In terms of focus, border control must be considered as fundamen-
tally separate from security control. There is always comprehensive
security control for each person and luggage, even where there is no
border control, for example, for flights within the Schengen area.
When it comes to border control, the BM.I places great importance
on thoroughness. The quality and care with which border controls
are carried out cannot be compromised simply to speed up the con-
trol process.
The KIRAS Future Border Control research project has developed the first prototype to test all factors including user-friendliness, ac-ceptance and security. How has AIT been able to contribute with its know-how?AIT has proven itself a competent and reliable partner.
When can we expect fully automatic border controls to go into stan-dard operation?The BM.I is currently giving fundamental consideration to the possi-
bility of installing automated border control gates for border cont-
rols, especially at Vienna Airport. It’s not currently possible to predict
when fully automatic border controls will become standard at Aust-
rian airports on a large scale. There are many factors determining
the success of such extensive measures and, furthermore, agree-
ment at EU level is vital in view of future potential European develop-
ments.
How well is cooperation with AIT working out?Cooperation with AIT representatives has been quick and uncom-
plicated; we placed great importance on effective communication
right from the beginning. Thanks to this direct contact, together
with the experts from AIT it has been possible to find flexible solu-
tions for spontaneously arising challenges during every phase of
the project.
How would you judge AIT’s innovative performance as an applied research organization?From my perspective it’s impossible to evaluate the entire range of
innovations which really lie behind the results we’ve achieved. The
wishes of the border control staff naturally not always coincide with
what’s technically possible. But for us at the BM.I, it was always exci-
ting to see how much effort AIT put into successfully meeting and
implementing the BM.I’s operational requirements. ///Ph
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32 ➜CAREERPROFILES
Helfried Brunner, as a graduate of both Graz Uni-
versity of Technology and UAS Technikum Wien,
your expertise is very much in demand in indus-
try. So what made you choose to go into re-
search?
I always wanted to work in research. My particu-
lar interest is (and always has been) in issues
connected with energy supply. I chose to go into
research because it gives me the opportunity to
take an active role in shaping the future of energy
supply in Austria and in Europe.
What do you regard as the main advantages of
working in a non-university research institution?
First and foremost, it’s being able to perform
highly applied and industry-oriented research. It
offers opportunities to work with cutting-edge
systems and breakthrough technology, to develop
new methods and to be involved right from the
start with theoretical ideas and concepts, all the
way through to developing product solutions in
collaboration with industry partners.
What are the qualities young scientists applying
for a research position with AIT need to have? Are
there any tips or advice you would give them?
Naturally, they need to have a sound scientific
education. Furthermore, apart from having the
necessary specialized expertise, the research ac-
tivities performed at AIT require staff to have an
in-depth understanding of complex systems. Re-
searchers at AIT also need to be extremely curi-
ous about scientific topics and be prepared to put
considerable energy and effort into working on
national and international research projects in
which they play a highly proactive role.
Apart from your work as a research scientist
you’re also a lecturer at UAS Technikum Wien –
does your day have more than the usual 24
hours?
Well, I find that teaching offers me a great oppor-
tunity to pass research findings on and discuss
them with young academics. It’s an enriching ex-
perience which more than compensates for the
time it takes up. Of course, it also offers me and
other AIT colleagues who teach at universities
and universities of applied sciences the opportu-
nity to come into contact with potential future
thesis students or even colleagues at an early
stage.
What do you see as the strengths of the AIT Aust-
rian Institute of Technology compared with other
similar institutions?
One of the major advantages at AIT is the continu-
ity in research it offers due to the four-year stra-
tegic focus on research topics and the availability
of relevant funding. Another undoubted strength
is of course the AIT staff, who combine their dif-
ferent specialist backgrounds and work together
CAREERS AT AIT/// Tomorrow Today talked to Helfried Brunner, Senior Engineer and Thematic
Coordinator for Smart Grids in the AIT Energy Department about what appeals to
him most about pursuing a career in non-university research. ///
HelfriedBrunner, Senior Engineer im AIT
Energy Department
AITCAREERMODELSENIORENGINEER
Senior Engineers support the Business Unit management in the strategic deve-lopment and positioning of the Business Unit. Responsibilities include the de-velopment and management of large, complex projects of strategic impor-tance, as well as publishing articles and registering patents, developing concepts for applying and exploiting the findings and instructing Junior Engi-neers and Junior Expert Advisors. Success in this role depends in particular on a system-oriented appreciation of the available technological options as well as of customer needs and the market situation. Specialized training correspon-ding to the particular professional and strategic orientation is available. Indivi-duals demonstrating superior leadership competence have the option of assu-ming additional management responsibilities as a Thematic Coordinator.
REquIREMENTS
● CompletedMasterleveldegreeorequivalent● Severalyearsofprofessionalexperienceinresearchanddevelopment● Profoundscientificortechnicalknowledgeintherespectivefieldcoupledwithasuperiorunderstandingofsystems
● Exceptionalknowledgeofthemarketandofcustomerneeds● Abilitytosuccessfullynetworkbothwithintheorganizationandbeyondaswellasimplementationskills
● ●Abilitytothinkandactstrategicallyandinabusiness-mindedmanner Ph
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CAREERPROFILES 33
of different solutions and technologies rather
than one single smart grid solution.
Will it even be possible to transform the existing
energy infrastructure into modern smart grids?
Definitely not everywhere. In cases where energy
infrastructure is already at its physical limit then
even smart grid solutions won’t help. We expect,
however, that in a significant proportion of the
existing European infrastructure intelligent solu-
tions can be deployed to make use of additional
reserves. One of the focuses in smart grid re-
search at AIT is currently on the development of
methods to identify the most appropriate smart
grid solution for a given situation.
Looking to the future, what can we expect in
terms of global energy supply in 2025?
In Europe, we’ll definitely see a major move to-
wards sustainable energy systems and renewa-
ble energy sources will play a key role in energy
supply. As far as global energy supply is concer-
ned, however, I don’t expect to see any significant
change by 2025 due to the growing demand for
energy from newly industrialized countries.
The global trend towards a sharp increase in
the share of electricity in end-use energy con-
sumption is set to continue. On the one hand
due to increasing electrification in countries
such as India and China and on the other hand
due to increased use of more efficient technolo-
gies such as heat pumps or ventilation systems,
which generally tend to be more dependent on
electrical energy. ///
to enable a highly interdisciplinary approach to be
taken in the different research fields in key infra-
structure areas.
As Thematic Coordinator for Smart Grids you are
involved in a range of different national and inter-
national networks. To what extent does AIT profit
from such international contacts?
It’s only possible to play a leading role in national
and international networks if you have gained a
reputation within the research community. In-
volvement in these activities opens up opportuni-
ties for discussing and positioning national re-
search at international level and thus supports
Austrian research and industry. It also makes it
easier to identify international trends at an earlier
stage and bring them to Austria. Such activities
enable us to position ourselves as an internatio-
nal partner. That’s important because European
and international research projects are key stra-
tegic and economic factors for AIT.
In Europe, AIT plays a leading role in the field of
smart grid research. Why is there such internati-
onal demand for AIT’s expertise in this area?
Thanks to our strategic focus and the excellent
national project and funding situation as well as
our excellent research infrastructure, we have
been successful in gaining international visibility
– particularly in the smart grid sector. We’ve also
been a longstanding partner in large European
research projects and networks. The fact that in-
itial solutions are already operating under test
conditions in the grid means that along with our
expertise in simulation we can also demonstrate
our practical experience in the implementation of
such solutions.
Smart grids are a high priority focus at both nati-
onal and international level. What are the condi-
tions that need to be put in place to facilitate their
large-scale introduction?
From a research perspective, support needs to
be given to both grid operators and industry in or-
der to minimize the current uncertainty in the
field of future-oriented network planning and
operation. The key issue is when, where and
which smart grid solutions are most appropriate.
This is proving to be quite a challenge as the vari-
ous networks in different countries have their
own individual features, and climate and societal
differences of course also play an important role
in this context. That means there’ll be a portfolio Ph
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Further details:Elvira Welzig, strategi-sche Personalentwick-lung, Phone: +43 505 50-4008, e-mail: [email protected], Web: www.ait.ac.at
32-33.indd 31 28.05.13 10:12
INNOVATION CALENDAR07 MAY: SENIOR eDAY
Modern information and communication technologies (ICT) are a motorfor growth and employment. ICT applications have revolutionized allbusiness sectors and also penetrated private life. The fast-paced deve-lopment of ICT means that e-skills are gaining importance and must becontinuously kept up to date. In addition, the development of e-com-merce is resulting in a growing demand for creative persons with soundconceptual ICT expertise.Venue: Kurhaus, Hall in TirolInfos: www.ait.ac.at/safety_security
13 – 15 MAY: IE EXPO 2013
With over 24,000 visitors and 753 exhibitors in 2012, IE EXPO is the lea-ding trade fair for water management, wastewater treatment, recyclingand energy-efficient technologies in Asia. AIT will be represented by theEnergy and Health & Environment Departments. Venue: ShanghaiInfos: www.ie-expo.com
13 – 16 MAY: SMART GRIDS WEEK
The Smart Grids Week – Salzburg 2013 aims to make a significant con-tribution towards the process already successfully started in Austria tofurther strengthen the development of the electricity infrastructure andkeep up with international developments. Venue: SalzburgInfos: www.energiesystemederzukunft.at/results.html/id7097
14 MAY: IT-KOLLOQUIUM „MACHINE TO MACHINE COMMUNICATION“
Prominent lecturers from Austria and abroad will present new develop-ments in machine to machine communication to an audience of over150 experts. Online registration is available via the OVE event calendar. Venue: ÖIAV banquet hall, ViennaInfos: www.ait.ac.at/safety_security
14 – 16 MAY: SNEC PV POWER EXPO 2013
The SNEC PV Power Expo in Shanghai is an international photovoltaicexhibition and conference and is one of the largest events for the pho-tovoltaic sector in Asia. Numerous national and international compa-nies use SNEC as a platform to present their latest developments andsolutions in the field.Venue: ShanghaiInfos: www.snec.org.cn/default.aspx?lang=en
16 MAY: JUNIOR eDAY WEST
In analogy to the Senior eDay held on 7 May in Hall in Tirol, this event isdesigned to show the potential of ICT applications to young people.Venue: InnsbruckInfos: www.ait.ac.at/safety_security
16 MAY: AUSTRIAN M2M & MOBILE PAYMENT FORUM
The Internet of Things is considered one of the most exciting topics inIT and is set to become indispensable in many sectors. The event willprovide an outlook on the prospects of M2M and will also critically ad-dress current developments in the sector. One focus will be on mobilepayment as one of the most topical and exciting applications of M2M.The AIT Austrian Institute of Technology acts as a partner of the forum.Venue: Tech Gate Vienna, ViennaInfos: www.ait.ac.at/safety_security
22 – 24 MAY: CEDEM13
The international Conference for e-Democracy and Open Govern-ment 2013 addresses topics such as e-democracy, e-participation,open government, open access, e-policies and social media. Perso-nalities from industry, research, academia and public administrationare invited to participate and submit contributions (papers). Paperswill undergo a peer review process and will be published in the confe-rence proceedings.Venue: Danube University, KremsInfos: www.donau-uni.ac.at
23 – 24 MAY: EHEALTH 2013 – BIG DATA – EHEALTH FROM
DATA ANALYSIS TO KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT
eHealth2013, Austria’s leading scientific conference on digital medicinewill be held as part of the eHealth Summit Austria for the first time thisyear (www.ehealthsummit.at). The eHealth Summit Austria aims to de-velop a close network within the e-health community by involving all sta-keholders active in the healthcare sector, i.e. research, hospitals, politicsand industry. Venue: Schönbrunn Conference Centre, ViennaInfos: www.eHealth2013.at
27 MAY: POLITICS AND ADMINISTRATION IN AUSTRIA
The AIT Foresight & Policy Development Department is organizing a con-ference on politics and administration in Austria together with the AustrianSociety for Politics and Administration and the French Cultural Institute.Venue: French Cultural Institute, ViennaInfos: www.ait.ac.at/f_pd
13 JUNE: 3RD IT SECURITY DAY FOR SMART GRIDS
Smart Grids require critical ICT infrastructure, which must be appro-priately secured to safeguard the reliability of technical control and ad-ministration processes. TeleTrusT is organizing the 3rd IT Security Dayfor Smart Grids, where experts from different companies will presentcurrent developments concerning standards and norms, control tech-nology and electric mobility with a focus on IT security.Venue: Thomas-Dehler-Haus, BerlinInfos: www.teletrust.de/veranstaltungen/smart-grid/2013
19 – 21 JUNE: INTERSOLAR EUROPE 2013
Intersolar Munich is an international exhibition and congress for solartechnology. Some 2,200 exhibitors, including the world’s leading manu-facturers, suppliers, retailers and service providers, will showcase newproducts and services in the areas of photovoltaics, PV production tech-nology and solar thermal on an exhibition space of 165,000 m² and pre-sent the latest developments and technical innovations. The exhibitionwill be complemented by a comprehensive conference programme. Venue: MunichInfos: www.intersolar.de
19 – 21 JUNE: IST 2013 – 4TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON
SUSTAINABILITY TRANSITIONS
The Foresight & Policy Development Department is organizing a sessi-on on “Technological Innovation Systems 2.0 – next steps in conceptualdevelopments of the TIS framework” together with the Copernicus In-stitute of Sustainable Development and Innovation Utrecht. Venue: ZurichInfos: www.ist13.ch/index_EN
34 ➜ EVENTS
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AIT TOP JOURNAL PAPERS
➜ SCIENTIFIC PAPER 35
T. Weber, S. Wassertheurer, M. F. O'Rourke, A. Haiden, R. Zweiker, M.Rammer, B. Hametner, B. Eber: „PULSATILE HEMODYNAMICS IN PATIENTS WITH EXERTIONAL
DYSPNEA – POTENTIALLY OF VALUE IN THE DIAGNOSTIC EVALUA-
TION OF SUSPECTED HEART FAILURE WITH PRESERVED EJECTION
FRACTION“
J Am Coll Cardiol. 2013;():. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2013.02.013
The scientific paper pu-blished in the “JACC –Journal of the AmericanCollege of Cardiology”(one of the top internatio-nal cardiology journalswith an impact factor of14.1) for the first time des-cribes and validates anapproach to extend echo-cardiography by pulse wa-ve analysis, improving thediagnostic accuracy by upto 30 per cent as compa-red to the guidelines. Themethod was tested on
over 300 patients and verified through catheterization. The back-ground of this work: catheterization is the gold standard in the dia-gnosis of potential diastolic dysfunction (“stiff heart”). However, thismethod is laborious, expensive and burdensome for the patient. Thisapplies in particular to patients who in the end do not suffer from he-art failure. To avoid this, cardiac ultrasound (echocardiography) isused as a non-invasive method in initial diagnostic assessment in ac-cordance with international guidelines. One of the authors, SiegfriedWassertheurer, works as a Senior Scientist at the AIT Health & Envi-ronment Department. Link to the abstract:http://content.onlinejacc.org/article.aspx?articleid=1662646
J. Hoekman, T. Scherngell, K. Frenken, R. Tijssen:„ACQUISITION OF EUROPEAN RESEARCH FUNDS AND ITS EFFECT
ON INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC COLLABORATION“
Journal of Economic Geography, 2012, 12, 5, 1-30.
The paper analyses effects of European Framework Programmes(FPs) for Research and Development on transnational collaborationsin science. The FPs are the EU’s key instrument for stimulating trans-national research collaboration. The main aim of the paper was to in-vestigate whether the funding of transnational research projects inFPs has a statistically significant effect on subsequent scientific col-
laborations in the form of internationalco-publications. This question wasanalysed at the regional level in theEU-27 countries using methods ofspatial interaction modelling. The re-sults show that the greatest effect canbe observed for scientifically laggingregional pairs; this means that regio-nal pairs which did not intensively co-publish prior to participation experi-enced a statistically significant and su-stainable increase in international co-publications following FP funding. Thisindicates that the FPs are in line withEU cohesion policy and do not follow a“picking the winners” approach. Oneof the authors, Thomas Scherngell,
works as a Senior Scientist at the Foresight & Policy DevelopmentDepartment of the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology.
D. Bruckner, C. Picus, R. Velik, W. Herzner, G. Zucker::„HIERARCHICAL SEMANTIC PROCESSING ARCHITECTURE FOR
SMART SENSORS IN SURVEILLANCE NETWORKS“
IEEE Transactions on Industrial Informatics, 8 (2012), 2; S. 291 – 301.
The paper describes a researchdetail – a nine-layer system archi-tecture including hardware andsoftware – developed within the EUproject “SENSE”. It is part of a sy-stem designed for the monitoringof security-critical premises (e.g.airports) using stationary sensornodes. Each sensor used in theproject included a camera and amicrophone array. The aim was tocombine the data of all sensors inorder to obtain a more coherentview of unusual situations thanwould be possible with individualsensors. The individual sensorshave also been designed to recog-
nize their neighbours by correlating their perceptions without theneed for prior calibration. Wolfgang Herzner, who co-authoredthe paper and developed the system architecture, works as a Se-nior Engineer at the AIT Safety & Security Department.
The magazine Tomorrow Today is a media collaboration with the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology. Editorial responsibility rests with Austria Innovativ.
/// From now on, each Tomorrow Today issue will present papers recently published
by AIT scientists in high impact international journals. ///
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If your company is looking for cutting edge innovations, then AIT Austrian Institute of Technology is your partner of choice. Because in our institute the most acute minds in Europe are working today on tomorrow’s tools and technologies, laying the ground for the solutions the future demands.
Learn more about the future by visiting www.ait.ac.at
THE BEST WAY TOPREDICTTHEFUTUREIS TOSHAPE IT.
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