diKo 20

Short description - Megatrends such as urbanization, connectivity, and the Internet of Things are transforming society, the economy, and science. Modern information and communication technologies (ICT) are increasingly shaping many aspects of our personal and professional lives. Building on these developments and based on Saxony’s innovation strategy, this project addresses relevant topics from the fields of ICT, services, and production engineering within the defined future field of “digital communication.” These topics are explored through various practical use cases, distributed across three subprojects, in collaboration with partners from Saxony’s industry and other domestic and international universities. At the same time, all subprojects actively seek common factors to better tap into potential synergies. The resulting integrated analysis of the project results, in turn, leads to new innovative approaches and further developments related to the aforementioned subject areas.

Project Duration:
Jan 1, 2018 to Dec 31, 2020

Project Management:
Prof. Dr. Christoph Laroque

Subproject 1: Information and Communication Technologies – Simulation-Based Optimization of Traffic Calming Measures

The introduction of traffic-calming zones in urban areas is a fundamental element in the implementation of a sustainable transportation policy. Subproject 1 conducts a comprehensive analysis of existing and planned traffic-calming measures, examining their direct effects on road traffic and related indirect factors such as quality of life, energy efficiency, environmental protection, and traffic safety. A reference site in the city of Zwickau is used, employing modern information and communication technologies for simulation-based optimization to conduct practical before-and-after studies. Extensive traffic data collected in the 1990s serves as the starting point for the scientific work; this data is specifically supplemented through the use of modern technology, thereby providing a solid foundation for the planned traffic simulations.

Subproject 2: Services/Communication Services – Research Platform for the Intercultural Exchange of Experiences

The Faculty of Languages maintains an extensive knowledge base on Critical Incidents (CIs). CIs capture and organize insights gained from dealing with critical situations in international mobility and communication (e.g., typical sources of conflict in specific encounter situations when different cultures interact). Through scholarly analysis combined with the use of modern IT technology, this subproject is creating a regularly updated research platform where CIs can be recorded, analyzed, and shared with other researchers in the field of intercultural communication. Big data and AI methods are employed in connection with the processing of the CIs. To ensure the results can be applied in a practical context, the platform’s functional design will be adapted for different user groups and made accessible for use on mobile devices.

Subproject 3: Advanced Production Techniques – Smart Machines in the Food Industry

With approximately 5,900 companies, the food industry is one of the most important industrial sectors in Germany. The use of highly specialized software, sensors, and actuators is essential for the adaptive control of food-processing plants. A significant opportunity—one that is often overlooked by small and medium-sized enterprises—lies in the analysis of data generated during the production process. Subproject 3 focuses on the development of a big data architecture and the associated methods for automated data analysis and pattern recognition of food products. The goal is to implement real-time analysis and classification of food products by deriving specific control parameters, based on the development of a fully automated production line at a regional partner in the food industry (fish processing).