Industrial production and systems

The Free State of Thuringia boasts a strong entrepreneurial base in the fields of manufacturing technology, plastics processing, mechanical and tool engineering, measurement, control and regulation technology, micro- and nanotechnology, optics/photonics, sensor technology and robotics, as well as materials and material systems. Its scientific expertise is particularly robust, thanks to Thuringia's seven universities and 15 research institutions. This expertise is closely integrated with Thuringian industry and is continuously being expanded and supported by numerous research consortia, such as UKPiño and SAPHIR, as well as strong Thuringian innovation centers like ThZM and InQuoSens.

The Free State has a strong entrepreneurial base in the fields of manufacturing technology, plastics processing industry, mechanical and tool engineering, measurement, control and regulation technology, micro and nanotechnology, optics/photonics, sensor technology and robotics, as well as materials and material systems.

Thuringia boasts particularly strong scientific expertise, thanks to its seven universities and 15 research institutions. This expertise is closely intertwined with Thuringian businesses and is being continuously expanded – currently through two growth centers, one WIR! project, and three RUBIN consortia in the implementation phase. Three further RUBIN projects have been approved and are in the concept phase.

Specialization profile for download
Specialization profile for download [jpg file] , 612 KB]

The economy in the specialization field in figures

19.4 Revenue in billion euros

3400 branches

100000 Dependent employees

Data source: own calculation based on TLS data, as of 2023 (figures rounded)

profile

The factory of the future will be more flexible, efficient, faster, and more sustainable. The adaptability of manufacturing processes will be a crucial factor for future competitiveness. If these processes become flexibly configurable, small, local sites with correspondingly in-depth manufacturing expertise will be possible. Increasing digitalization will allow processes to be even more interconnected across factories, thus optimizing supply chains. Numerous local and smart value creation networks will emerge. Sensors, analytics, and artificial intelligence will increase productivity while reducing downtime and maintenance.

The digitalization of production and the systemic networking of value chains into value networks, in line with the concept of "Industry 4.0," is of central importance for Thuringia as a hub of innovation. The production landscape of tomorrow will be characterized by an increasing interconnectedness of the physical and digital worlds. On the one hand, intelligent information, communication, and management systems will enable stronger integration of internal company processes and resources; on the other hand, entire value chains, from suppliers to other producers and ultimately to the customer, will be networked. New automation solutions, intelligent robotics, and autonomous systems will provide skilled workers with crucial support, particularly in routine tasks. Nevertheless, humans will continue to play a central role: safe and ergonomic human-machine interaction will allow skilled workers to focus on their core competencies. The image of a factory floor will transform into an interactive, digitalized space, driven in no small part by the European Green Deal.

Therefore, we are sustainably advancing the following topics in a four-pronged approach:

Assistance systems for safe and ergonomic human-machine interaction
Functional integration for innovative products
Photonics and sensor technology for the world of tomorrow
Smart manufacturing systems for efficient, flexible and precise production

Rapid responses are crucial for us – both to market changes and technological developments. Therefore, we ensure that Thuringia's existing expertise in various technology segments is optimally utilized, continuously expanded, and efficiently integrated. Thuringia is ideally positioned for the path to a digitally networked future thanks to its innovative companies, its extensive research and education landscape, its outstanding R&D capabilities, and its strong networks and cluster structures.

Areas of expertise

Optics/Photonics
- Light sources
- Optics (e.g. freeform optics)
- Image processing
- Laser processing
- Photonic systems
Micro/nanosystem technology
- Synthesis and functionalization of nanomaterials
- Micro-nano structuring
- Structure-property relationships
- Micro-nano integration
- Integrated sensor signal processing
Plastics technology
- Injection molding, extrusion and blow molding technology
- Functionalized plastic products
- Process engineering for multi-material systems
- Surface finishing
- Optical molded parts
Mechanical engineering, plant engineering and toolmaking
- Forming, machining and joining manufacturing
- Innovative process technology
- Hybrid technologies for processing new materials
- Power tools and power molds
- Machines & tools for the manufacturing industry
- Special machine construction

Cross-sectional areas

Sensors and robotics
- Intelligent sensors (systems) (process and product quality sensors)
- Data processing and validated information
- Interface management and integration into systems
- Process control and smart actuators
- Adaptive quality assurance and maintenance monitoring
- Tool-adaptive and self-learning handling robotics
Materials and material systems
- (Bio-)polymers
- Glass
- ceramics
- metals
- Smart Textiles
- Composite materials (compounds, hybrid composites, multi-materials)
- Semiconductor materials
Production technologies
- Correlation of production technology, material, achievable properties and simulation
- Energy-efficient and clean production
- Precision technologies
- Rapid Manufacturing
- Coating technologies (interface technologies)
- Reprocessing (recycling) technologies
Digitization
- automation
- Networking
- cooperative production (processing) networks
- CI methods (from CAD to PPS) and Big Data Management

Vision and goals

Thuringia is a technologically advanced and internationally renowned production region. Its success is primarily based on interdisciplinarity, competitive infrastructure, rapid market response, and innovative strength. Furthermore, there are other key guiding principles:

In Thuringia, we are taking advantage of the opportunities arising from technological progress, demographic change, resource scarcity, and increasing globalization.
We are systematically expanding growing markets, existing lighthouses and leading positions in optics/photonics, plastics processing, manufacturing technology, measurement and sensor technology as well as in the use of innovative material systems, thereby providing a strong foundation for further interdisciplinarity.
Thuringian companies are evolving into system suppliers and generating innovations through the intelligent linking of subject areas.
Thuringian companies are strengthening and expanding their position in the global market through progressive internationalization.

Manufacturing companies are specifically increasing their systems expertise and thereby strengthening their international competitiveness.
Product development times are significantly reduced, while market and customer proximity are sustainably increased.
Companies specializing in machine and tool manufacturing are striving for technological leadership through smarter and more powerful system solutions and product-complementing services.
The creative industries provide impetus for interdisciplinary cooperation in innovation processes and the development of user-oriented products.

Cluster and network organizations

ELMUG eG

The ELMUG industrial cluster brings together developers, manufacturers, suppliers, service providers, and research institutions in Thuringia specializing in electronic measurement and device technology. Its goal is to expand and consistently develop one of Thuringia's core industries on a national and international scale.

Against the backdrop of the increasing intensity of cooperation between the cluster members and the increased need to develop independent economic activity, the cluster initiative was transformed into a legal entity on 25 February 2009 with the founding of Elektronische Mess- und Gerätetechnik Thüringen (ELMUG) eG.

The purpose of the cooperative is the economic promotion and support of its members through joint business operations. Its stated goal is to expand joint economic activity in order to strengthen the market success of its members individually and collectively, thereby opening up new market opportunities.

www.elmug.de

OptoNet eV.

OptoNet unites the interests of more than 90 stakeholders in the Thuringian optics cluster. The association promotes networking among these stakeholders and encourages collaborations with the aim of advancing the development of optical technologies in the region. Simultaneously, it seeks to enhance competitiveness in order to expand the cluster's national and international visibility. OptoNet sees itself as a service provider for its members, creating a shared communication and cooperation platform and actively engaging in location marketing. Collaboration with regional, national, and international networks in related technology fields and with market-relevant partners is of particular importance.

In cooperation with OptoNet CoOPTICS GmbH, a wholly owned subsidiary of OptoNet eV, there is a division of labor in the area of cooperation. The GmbH focuses primarily on initiating, applying for and supporting research and development projects, actively monitors trends and technologies, and advises on financing options.

www.optonet-jena.de

www.cooptics.de

PolymerMat eV Plastics Cluster Thuringia

PolymerMat eV represents the interests of companies in Thuringia's plastics industry and works closely with regional networks. It provides a platform for communication and collaboration among companies in the plastics sector regarding innovation, product development, and the implementation of cutting-edge technologies. This encompasses all stages of the value chain, from plastics processing, manufacturing, integration, and refinement to recycling, including tool and machine construction.
The cluster fosters active exchange through specialist groups and at events. Furthermore, the association is involved in public relations, corporate cooperation, the promotion of science, research, and education, and the associated challenges of skilled labor shortages. As an interface between companies in the plastics industry and policymakers, the association contributes to the advancement of science, research, education, and innovation. It also supports the development of the Thuringian economic region and the companies in the diverse application sectors of the plastics industry within the Free State.

www.polymermat.de

FerMeTh cluster for manufacturing technology and metal processing in Thuringia

This cluster unites companies from across the entire value chain of metal processing and mechanical engineering, as well as research and educational institutions active in the field of manufacturing technology. Currently, it has 18 members (as of August 2015).
FerMeTh sees itself as a platform for comprehensive cooperation between companies, particularly in the field of research and development, in order to sustainably secure and further expand market opportunities and competitiveness – both in the regional and increasingly in the international environment.

www.fermeth.de

SmartTex Network Thuringia

Electrode shirts for Trade Fairs bodily functions, textile solar cells, smart assistive devices for people with disabilities – the SmartTex Network Thuringia promotes new ideas, initiates collaborative projects, and organizes knowledge transfer between research and industry, for example, through cross-sector workshops, seminars, and symposia. The network pools existing research and development expertise so that promising ideas for smart textiles can be transformed into marketable products more quickly.

www.smarttex-netzwerk.de

SpectroNet

The SpectroNet network connects stakeholders in the field of visual quality assurance, based on digital color image processing and spectral imaging, across various sectors and industries. SpectroNet facilitates knowledge transfer and collaboration between research and industry, as well as the development of system solutions for demanding image processing tasks and the unlocking of market potential. A further objective is to harmonize education and training in this field and to define standards.

www.spectronet.de

SensorikNet eV.

detect puts sensors in the spotlight. detect is the hub and voice of the high-tech sensor industry in the heart of Germany. detect is a value-creating network and represents the interests of its members from industry and research.

we-detect-it.de

Cross-Cluster Initiative Thuringia

The Thuringia Cross-Cluster Initiative is a network of active networks from different industries.

The collaboration between cluster and network organizations aims to ensure a regular exchange of experience between the networks, provide up-to-date information for the management of the individual networks, and enable research results to be translated more quickly into applications, products, and services.

www.cci-thueringen.de

MiT - Innovative Materials Thuringia

The platform "MiT - Material innovativ THÜRINGEN" (Innovative Materials Thuringia) consolidates and moderates diverse activities to further strengthen Thuringia as a region of expertise in materials development, manufacturing, and application. Based on the voluntary and dedicated cooperation of many partners, the platform supports the implementation process of the Thuringian Innovation Strategy (RIS Thuringia), provides a topic-specific discussion and collaboration platform, initiates and moderates materials-related activities, pools expertise, and ensures objective advocacy.

www.material-innovativ.de