On October 16, 2025, the latest lecture in the popular mechXchange series took place at the Department of Mechatronics at MCI. The guest speaker was Martin Hofstetter from Graz University of Technology, who presented current developments in the field of digital product development in his exciting talk.
Under the title “AI-powered Product Development for Electric Drives,” Hofstetter impressively demonstrated how digital engineering methods support the rapid development of competitive technical products in the automotive industry and beyond. Companies are faced with the challenge of reconciling numerous, sometimes conflicting requirements—for example, in terms of performance, costs, and energy efficiency.
Hofstetter presented the AI-supported optimization method OPED (Optimization of Electric Drives), which he co-developed. This method makes it possible to tailor electric drives to individual vehicle requirements and optimize competing product features within a reasonable computing time. This method is already being used successfully in industrial applications by one of the world's largest automotive suppliers. Due to its generic approach, OPED can also be applied to a wide variety of technical product developments – always with the aim of mastering the next challenging development step.
The event attracted considerable interest and drew an impressive number of students, researchers, and industry representatives to MCI. The lively discussion following the lecture once again demonstrated the importance of the mechXchange series as a platform for knowledge transfer and networking between science and industry.
Outlook: Next mechXchange lecture on November 24, 2025
On November 24, 2025, we will welcome Matthias Neuner from BOKU Vienna to MCI. In his lecture entitled “Advanced Numerical Simulations in Research and Development: From Understanding Materials to Enabling Innovation,” he will provide insights into the use of advanced numerical simulations—from materials research to the development of innovative products.
Register now!
Martin Hofstetter during his lecture at MCI ©MCI/Walder
Registration: mechXchange
Mechatronics | Bachelor
Mechatronics – Automation, Robotics & AI | Master
Mechatronics – Smart Technologies | Master
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