FMDauto - Institut für Produktentwicklung und Innovation

What FMDauto - Institut für Produktentwicklung und Innovation does

FMDauto - Institut für Produktentwicklung und Innovation is a university research institute embedded within Hochschule Düsseldorf (HSD), a public-law university in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It originated in 2009 from a predecessor research focus on flexible manufacturing and disassembly automation and is now organized around seven integrated research areas: Simulation Technology (CFD, FEM, MKS, DEM), Experimental Technology (sensor systems, actuators, industrial image processing, specialized test benches including a 100 m/s high-speed cutting rig), Automation Technology (PLC, embedded systems, FPGA), Construction Engineering (CAD, 3D printing), Materials Technology (SEM, surface and mechanical testing), Life Cycle Management, and AI & Data Science (reinforcement learning, model-predictive control, neural networks, multi-agent systems).

The institute operates through a sales-led, project-based GTM model rather than commercial product sales. It delivers interdisciplinary R&D services to regional SMEs and large industrial partners — including KRONE, MAN Energy Solutions, Everllence SE, SMS group, and Weiss Klimatechnik — typically funded through competitive public grants from BMBF, BMWi, EFRE, DFG, and EU/Erasmus+, supplemented by contract research and testing services. In 2017, R&D project volume exceeded €950,000, and the active pipeline now extends through 2028 with projects such as FokusTurbo (Everllence), TurboTrans (Everllence/RWTH Aachen), LOBSTeR (MAN/DLR), and SunBot (ATB Leibniz). Intellectual property includes granted patent EP 3 752 801 B1 for sensor-reduced mass flow control of linear vibrating conveyors and a granted conveyor system patent by Andreas Jahr and Igor Trofimov. The institute is led by Prof. Dr. André Stuhlsatz and Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Grote-Ramm, with oversight from an advisory board and the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Research of North Rhine-Westphalia.

Name

FMDauto - Institut für Produktentwicklung und Innovation

Legal name

Hochschule Düsseldorf - University of Applied Sciences

Website

https://fmdauto.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

2009

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

FMDauto is a research institute at Hochschule Düsseldorf that delivers interdisciplinary R&D services — simulation, experimental testing, automation, materials, life cycle management, and AI/data science — to regional SMEs and industrial partners via publicly funded projects and contract research.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Düsseldorf

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Research Project Funding: R&D projects conducted in cooperation with regional SMEs, typically funded through government grants (BMBF, BMWi, EFRE, DFG, EU/Erasmus+) and industry partnerships. In 2017, R&D projects exceeded 950,000 Euro.
2. Contract Research and Testing Services: Measurement services, test stand construction, and contract work offered to external parties

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

FMDauto is a university research institute at Hochschule Düsseldorf that conducts interdisciplinary product and production-related R&D projects combining simulation technology (CFD, FEM, MKS, DEM), experimental testing, automation, design engineering, materials technology, life cycle management, and AI/data science. The institute carries out collaborative projects — typically with regional small and medium-sized enterprises — in its laboratories using modern simulation and experimental techniques, and also offers contract measurement services, test stand construction, and commissioned development work.

Product overview

FMDauto - Institut für Produktentwicklung und Innovation is a university research institute at Hochschule Düsseldorf that provides interdisciplinary R&D services rather than commercial products. The institute operates through a platform of integrated research focus areas including Simulation Technology (CFD, FEM, MKS, DEM), Experimental Technology (sensor systems, test rigs), Automation Technology (PLC, embedded systems), Design Engineering (CAD, 3D printing), Materials Technology, Life Cycle Management, and AI & Data Science. These services are delivered through collaborative R&D projects with regional SMEs, focusing on product and production-related innovations. The institute does not offer commercial software products but provides research and development services, testing facilities, and consulting.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Research and Development Services (Forschung und Entwicklung) Interdisciplinary R&D services for product and production-related projects using modern simulation and experimental techniques. The institute leverages facilities from the entire university to conduct research projects, typically in cooperation with regional SMEs.
• Experimental Technology Services (Experimentaltechnik) Laboratory testing services including sensor systems, actuators, data acquisition, image recognition, and specialized test rigs for material testing, cutting processes, and wear analysis (e.g., high-speed cutting test bench at up to 100 m/s, wear test bench for agricultural cutting tools).
• Simulation Technology Services (Simulationstechnik) Computational simulation services including Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Finite Element Method (FEM), Multi-Body Simulation (MKS), and Discrete Element Method (DEM), including coupled cross-domain simulations for complex industrial applications.
• Automation Technology Services (Automatisierungstechnik) Automation solutions and control system development for industrial applications, including PLC programming (Siemens TIA Portal, Step 7, Codesys), LabVIEW, embedded systems, and dSPACE Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) simulation for rapid control prototyping.
• Design Engineering Services (Konstruktionstechnik) Product and test rig construction services using CAD software (Creo Parametric, Inventor, SolidWorks) along with 3D printing and prototyping capabilities.
• Materials Technology Services (Werkstofftechnik) Materials testing and analysis services including scanning electron microscopy, surface measurement, and mechanical testing using specialized laboratory equipment.
• Life Cycle Management Services Product lifecycle optimization services including life cycle cost analysis, service product development, and lean management training for production optimization.
• AI and Data Science Services (Künstliche Intelligenz und Data Science) AI and machine learning solutions for smart factories and Industry 4.0 applications, including supervised/unsupervised learning, reinforcement learning, neural networks, model-predictive control, and predictive maintenance systems.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 950,000 Euro in R&D projects conducted with regional companies in 2017
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers16 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability9 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

35 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Everllence SEcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Joint development partner for turbomachinery optimization projects including FokusTurbo (2026-2028) and TurboTrans (2025-2027), focusing on model-predictive control and AI-based optimization of large-scale heat pumps and compressed air energy storage systems.
• RWTH Aachen UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic research partner providing expertise in simulation, mechanical engineering, and kinematics. Collaborates on projects like IGM-RWTH Aachen and TurboTrans with IKDG.
• ESM Ennepetaler Schneid- und Mähtechnik GmbH & Co. KGcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing partner in agricultural cutting and mowing technology. Projects include StreifenFrei (double-blade portal cutting systems) and SunBot (emission-free berry production).
• Maschinenfabrik Bernard Krone GmbHcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading agricultural machinery manufacturer, partner in CutFlow project for energy-efficient cutting and transport processes in agricultural machinery.
• MAN Energy Solutions SEcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustrial partner for turbomachinery control and monitoring systems. Collaborates on LOBSTeR project (salt tower receiver lifetime optimization) and KI-based turbo string control.
• KRONEmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAgricultural machinery manufacturer, partner in research projects on agricultural technology and harvesting equipment.
• SMS groupmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMetallurgical plant engineering company, collaborative research partner.
• DGS Drahtgestricke GmbHmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in DGS II project developing novel wire knitting process with profiled wires for filter fabrics with increased separation efficiency.
• epa Dosiertechnik GmbHmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in development of novel worm dosing device for precise dosing of bulk materials with different material properties without changing screws.
• A. u. K. Müller GmbH & Co. KGmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in DODES project for dosing unit for targeted application of plant protection products through direct injection.
• SONOTOP Ultrasonics GmbHmajorTechnology or IntegrationPartner in Intaglio 4.0 project for development of intaglio printing system with ultrasonic cleaning of printing sleeves.
• TLS Anilox GmbHmajorTechnology or IntegrationPartner in Intaglio 4.0 project for anilox roller development and printing technology.
• Albrecht Bäumer GmbH & Co. KGmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Cypsys project developing cyber-physical systems for foam block cutting machines.
• Weiss Klimatechnik GmbHmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in development of decentralized low-cost ventilation system with integrated electrostatic precipitator and regenerative heat recovery.
• getAir GmbHmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in development of ozone-friendly, low-cost ionizer technology for electric filters in residential and work spaces.
• ILT – Institut für LandtechnikcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInstitute for Agricultural Engineering at University of Bonn, associated partner in DODES project for plant protection technology.
• ATB Leibniz-Institut für Agrartechnik und Bioökonomie e.V.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLead partner in SunBot project for emission-free berry production. Coordinates autonomous tractor development with photovoltaic power supply.
• BayerminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerChemical and pharmaceutical company, listed as cooperation partner.
• DLGminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerman Agricultural Society, listed as cooperation partner.
• eckagranulesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as cooperation partner.
• Geiselmann PrintKommunikationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as cooperation partner.
• Groschopp AGmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in development of energy-efficient gearbox with HESCO energy-autonomous monitoring system.
• HELMminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as cooperation partner.
• IGM - RWTH AachenmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInstitute for Production Engineering at RWTH Aachen University.
• metsominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as cooperation partner.
• Shelbourne ReynoldsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as cooperation partner.
• Alexander SoliaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as cooperation partner.
• DLR (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft und Raumfahrt e.V.)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerman Aerospace Center, partner in LOBSTeR project for salt tower receiver optimization.
• HNE Hochschule für nachhaltige Entwicklung EberswaldeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in SunBot project for sustainable berry production.
• Internationale Akademie für Management und TechnologieminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerman partner in Erasmus+ INDEX project for Industry 4.0 e-learning platform.
• University of Applied Science STICHTING SAXIONminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDutch partner in Erasmus+ INDEX project.
• ASEV – Agenzia per lo Sviluppo Empolese Valdelsa SpaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerItalian partner in Erasmus+ INDEX project.
• Institut für Angewandte Physik IFAC – CNRminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerItalian research partner in Erasmus+ INDEX project.
• Universität ŁódźminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPolish partner in Erasmus+ INDEX project.
• Polytechnische Universität BucharestminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRomanian partner in Erasmus+ INDEX project.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• IFAM (Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials): Fraunhofer institute focused on manufacturing technology, materials, and automation with similar simulation+experimental service portfolio for industrial clients. Directly comparable in offering set and customer segments.
• Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft: Germany's leading applied research organization with institutes conducting contract R&D for industry, blending simulation, experimental testing, and pilot manufacturing. Closely analogous model to FMDauto, only at much larger scale.
• WZL of RWTH Aachen University: Major university R&D institute for production engineering, machine tools, and manufacturing metrology at RWTH Aachen. Already a collaboration partner, sharing the SME-academic-industry R&D model with interdisciplinary simulation and experimental capabilities.
• VDI/VDE Innovation + Technik GmbH: Provider of applied technical research and engineering services with strong focus on SME support, innovation funding administration, and projects spanning automation, AI, and industrial digitalization. Similar funding-bridged R&D service model.
• IOSB (Fraunhofer Institute for Optronics, System Technologies and Image Exploitation): Applies industrial image processing, automation, and AI methods to industrial testing and quality control - very close to FMDauto's experimental technology and AI/data science focus areas.
• IPK (Fraunhofer Institute for Production Systems and Design Technology): Fraunhofer institute specializing in production systems, automation, and AI-driven manufacturing. Highly comparable in offering simulation, automation, and Industry 4.0 R&D services to industrial clients.
• ATB Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy: Leibniz institute conducting applied agricultural engineering R&D; already a lead partner on FMDauto's SunBot project. Comparable mix of simulation, experimental testing, and SME/industry collaboration in agricultural technology.

Broad incumbents

• DLR (German Aerospace Center): Large-scale German national research center with broad energy, aerospace, and turbomachinery R&D. Overlaps with FMDauto on LOBSTeR/solar tower receiver projects, but operates at much larger scale across multiple domains.
• Siemens Technology: Industrial R&D arm of Siemens covering automation, drives, simulation, and Industry 4.0. Competes with FMDauto for industrial R&D mandates in similar application domains but at much larger scale and as part of a broad product portfolio.

Emerging players

• SLM Solutions Group AG: Selective laser melting equipment maker with applied R&D in additive manufacturing, materials, and process simulation. Comparable in applying simulation and experimental technology to industrial production challenges, though narrower scope.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/fmdauto

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about FMDauto - Institut für Produktentwicklung und Innovation