Current research projects
Here you can find a list of current THWS projects which have received third-party funding by the EU. For projects funded by the German federal government, the Free State of Bavaria, the German Research Foundation (DFG) or by other foundations, please see the German website. Our projects cover a broad range of research disciplines and contribute to solving societal, economic, and technological issues.
Here is an overview of THWS' research focuses
EU funding
KI + Green Tech für starke KMU (AI + Green Tech for strong SMEs)
The project aims to enable small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Schweinfurt region to use Artificial Intelligence tools, new sustainable strategic technologies, and CO₂-reduced concepts for independent energy supply. For this, AI applications like Large Language Models, neuronal networks for process regulation, and digital twins are used. Energy-efficient technologies like one-shot-hardening, multi-material metal 3D-printing, and non-destructive testing is developed and evaluated. Solutions for SMEs for CO₂-free or -reduced energy supply through hydrogen and storage technologies, and by linking sectors are also evaluated.
Head of project/contact person: stephan.sommer[at]thws.de
Duration: 2026 – 2028
NiB-TB - Nachhaltigkeit im Bauwesen - Transformation Betonbau (Sustainability in the construction sector - transformation of concrete construction)
The project aims to increase the sustainability in the construction sector by transforming concrete construction. The aim is to increase the share of recycled concrete to create an economic and technological competitive edge for the SMEs involved. For this, concrete formulas are optimised based on concrete-technological optimisation processes relying on technology transfer from THWS to the SMEs. This strengthens the circular economy and reduces the CO2-emissions of the construction sector. Among the participating SMEs are construction companies, material preparation companies, planing firms, and ready-mixed concrete companies. In addition to technology transfer, cooperation in the project is governed by intensive exchange addressing the project objectives such as increasing sustainability by closing the material cycles, reducing transport routes, and developing new concrete formulas.
Head of project: Professor Dr. Christian Fischer
Duration: 2024 - 2027
GREEN-INNO - Grüne Innovation durch ökologisch nachhaltige KI-Modelle (Green innovation through ecologically sustainable AI models)
The project realises technology transfer to provide green artificial intelligence (Green-AI) for a network of SMEs in the field of sensor technology, measurement technology, and testing technology. The project objectives include integrating environmentally friendly AI models and technologies, enabling resource-efficient application, and saving C02-emissions. For this, practice-oriented research findings are translated into Green AI solutions, focussing on lean AI-models, sustainable training, and optimised sustainable processes.
Head of project: Professor Dr. Frank-Michael-Schleif
Duration: 2024 - 2027
ENEFIT - Digitaler Leitfaden für KMUs zur technischen Umsetzung des EU Green Deal und des Energieeffizienzgesetzes (Digital guidelines for SMEs on the implementation of the EU Green Deal and the Energy Efficiency Act)
The ENEFIT project supports SMEs in Mainfranken implementing the EU Green Deal and the national energy efficiency acts. It addresses specific technical and economic challenges as well as the lack of branch-specific solutions, especially in the areas of highly efficient plants, waste heat utilisation, and the use of new energy carrier like hydrogen. The ENEFIT platform acts as a digital technology assistant and offers tailored interactive online solutions for companies. The platform thus supports sustainable decision-making through intelligent digital solutions.
Head of project: Professor Dr. Fabian Scheller
Duration: 2024 - 2027
Multimedia Green Tech Bearings
The roller bearings industry is facing massive structural change by the technical change brought about by e-mobility and the energy transition (wind energy in particular). Especially the SMEs of the industry must meet new challenges as traditional markets and customer structures are changing. Artificial Intelligence (AI) promises rationalisation potential for recurring workflows and digital services (e.g. digital twin). In the area of wind energy, roller bearing systems must be redesigned completely (New Bearing Systems) to accommodate the increased efficiency, reliability, and energy density.
Head of project: Professor Dr. Stephan Sommer
Duration: 2024 - 2026
Homeside – A HOME-based Spousal caregiver-delivered music Intervention for people living with dementia: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Homeside is a controlled, randomised study and is investigating the effects of musical and reading interventions training for relatives nursing in domestic environments. Caregivers apply interventions to their relatives who suffer from dementia and first, the effects on behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia, and secondly, the effects on depression, the quality of life, the quality of relationships, experience of competence and cost effectiveness of/for the couple(s) affected, are investigated. The study has 990 participants. (Multinational research projects on Health and Social Care for Neurodegenerative Diseases HESOCARE-329-005, BMBF 01ED1901). The project is coordinated by the University of Melbourne. Besides THWS, further partners are the Anglia Ruskin University (Cambridge), the Norwegian Academy of Music (Oslo), and the University of Physical Education (Krakow).
Project Management: Prof. Dr. Thomas Wosch Clinical Trial Manager: Laura Blauth
Duration: 2019 to 2027