TOMORROWTODAYTOMORROWTODAYMAI_2013

05

Developing the technologies, methods and tools of tomorrow

ISOTOPIC FINGERPRINTS FORFOOD CHECKS ��

MOBILITY

BIKING 2.0: THE FUTURE OF CYCLING

FORESIGHT & POLICY DEVELOPMENT

GUIDELINES FOR FUTURE RTI SCENARIOS

ENERGY

SMARTEST LABORATORY FOR SMART GRIDS

SAFETY & SECURITY

INNOVATIVE SECURITY CHECK SPEEDS UP BORDER CONTROLS

01_englisch_Layout 1 15.04.13 13:33 Seite 1

SAVE THE DATE:

ALPBACHTECHNOLOGY FORUM 2013

22.-24.08.2013Congress Centrum Alpbach/Tirol

SAVE THE DATE:

ALPBACHERTECHNOLOGIEGESPRÄCHE 2013

22.-24.08.2013Congress Centrum Alpbach/Tirol

SAVE THE DATE:

ALPBACHERTECHNOLOGIEGESPRÄCHE 2013

22.-24.08.2013Congress Centrum Alpbach/Tirol

SAVE THE DATE:

ALPBACHERTECHNOLOGIEGESPRÄCHE 2013

22.-24.08.2013Congress Centrum Alpbach/Tirol

SAVE THE DATE:

ALPBACHERTECHNOLOGIEGESPRÄCHE 2013

22.-24.08.2013Congress Centrum Alpbach/Tirol

SAVE THE DATE:

ALPBACHERTECHNOLOGIEGESPRÄCHE 2013

22.-24.08.2013Congress Centrum Alpbach/Tirol

Details: www.alpbach-technologyforum.com, Information: claudia.klement@ait.ac.at

Future Innovation: Conditions – Experiences – Values

Alpbach_2013_engl.indd 1 15.04.13 11:03

➜ CONTENTS/EDITORIAL 03

INTERVIEW WITH THE AIT MANAGEMENT

STRUCTURE FOLLOWS KNOWLEDGE FOLLOWS STRUCTURE

Systems expertise is the key term that best describes whatmakes the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology so unique.

ISOTOPIC FINGERPRINTS FOR FOOD CHECKSAIT experts can ascertain both the geographic origin and thevarietal purity of food of plant and animal origin using isoto-

pes and DNA analysis.

BIKING 2.0: THE FUTURE OF CYCLING

In view of the everyday traffic jams and lack of parking

spaces in our towns and cities, the bicycle has developed

into a viable transport alternative in urban areas. AIT

experts have developed technological solutions set to

increase the attraction of cycling.

GUIDELINES FOR FUTURE RTI SCENARIOSResearch, technology and innovation are undergoing signifi-

cant change due to advancing globalization, new forms ofcommunication, and radical trends. AIT experts have develo-ped a variety of scenarios for the year 2030 to provide a deci-

sion-making basis for future research policy.

SMART, SMARTER – SMARTEST!The new AIT SmartEST Laboratory offers the technical infra-

structure and scientific expertise needed to develop thesmart grids of the future.

THE FUTURE OF BORDER CONTROLBorder controls are generally an inconvenient and time-con-suming business for air passengers. AIT has therefore deve-

loped an automated control system, which is designed tomake future passenger processing significantly more effi-

cient as well as user-friendlier.

INTERVIEW WITH AIT SENIOR ENGINEER HELFRIED BRUNNER

EVENTS/AIT SCIENTIFIC PAPERS

04

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12

16

20

24

28

32

34

IMPRESSUM. The magazine Tomorrow Today is a media collaboration with the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology. Editorial responsibility rests with Austria Innovativ. Mediaowner and publisher_Bohmann Druck und Verlag GesmbH & Co. KG., 1110 Vienna, Leberstrasse 122, phone: +43 1 740 95-0. DVR: 0408689. Management_Gabriele Ambros, Gerhard

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Editors-in-chief_Michael Hlava, e-mail: michael.hlava@ait.ac.at, Christian Klobucsar, e-mail: klobucsar.zv@bohmann.at. Editors_Margit Noll, Daniel Pepl, Victoria Reinicke.

Authors of this edition _Alfred Bankhamer, Angelika Prohammer, Doris Griesser. Project management_Daniel Pepl. Graphic design_Anita Frühwirth. Layout_Markus Frühwirth

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ness: editing. Repro-Media Verlagsgesellschaft m.b.H. Nfg. KG, Reg. office in Vienna; purpose of business: advertising graphics studio,

production of and trade in pre-production products. The fundamental aim of the publication Tomorrow Today is to inform the general

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cation-based, industrially relevant research of the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology.

EDITORIAL

Dear reader,

This issue of TOMORROW TODAY has under-

gone what is known in the media world as a

“soft relaunch”. Along with several haptic and

design changes we have also altered the con-

tent structure of our magazine. You will also

notice that we have included a new section on

AIT corporate news – offering insights into strategic policy and

economic measures, the AIT career model and the Alpbach

Technology Forum, which we organize in collaboration with

Austria’s ORF Ö1 radio station. The focus, however, remains as

always on reports about our research projects, which are targe-

ted to provide solutions to tomorrow’s key global infrastructure

issues. Such projects are not only excellent evidence of our

systems expertise but also serve as business cases for our

research partners in industry.

As you read through this issue you can’t fail to see how smart

technologies are set to make life easier in a variety of ways. And

the good thing about that from an Austrian point of view is of

course that research approaches developed by AIT research staff

are often providing much-needed responses to the global chal-

lenges of our time. If you take a look at page 12, for example,

you’ll read that even food products have their own unique “finger-

print”, which can be used to verify a range of information – from

geographical origin to production method. Anyone who travels

regularly by air knows all too well how annoying and time-consu-

ming the required security checks can be. Experts at AIT have

therefore been looking at what can be done to speed up the pro-

cess without compromising on security. They have developed an

innovative system, which is already attracting considerable inter-

national attention – the article on the project “Future Border Con-

trol” starts on page 28.

As always, our communications team is happy to provide further

information or answer any questions you may have – contact

details are given at the end of each article.

Michael H. Hlava

Head of Corporate and Marketing Communications

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04 ➜IntervIew

“An internAtionAl reputAtion for systems expertise”/// Ait managing directors Wolfgang Knoll and Anton plimon talked to

tomorroW toDAy about the challenge of seeking to expand after five

successful years of consolidation. ///

04-07.indd 4 04.06.13 09:26

IntervIew 05

cular in sectors where we have expertise at sys-

tem level.

Does the federal ministry for transport, innova-

tion and technology – one of your two sharehol-

ders – use Ait in the implementation of general

research strategy measures? Generally spea-

king, to what extent do you think the Austrian

government’s intensified r&D initiatives contri-

buted to the fact that Austria has coped relatively

well with the economic crisis?

Plimon: We’re very pleased that Ait can contri-

bute towards supporting the federal

government’s r&D initiatives and we have cer-

tainly played a role in raising the profile of Austria

as a research location. We are driving forward

specific topics as consortium leaders in several

eu projects, which is obviously of considerable

benefit to Austrian companies.

last year at the Alpbach technology forum, Aus-

trian infrastructure minister Doris Bures congra-

tulated Ait on its outstanding success. if you look

back to 2008 and the intervening years, what are

the achievements you are particularly proud of?

AntonPlimon: By strategically focusing on a few

specialized areas in which we have the relevant

expertise and critical mass, we have developed

the systems expertise that has made us a leading

point of contact for a wide range of research

questions in the infrastructure sector – both at

national and international level. As these issues

are becoming increasingly complex, critical mass

is essential and this is something which industry

and even the majority of universities simply do

not have due to a lack of resources. of course,

our participation in a wide range of eu and flag-

ship projects is fundamental to extending know-

ledge in our research areas. they make an enor-

mous contribution towards our systems expertise

by helping in the correct interpretation of abrupt

system changes. this means we can better un-

derstand the possible consequences, which ma-

kes us an even more attractive partner for indus-

try. Companies need to ensure their products are

excellent – and by working with us they can en-

sure that is the case.

By focusing on very few areas, doesn’t Ait run the

risk of losing the necessary range of expertise?

wolfgang Knoll: We counteract that by forming

strategic alliances in basic research. We look

worldwide to find the particular expertise that we

need. one good example is Anton Zeilinger, the

world’s leading expert in quantum optics. the fact

that we have him “on board” so to speak could also

be interpreted as a form of risk management to en-

sure we’re on the right track in our quantum cryp-

tography research activities. yet it is not our aim

only to follow trends in certain areas but also to

pave the way for developing the technology of to-

morrow today – which is of course our key mission.

Plimon: the clear structuring of our research

areas in five departments in alignment with the

key infrastructure areas has also proved to be

the right strategy with regard to targeting market

needs. this restructuring has meant a return to

profitable operation. every four years we reas-

sess our core areas of research. experience has

shown that we’re financially successful in parti-

● AntonPlImon

Anton Plimon (55), born in Wolfsberg/Ca-rinthia, studied Phy-sics at Graz University of Technology, began his professional career as a specialist for opti-cal fluid diagnostics and later worked in the field of numerical si-mulation technology at AVL List GmbH in Graz. In 1999, he joined Ar-senal Research as head of the transport technologies division

and became managing director in 2000. Anton Plimon was appointed managing director of Austrian Research Centers GmbH in 2008 and managing director of Aust-rian Institute of Technology GmbH in 2009. He is on the board of several scientific institutions and associations, member of the University Council at Graz University of Technology and chairman of the supervisory board of LKR Leichtmetallkompetenzzentrum-Ranshofen GmbH.

Anton plimon: “every four years we reassess our core

areas of research. experience has shown that we’re

financially successful in particular in sectors where

we have expertise at system level.”

04-07.indd 5 04.06.13 09:26

06 IntervIew

Knoll: internationally, Austria ranks in the top

third among eu countries in terms of innovation

strength. in my view, this is largely thanks to the

combination of investments in innovation and in-

telligent measures introduced to the labour

market, which were made by both the federal

government and companies.

Plimon: many Austrian companies have, despite

economically difficult times, been highly success-

ful in securing a good position with regard to in-

ternational competition, mainly because they de-

cided against merely cutting costs during the

crisis, which started in 2008. they realized that

they can only benefit from economic recovery by

retaining their qualified research staff in this dif-

ficult period. these companies have used the

slow period to work on their internal research

and development projects. their good recovery is

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proof that this was indeed exactly the right strat-

egy. their recipe for success: strategic action

pays off.

But haven’t most of the other countries in the eu

meanwhile started to focus on research and de-

velopment too?

Knoll: that’s precisely why being able to com-

pete at international level will mean combining

existing expertise at appropriate interfaces in

order to both build up systems expertise and

generate new knowledge. We’re noticing in par-

ticular that in those areas where we have en-

hanced our systems knowledge in addition to

our technological expertise, we are well positi-

oned to take on a role in major international

projects – and indeed often assume the position

of lead partner in such projects. this systems

knowledge enables us to gain new perspectives

on what can be achieved with technologies away

from the well-trodden research routes. of

course, that doesn’t mean that everything that

can be done should be done. the market acts as

the regulating factor here.

What are the main factors that are important with

regard to participation in large international pro-

jects?

Knoll: Well, it depends how you look at it really.

for a comparatively small country like Austria,

for example, one of the key factors is of course

collaborations. many research areas are often

so large or are already being worked on by so

many different players that it only makes sense

to invest time, money and effort in such topics if

it can be done in collaboration with other insti-

tutions.

Plimon: As far as Ait is concerned, i would say

our systems expertise is the biggest factor here.

it is undoubtedly an ever more valuable asset in

the global market.

Along with the federal ministry for transport, in-

novation and technology, your second sharehol-

der, the federation of Austrian industries, also

recommends that Ait launches an internationali-

zation drive. last year there was even talk of

fresh money being made available. How high

would the additional budget need to be to cover

such an initiative?

● wolfgAngKnoll

Wolfgang Knoll (64), born in Schwäbisch Hall/Germany, studied Physics at the Univer-sity of Karlsruhe. In 1976, he completed his PhD at the University of Constance. Wolf-gang Knoll held seve-ral academic posts and in 1986 completed his habilitation at the Mu-nich University of Technology. In 1993, he was appointed director of the Max Planck Ins-

titute for Polymer Research. In 1998, he was appointed Professor of Chemistry at the University of Florida in Gainesville and in 1999 Adjunct Professor at Hanyang University in Seoul/Korea. Since 1999 he has also been Temasek Professor at the National University of Singa-pore. Wolfgang Knoll was appointed scientific director of the Austrian Research Centers on 1 April 2008 and managing director of Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH in 2009.

Wolfgang Knoll: “many research areas are being

worked on by so many different players that it only

makes sense to invest time, money and effort in such

topics if it can be done in collaboration with other

institutions.”

04-07.indd 6 04.06.13 09:26

IntervIew 07

Plimon: We aim to grow by 20 per cent within the

next five years. Generally speaking, growth in the

research sector is, however, limited less by mo-

ney and more by human resources. if the aim is

to be one of the top players in the research sector

then it automatically means facing global compe-

tition for human resources.

Knoll: in the scientific champions league we’re

talking about only a few individuals who are

enormously mobile. these top players will

choose to perform research wherever they con-

sider there are the most interesting research to-

pics and the most attractive career opportuni-

ties. that’s why we put a focus on career

development and have developed a clearly defi-

ned career model. However, since we are unable

to find relevant experts for some of our research

fields in Austria or even in europe, we have of

course extended our search worldwide. We are

also keen to have a growing influence on acade-

mic education. Ait has, for example, initiated the

first bi-national graduate programme in bio- and

nanotechnology in collaboration with the techni-

cal university of nanyang in singapore. this ex-

change programme for doctoral students also

has the added advantage that some of the stu-

dents will stay on at Ait as junior research staff

and it will also prove helpful in extending our in-

ternational network.

the recruitment of so-called “best heads” natu-

rally presupposes an internationally compatible

salary for research staff. Can Ait compete with

the large research institutions when it comes to

salary?

Plimon: in this context i always like to quote a line

from a meeting of our strategic research Advisory

Board held last year: “the most expensive option is

not employing top people and then ending up in the

wrong league.” of course, we offer reasonable sa-

laries. But the recruitment of excellent people

doesn’t just come down to salary. What makes jobs

of this kind attractive to “best heads” is being able

to offer relevant career prospects.

Knoll: of course there may be jobs where our

staff could earn more. But under different condi-

tions. After all, there are only a few institutions

which can offer research projects running over a

period of several years. Word has also clearly al-

ready spread throughout much of the global re-

search community about Ait’s carefully develo-ph

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Further details:michael H. Hlava, Head of Corporate and mar-keting Communica-tions, phone: +43 505 50-4014, e-mail: mi-chael.hlava@ait.ac.at, Web: www.ait.ac.at

ped career plan and we’re receiving an increasing

number of spontaneous applications from ab-

road.

What are Ait’s goals for 2013?

Plimon: our strategy is focused on longer term

goals. We seek, for instance, to play a pioneering

role in our specialist research areas, to take the

lead at system level, to act as a network hub for

industry as well as remaining a research partner

of choice for public institutions.

Knoll: We’ve already seen plenty of indications

that our image in europe has changed conside-

rably. A prime example is Ait’s membership in the

european energy research Alliance – a group that

plays a leading role in shaping the energy future of

europe. the same goes for our involvement in

other key areas such as urban europe or in euro-

pean security research. ///

Anton plimon: “the recruitment of excellent people

doesn’t just come down to salary. What makes jobs in

research attractive to “best heads” is being able to of-

fer relevant career prospects.”

04-07.indd 7 04.06.13 09:26

08 ➜InsIde

Low energy buILdIngs that feed moreenergy into the grid than they actually consume.

Smart energy meters that communicate this

energy transfer to the energy provider who

instead of charging for electricity actually pays its

former “consumers”. This is of course just one of

many different scenarios – just one example of

how our lives will change or in some cases indeed

already have changed. Similar examples can be

found in just about all areas of our lives. Take a

look at the articles in this issue of Tomorrow To-

day and you’ll see reports of projects currently

being carried out at the AIT Austrian Institute of

Technology which not all that long ago would have

belonged in the realm of science fiction.

Yet these dramatic new advances come as no

surprise. They are the result of a research envi-

ronment which is itself in flux and which through

the creation of new structures and levels enables

progress at a rate that would have been quite un-

attainable using the conventional applied re-

search approach employed for decades.

structurIngofsystems“Vision AIT-2020”, the AIT Austrian Institute of

Technology’s strategy paper, which was develo-

ped in collaboration with its two shareholders,

the Federal Ministry for Transport, Innovation and

Technology and the Federation of Austrian Indus-

tries, certainly makes exciting reading. “Structu-

red freedom” in research could become the new

mantra for radical innovation in applied research.

In concrete terms, AIT aims first and foremost to

focus its research activities at the point where

the value cycle of an innovation starts to flatten

out and therefore needs to be replaced by ano-

ther innovation. However, these new responses

require a new approach, an entirely new setting,

the modular basis for which is described in the

strategy paper.

LeadIngthewayA successful example here is of course smart

grids research, which is taking (green) energy ge-

neration to a new level. In this area, AIT has influ-

enced an entire industry by being alert and pi-

cking up on the initial and rather vague questions

that started to be asked by companies. AIT used

this input in combination with its existing energy

STrucTure FollowS Know-ledge FollowS STrucTure

/// Systems expertise is the key term that best describes what makes the AIT

Austrian Institute of Technology so unique. It is also a major leveraging factor

enabling the identification of new research approaches and leading to radical

innovation. ///

08-11.indd 2 04.06.13 09:26

InsIde 09

ping solutions aimed at supporting older or disa-

dvantaged people and enabling them to continue

living at home. These solutions involve the use of

user-centred technologies such as “smart home

sensors”, which are subtly integrated into the

person’s home and make an important contribu-

tion to safer living. with many years of experience

in the development of AAl technologies and pro-

cesses, AIT plays a leading role in this research

field in europe.

energyThe AIT energy department is working in close

cooperation with the Federal Ministry for Trans-

port, Innovation and Technology on efforts to es-

tablish the european “Member States Initiative

Smart cities”. The aim is to develop a clear posi-

tion on this topic on the part of the eu member

states in order to provide a sound basis for targe-

ted funding programmes for sustainable urban

energy supply systems. Another goal pursued by

the energy department is the strengthening of

Austria’s position within the european Innovation

Partnership (eIP) Smart cities and communities,

where future research strategies will be coordi-

nated at european level in order to drive the de-

velopment of smart urban technologies. Progress

was also made in the eerA Joint Programme

Smart cities, in which AIT is responsible for sci-

entific management and coordination. last year

saw the launch of the first smart city project

“Transform” in the 7th eu Framework Pro-

gramme. The aim of the project managed by AIT

is to support cities in achieving their climate

goals. Following the successful development of a

low carbon city Action Plan for the chinese city

of nanchang, which has a population of five mil-

lion, the strategic cooperations formed are to be

continued. More recently, the Sutong eco Park

project was launched – a chinese-Austrian eco

park close to Shanghai, which is expected to

serve as a role model for the whole of china. AIT

was contracted with developing an energy con-

systems expertise to develop a structured ap-

proach. In addition to in-depth scientific exper-

tise, being on the relevant european committees

also proved essential as did building up aware-

ness among industry partners for possible solu-

tions, extending existing networks with uncon-

ventional new nodes, starting pilot projects and

above all – as the biggest challenge – overcoming

the scepticism that existed on the part of energy

suppliers.

If we compare this holistically planned approach

where – at least on a structural level – as little as

possible is left to chance, with contract research

as it was performed until only very recently, it is

immediately clear that the r&d landscape is in

the midst of a period of radical change.

systemsexpertIseLeadstobreakthroughInnovatIonsStructuring of systemic research with regard to

sustainable development means that increasingly

complex contexts need to be recognized and un-

derstood. However, knowledge geared towards

global r&d processes is highly complex and re-

quires a system-oriented approach. expertise in

dealing with and understanding complex system

environments is therefore a key element in AIT’s

research strategy. AIT is excellently positioned to

offer such systems expertise with five research

departments focusing on tomorrow’s global inf-

rastructure challenges:

heaLth&envIronmentAIT scientists from the H&e department conduct

research activities within the wide range of is-

sues in the fields of health and environment, fo-

cusing on “resource exploitation & Manage-

ment” and “Biomedical and Biomolecular Health

Solutions” with the primary objective of providing

relevant responses to the challenges posed by an

aging society and the increasing shortage of na-

tural resources. In both of these areas, the

Health & environment department is part of nati-

onal and international scientific networks. As

well as collaborations with universities such as

eTH Zürich (cH), the university of cambridge

(uK) or the university of Saskatoon (cAn), further

important strategic partnerships are formed on

an ongoing basis.

In the research field of Ambient Assisted living

(AAl), for example, research staff from the H&e

department take a holistic approach to develo-

Structuring of systemic research with regard to

sustainable development means that increasingly

complex contexts need to be recognized and

understood.

08-11.indd 3 04.06.13 09:26

10 InsIde

cept for this showcase project. The main focus

here is on providing scientific support in the plan-

ning of a sustainable building and energy infra-

structure including relevant adaptation to local

climatic conditions.

mobILItyFrom a research perspective, mobility is very

much a cross-cutting field involving key global

challenges. The goal of the Mobility department

is therefore to take a systemic approach to deve-

loping new and sustainable mobility solutions.

one of the research focuses is on developing so-

lutions in the field of e-mobility. AIT research

staff in the Mobility department have core exper-

tise in this area. over many years, they have built

up a wealth of e-mobility systems knowledge,

ranging from electric drive technology and light-

weight construction used in such vehicles

through to comprehensive infrastructure solu-

tions and expertise in their integration in co-mo-

dal transport systems.

AIT’s expertise is in international demand as re-

flected in the active involvement of the AIT Mobility

department in numerous european umbrella or-

ganizations such as eArPA (european Automotive

research Partners Association), ecTrI (european

conference of Transport research Institutes), Ph

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search laboratories) and erTIco (Intelligent

Transport Systems and Services for europe).

safety&securItyover the last year, the Safety & Security depart-

ment has been successful in consistently pooling

technological expertise in key application do-

mains of safety and security research, ensuring it

is even more closely aligned with the strategically

defined market goals. This has further secured

the department’s successful positioning as an

excellent r&d player within the european safety

and security research community. with 50 per

cent of its submitted projects successful in a re-

cent call for proposals under the european Secu-

rity research Programme (FP7), the department

has the highest success rate among the euro-

pean research centres in this field.

The “FastPass” project, which aims to provide a

“harmonized, modular reference system for all

european automatic border crossing points” is a

prime example of successful interdisciplinary re-

search (see the article on page 28 in this issue).

AIT, in its role as consortium leader, is respon-

sible for managing one of the largest security re-

search projects in europe with a total of 27 euro-

pean partners.

Around 1,100 AIT re-search staff in seven locations are wor-king on the develop-ment of tomorrow’s infrastructure solu-tions.

08-11.indd 4 04.06.13 09:26

InsIde 11

Public authorities need solutions to meet the

ever-growing demand for housing and adequate

energy supply, efficient transport management

as well as solutions to issues related to security

and health. Such challenges can only be pro-

perly addressed with a comprehensive range of

measures.

The focus on research activities in infrastruc-

ture, energy, mobility, information and commu-

nication technologies, environment and gover-

nance enables the development of system

approaches leading to the targeted reorientation

of urban structures.

The inclusion of stakeholders including public

authorities, housing and project developers, inf-

rastructure operators, industry, research etc.

enables greater use of synergies from the vari-

ous different infrastructure fields. detailed ana-

lysis of city districts or urban development areas

is carried out at a conceptual level. A key focus

is placed on thematic integration of thermal and

electric energy infrastructure, noise and air

emissions, sustainable transport systems, buil-

ding management, security and data protection

for IT networks and energy grids as well as on

transport and water infrastructure. ///

foresIght&poLIcydeveLopmentover recent years, the systems examined by the

Foresight & Policy development (F&Pd) depart-

ment as part of its innovation and sustainability

research activities have become increasingly

complex. This is due, for example, to globaliza-

tion of research and development, european

liberalization, increasing numbers of stakehol-

ders with new functions and continual differen-

tiation in society.

current research activities are therefore prima-

rily focused on the necessary (further) develop-

ment of theoretical concepts, methods, models

and tools required to describe, model, simulate

and strategically align complex social and natu-

ral systems. Along with Austrian government

ministries and private organizations, an increa-

sing number of directorates-general of the

european commission rely on the AIT depart-

ment’s research expertise. over the last year,

the commission’s interest in AIT’s expertise was

seen, for example, in the conclusion of frame-

work agreements with five F&Pd consortia.

1+1Ismorethan2while AIT and its five departments are well posi-

tioned internationally (as testified by the finan-

cial success over the last few years), it is increa-

singly clear that technical solutions to the key

global infrastructure challenges can only be met

by working on an inter-departmental basis, as

both current and future systems are increasin-

gly addressed in more than one department.

Three key international research topics were

thus identified in the AIT strategy, which will be

addressed on a targeted inter-departmental ba-

sis. These are:

n Smart grids involving the energy, Mobility, Sa-

fety & Security as well as the Foresight & Policy

development departments,

n Ambient Assisted living Systems involving all

five departments and

n urban Systems also involving all five depart-

ments.

The value of inter-departmental systems exper-

tise is particularly clear in the research area ur-

ban Systems. with its strong interdisciplinary

profile, AIT positions itself as a systems provider

in the development of long-term strategies for

the sustainable improvement of quality of life –

particularly in cities experiencing rapid growth.Ph

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Technical solutions to the key global infrastructure

challenges can only be met by working on an

interdepartmental basis.

Further details:daniel Pepl, corporate and Marketing com-munications, Phone: +43 505 50-4040, e-mail: daniel.pepl@ait.ac.at, web: www.ait.ac.at

08-11.indd 5 04.06.13 09:26

12 ➜HealtH&environment

Consumer trust in food quality had al-

ready been shaken – even before the recent hor-

semeat scandal. The numerous quality labels,

which are meanwhile handed out by a variety of

institutes, do little to help.

In fact, consumers can only be protected against

falsely labelled food through consistent testing

using verified methods. Yet how can it actually be

proved that what is labelled as “genuine Styrian

ISOTOPIC FINGERPRINTS FOR FOOD CHECKS

/// AIT experts can ascertain both the geographical origin and the varietal purity

of food of plant and animal origin using isotopes and DNA analysis. ///

● inanutsHell

Scientists at AIT use isotope and DNA tests to obtain exact data on the origin of foodstuffs, the animal or plant species contained in them as well as on their or-ganic or conventional production. AIT can draw on the largest scientific isotope laboratory in Austria to establish the “isotopic fingerprint” of animal and plant-based foods, which provides information about their geographical origin. The other hot lead in the quest to reveal the truth about our food comes in the form of DNA analysis, which is used to determine the animal and plant species con-tained in foodstuffs. Researchers carry out this analysis at the AIT Gene Re-source Centre in Tulln where already half a million DNA samples are stored.

12-15.indd 2 04.06.13 09:27

HealtH&environment 13

to the losses amounting to millions of euros suf-

fered by the food sector and agriculture on a re-

gular basis as a result of various food scares or

scandals”.

aCounterfeit-proofmetHodSo how exactly does isotope analysis work? The

analysis of stable isotopes in foodstuffs is based on

so-called bioelements, which are hydrogen, oxy-

gen, carbon, nitrogen and sulphur. “Several isoto-

pes occur in nature for each of these elements.

Isotopes are atoms of an element, which have the

same number of protons but varying numbers of

neutrons. So the mass varies depending on the

number of neutrons,” explains biologist Andrea

Watzinger. “The relationship between these isoto-

pes is, amongst other things, uniquely affected by

the climate, the soil characteristics or the geologi-

cal qualities of a particular region.” The unique

qualities of each region mean its isotope signature

is also unique, which enables reliable determina-

tion of the origin of animal and plant-based foods.

“Even if an animal is transported half way around

the world to be slaughtered its isotopic fingerprint

remains unchanged,” says the AIT scientist, poin-

ting out one of the main advantages of this method.

However, isotope analysis helps not only to estab-

lish the geographical origin of foods and non-food

products such as wood or the authenticity of phar-

maceutical products. It can also be used to verify if

a product has been produced according to organic

or conventional criteria. An organically-grown ra-

dish, for example, absorbs the naturally occurring

nitrogen from the soil, which is reflected in the

specific isotope ratio in the plant. This ratio is com-

pletely different if artificial fertilizer has been used.

naturaland“nature-identiCal”flavouringsApart from being used to test animal and plant-

based foods, isotope analysis is also used to

check the authenticity of flavourings. Although

pumpkin seed oil” does in fact originate from Sty-

ria? How can it be proved that what is labelled as

“Austrian beef” hasn’t actually come from a pony

that used to graze in a meadow somewhere in

Romania? How do we know that the expensive

“Ayurveda Spice Mix” doesn’t contain cheap addi-

tives? The good news is that there is in fact a

whole range of new methods available, which are

able not only to trace the origin of foodstuffs but

also to identify any processed animal or plant

species they may contain. Scientists at AIT spe-

cialize in the profiling of natural traces such as

isotopes and genetic markers in order to provide

the retail food sector with a reliable control tool.

isotopesrevealoriginsIsotope analysis provides a reliable method for

establishing the regional origin of foodstuffs be-

cause the composition of chemical elements in a

food product is influenced by local environmental

conditions and cultivation systems. This means

that each agricultural product from a certain re-

gion has its own distinct isotope distribution. In

order to identify such isotopic fingerprints, AIT

scientists can draw on Austria’s largest scientific

isotope laboratory. “For isotope analysis you need

a comprehensive database in the background in

order to compare a particular isotopic fingerprint

with as many other fingerprints as possible,” exp-

lains Felix Steyskal, Head of Business Unit Envi-

ronmental Resources & Technologies.

In order to find out where a piece of meat or a ra-

dish comes from you therefore need to have refe-

rence samples from many different regions. This

collection of isotopic fingerprints is currently

being established: “Within just a few years and

with an investment of around three million euros,

we can establish a top database for our isotope

laboratory in Tulln, which will enable the origin of

a wide range of foodstuffs to be verified,” says

Felix Steyskal. “That’s not really much compared

silviafluCH///seniorscientist,Health&environmentdepartment

“Ultimately, the consistent use of reliable food detectives like isotopes and DNA will be necessary to restore consu-mer confidence in our food-stuffs.”

felixsteyskal///HeadofBusinessunit,Health&environmentdepartment

“Isotope analysis requires a comprehensive database in order to compare a particular isotopic fingerprint with as many other fingerprints as possible.”

12-15.indd 3 04.06.13 09:27

14 HealtH&environment

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the chemical structure of a “nature-identical” fla-

vouring found in pineapple yoghurt may be the

same as that found in real pineapple, artificial

flavouring has nothing at all to do with the actual

fruit. “This may not necessarily have any health

implications but here too the labelling needs to

be correct,” says Felix Steyskal. “Since ‘nature-

identical’ flavourings are much cheaper than

their natural counterparts, incorrect labelling by

the competition can in fact be commercially da-

maging for reputable suppliers.”

The number of diverse applications for isotope

analysis has only been fully realized by trade and

industry as a result of the food scares of recent

years. Previously, these methods had mostly

been used in hydrology. “Of course, we still carry

out groundwater analysis and exploration but the

method is now being increasingly used in the food

sector,” says Steyskal. With its decades of experi-

ence in isotope analysis and its cutting laboratory

in Tulln, AIT has taken on a pioneering role in this

area. It therefore came as no great surprise that

the AIT isotope experts were again successful in

this year’s ANIP call (Austrian Network on Isoto-

pes in Precipitation) organized by the Environ-

ment Agency Austria.

ourfood’sgenetiCfingerprintWhereas stable isotopes can be used to establish

geographical origin, DNA analysis provides relia-

ble information about the animal and plant spe-

cies contained in foodstuffs. As with isotope ana-

lysis, this also requires a database for

comparison with many different genetic finger-

prints. Scientists at AIT are able to make use of

facilities at their own Resource Centre, where

half a million DNA samples of plant and animal

origin are stored under quality assured condi-

tions. Work is also currently underway on a certi-

fication system for foodstuffs as well as for

plants and seeds, which will enable identification

of local origin at genetic level. So why, we might

ask, is isotope analysis not used here? “Whereas

isotopes have a connection with a particular area,

the genetic fingerprint relates to a specific indivi-

dual,” explains Silvia Fluch from the AIT Re-

source Centre in Tulln. “Particularly in the case

of regional specialities, which may be based on

materials such as wild growing herbs from the

region, DNA testing can be used to ascertain if

wild plants have in fact been used. This would not

be possible using isotope analysis if both plants

researCHserviCes

Isotope chemistry can be used to analyse the influence of environmental conditions on plants and animals. This makes it possible to trace the ori-gin and authenticity of foodstuffs and to verify the cultivation and ma-nagement practices used in their production. AIT’s accredited isotope la-boratory can draw on decades of experience of providing high-quality analysis and sophisticated solutions: verifying geographical origin of high-quality foodstuffs in terms of place of production/producer, country of origin, protection of trademarks and quality labels; analysis of food quality, e.g. illegal addition of water, sugar and/or aroma (adulteration), authenticity of foodstuffs (e.g. honey, aromas, domestic rum); verifying cultivation and management practices, e.g. organic versus conventional agriculture, and method development.The AIT Resource Centre stores a wide range of DNA samples of plant and animal origin, thus giving scientists online access to decoded genetic material from across Europe. The AIT Resource Centre houses a compre-hensive collection of DNAs for comparison with samples under investiga-tion. The genetic fingerprints required for certification still need to be further developed and improved. Services include DNA analyses to verify the animal and plant species processed in foodstuffs; verifying the local origin of foodstuffs on a genetic basis; and extraction of DNA from various tissues (plant: fresh/dry leaf, root, bark; animal: blood, sperm, tissue). ///

DNA analysis is used to determine the animal and plant species contained infoodstuffs.

12-15.indd 4 04.06.13 09:27

HealtH&environment 15

pending on the issue in hand, the targeted

combination of isotope and DNA analysis and the

consistent use of these reliable food detectives

will be necessary to restore consumer confi-

dence in our foodstuffs. ///

have grown in the same region.” This can also

play a role in the case of imports of cheap plants:

“Although these may have grown in Austria over

several years and therefore also have the rele-

vant Austrian isotope signature, they often die

sooner because they are not really suited to the

new environment.” Another important field of ap-

plication for DNA analysis in the food sector are

expensive spices: “Saffron, for example, is a very

expensive product and it isn’t uncommon for con-

sumers to be deceived,” says Silvia Fluch. “Time

after time, we come across cheaper substances

that have been added to the saffron powder.” As

the original plants for these diluting fillers are

mostly from the same region as the saffron itself,

isotope analysis isn’t all that helpful in such ca-

ses. “It is only possible to detect such adultera-

tion with DNA testing,” says Fluch. Ultimately, de-Ph

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Weitere Infos:Health & Environment Department, Zlata Kovacevic,Phone: +43 505 50-4406, e-mail: zlata. kovacevic@ait.ac.at, Web: www.ait.ac.at/health_environment

Half a million DNA samples are stored at the AIT Resource Centre in Tulln.

12-15.indd 5 04.06.13 09:27

16 ➜Mobility

As the bells rAng in the new yeAr inViennA, they also marked the launch of the

Year of the Bicycle 2013 in the Austrian capital.

Numerous events, campaigns and special offers

will be used to put cycling in the spotlight,

heighten people’s awareness for cycling and en-

courage them to make greater use of this

healthy and environmentally-friendly mode of

transport. In view of the traffic congestion in

our towns and cities it is clear that the bicycle is

BIkINg 2.0: THE FUTURE OF CYCLINg

/// In view of the everyday traffic jams and lack of parking spaces in our towns

and cities, the bicycle has developed into a viable transport alternative in urban

areas. AIT experts have developed technological solutions set to increase the at-

traction of cycling. ///

● inAnutshell

More and more Austrians regularly ride a bike, regarding it not only as a piece of sports equipment but as a way of getting from A to B as quickly and as easily as possible. In view of the everyday traffic jams and lack of parking spaces in our towns and cities, this environmentally-friendly mode of transport definitely has its advantages, particularly in urban areas. Experts at the AIT Mobility De-partment have set themselves the goal of further increasing the attraction of cycling by combining modern communication technologies with complex scien-tific methods. The solutions developed are designed to increase the efficiency of bike sharing schemes, guide cyclists to their destinations using individually optimized routes and provide the basis for greater road safety for e-bikes.

AIT experts use electronic data feedback to improve bike routing by analysing waiting times at traffic lights.

16-19.indd 2 04.06.13 09:28

Mobility 17

ved. Working in collaboration with the Vienna

University of Technology, optimization algorithms

are being developed to calculate the concrete

route suggestions for the next few days, which

are constantly adapted in line with changes in the

situation.

The drivers can easily access this service on their

smartphones to help them plan their tours and

make them more efficient. Following a trial pe-

riod of operation in the summer, the system is

due to become fully operational by the middle of

next year.

bikesAsMobilesensorsSwitching to using a bike can be encouraged not

only through efficient bike sharing schemes but

also through efficient routing. “The data available

for bicycle traffic is, however, very limited,” says

Straub. “The aim of the project Com-oVer was

therefore to collect and analyse movement tra-

jectories and subjective feedback from cyclists.”

A number of test participants were invited to

download an app to their smartphones so that

they could be tracked via gPS as they travelled

around the city. (It is still possible to register un-

der www.meineradspur.at and contribute further

gPS tracks.) By analysing and evaluating this

“floating bike data”, it was possible to filter out

popular routes and use the information to make

improvements to route suggestions.

Test participants also had the opportunity to type

in positive and negative remarks about their cur-

rent position on the display – for example about

the width of the cycle path, the number of bike

parking spaces or the subjective potential risk.

“This enables monthly reports to be generated,

for example, highlighting hotspots identified in

the cycle path network and providing a summary

of user comments,” says Straub, who regards

this as a valuable basis for an efficient complaints

management system or optimized cycle path

planning.

set to play an increasingly important role in co-

modal transport systems of the future. Using

cutting-edge technologies, the AIT Mobility De-

partment therefore aims to increase the attrac-

tiveness of travelling by bike – through impro-

ved logistics for bike sharing schemes,

personalized navigation, optimized planning of

cycling infrastructure and greater safety for

new generations of bikes such as e-bikes.

bikeshAringCitybike Wien operates a bike sharing system in

Austria’s capital with around 100 stations and

more than 1,200 bikes, which were used to travel

a total of 2.3 million kilometres last year. The

bikes can be rented out from and returned to any

one of the stations, which depending on the time

of day, the weather or the proximity of public

transport leads to uneven utilization rates at the

rental stations. “The major challenge lies in re-

distributing bicycles in such a way that both suf-

ficient bicycles and spaces for incoming bicycles

are available at all times at all stations,” explains

Markus Straub, expert for dynamic transport

systems at the AIT Mobility Department. These

redistribution trips are currently done by cars

with trailers and the drivers plan their routes

based purely on previous experience. The project

BBSS (Balancing Bike Sharing Systems) aims to

optimize the redistribution logistics using ma-

thematical-statistical methods in such a way that

the effort invested in redistribution has the big-

gest possible impact towards a well-balanced

system.

optiMizedrouteplAnningProject partner Citybike Wien provided detailed

historical data on customer routes in the system

as well as on usage rates for the individual sta-

tions over the last three years. On the basis of

this data, AIT experts developed a statistical mo-

del in order to predict how many bicycles will ar-

rive and be picked up at a given station within the

next few hours.

Various parameters affecting rental behaviour

are taken into account, including, for example,

weather conditions, season, time of day, day of

week and usage rates of neighbouring stations.

“Based on this data, the aim is to establish the

optimum combination of redistribution journeys

from a huge number of possibilities,” says

Straub, pointing out the scientific challenge invol-

MArkusstrAub///Juniorengineer,Mobilitydepartment

“The major challenge lies in redistributing bicycles in such a way that both sufficient bi-cycles and spaces for inco-ming bicycles are available at all times at all stations.”

16-19.indd 3 04.06.13 09:28

18 Mobility

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indiViduAl“greenwAVe”oftrAfficlightsAIT experts also use the Com-oVer data and re-

sults in the project BikeWave in order to make bi-

cycle routing more efficient by taking into account

waiting times at traffic lights. In a first step, traf-

fic light locations and traffic light intervals are fil-

tered out of gPS tracks. “Using complex waiting

time models, we can pre-calculate the waiting

times at the next set of traffic lights depending on

current speed and position,” explains Straub. The

goal pursued here by AIT together with project

partners BikeCityguide and mobimera is the int-

roduction of a “green Wave Assistant” app, which

cyclists will be able to download and use on their

smartphones. The assistance system offers the

cyclist tailored routing suggestions and provides

personalized tips about how fast he or she needs

to be travelling to make it through the next green

light. It enables cyclists to create their own per-

sonal “green wave” so they spend less time wai-

ting at traffic lights and arrive sooner at their de-

stination.

sAfee-bikingInterest in electric bikes has grown considerably

over the last few years, yet there is still a lack of

empirical data on these new players in the trans-

port sector. “In particular, it is not yet clear what

the effects of biking with higher acceleration and

at higher speeds will be on road safety and risk of

accidents,” says AIT expert Peter Saleh, who ana-

lyses the safety aspects of e-bicycles and e-mo-

peds in the SEEkINg (SAFE E-BIkINg) project,

which received the 2011 National Mobility Award.

In vehicle dynamics tests, participants were given

the task to ride bicycles and e-bicycles around a

track featuring tight corners requiring critical

braking and acceleration manoeuvres. key ve-

hicle dynamic data – acceleration in three axes,

speed, pitch, roll and yaw – were recorded using

commercially available smartphones, which

reseArchserVices

Modern transport systems generate huge amounts of data – for example, from vehicles which deliver up-to-date positional information via GPS. AIT uses this data and its expertise in the areas of mode detection and user profiling to generate personalized travel time forecasts and routing sug-gestions.

Mastering complex route planning tasks also necessitates the use of so-phisticated mathematical-statistical methods. AIT applies the latest scien-tific findings and develops innovative optimization algorithms to ensure ef-ficient and reliable transport planning.

Many cities have introduced public bike sharing systems in the last few ye-ars to enhance the sustainability of the transport system. The Department supports operators of (e-)bike sharing systems in siting, maintenance pl-anning and bike distribution in order to ensure sustained customer satis-faction.

The analysis and simulation tools developed by AIT allow the correlations between road parameters, vehicle dynamics and accidents to be examined objectively. This provides the basis for simulation-based analysis of acci-dent causes, detailed accident statistics, accident risk forecasting and tar-geted suggestions for effective accident prevention. ///

petersAleh///engineer,Mobilitydepartment

“The SAFE E-BIKING pro-ject, which received the Na-tional Mobility Award in 2011, aims at analysing the safety aspects of e-bicyc-les.”

The AIT project SEEkINg aims at scientifically analysing safety aspects of e-bikes.

16-19.indd 4 04.06.13 09:28

Mobility 19

measurable differences between types of bike.

Both objective and subjective driving safety de-

pend to a large extent on the technical specifica-

tions and vehicle electronics, which is a clear in-

dication of the importance of defining technical

specifications and establishing minimum stan-

dards. Experts at the AIT Mobility Department

are also convinced that targeted measures need

to be introduced in terms of engineering, training

and legislation to ensure the safe integration of

electric two-wheelers in the transport system. ///

come as standard with the necessary sensors

and a video camera. The video recordings and

subjective surveys conducted among the riders

by experts from the BOkU University of Natural

Resources and Life Sciences in Vienna were in-

cluded with the measurement data in the vehicle

dynamics analysis.

conflictstudiesonthewörtherseeThe next phase of the project was launched in

April: “By conducting tests on a shared pedest-

rian and cycle route that runs along the Wörther-

see in Carinthia, we also want to examine the

conflict potential in encounters with non-moto-

rized cyclists and pedestrians,” says Saleh. The

results from the vehicle dynamics tests and con-

flict studies will be used in the development of

targeted prevention measures in collaboration

with the Austrian Road Safety Board. It is already

apparent that improvements are needed in cer-

tain areas: “After test participants had completed

just two rounds of the track in the vehicle dyna-

mics tests we noted a significant learning effect –

it would therefore be useful, for example, for peo-

ple to have a short training session when they buy

an e-bicycle,” adds Saleh. There were also clearly

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Further details: Mobility Department, Christina Pikl,Phone: +43 505 50-6322, e-mail:christina.pikl@ait.ac.at, Web: www. ait.ac.at/mobility

sAndrAwegener FROM THE

INSTITUTE FOR TRANSPORT AT

THE BOkU UNIVERSITY OF NATU-

RAL RESOURCES AND LIFE SCI-

ENCES IN VIENNA ON THE FU-

TURE OF E-BIkES AND ROAD

SAFETY ISSUES.

The SEEKING project focuses on the sci-entific analysis of the safety aspects of electric two-wheelers. What do you find

so interesting about this project? What are the challenges?Exciting projects tend to be ones where there is a personal benefit.

With SEEkINg that’s very much the case. I tried out an e-bike for the

very first time while working on the project and immediately saw the

benefits. The practical orientation in the form of test rides with the e-

bikes and the direct contact with test participants are not only enjo-

yable but also mean that any problems that occur are immediately

and highly tangible. The main challenge is in drawing the right con-

clusions from the data and in formulating joint recommendations for

e-biking in the interests of road safety.

How do you see future developments in this area?Sales figures for e-bikes in Austria show a clear upward trend. There

is huge potential for e-mobility – in particular for e-bikes – in com-

muter traffic, i.e. for getting to and from work in urban areas, but

also among the older section of the population. The e-bike offers au-

tonomous mobility providing an alternative to a car with the plus of

having a positive impact on the environment, health etc.

Of course, the relevant conditions for using an e-bike need to be in

place; these range from improved cycling infrastructure and clear le-

gal provisions through to e-biking campaigns and road safety trai-

ning for the various target user groups. The focus of all these consi-

derations must, however, be on road safety – more injuries or even

deaths on our roads would be too high a price to pay for new mobi-

lity…

How do you see the cooperation with AIT? What are the synergies?The cooperation between AIT and BOkU is absolutely excellent. As

the project coordinator, AIT ensures solid project management with

a constant flow of information which enables the project to make ra-

pid progress. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our colleagues

at AIT. Our areas of responsibility complement each other in that AIT

is responsible for the technical implementation, i.e. for the test rides

with the e-bikes and for the various measurements while we at the

BOkU focus on the thematic orientation and the survey. Working on

the various areas in this way and in cooperation with the other pro-

ject partners (Carinthian Road Safety Board, Provincial government

of Carinthia and Strombike) has enabled successful completion of

this comprehensive project. On a personal level, I particularly appre-

ciate the mutual respect and open communication, and I’m already

looking forward to working on a possible follow-up project in collabo-

ration with AIT in the future. ///

16-19.indd 5 04.06.13 09:28

20 ➜Foresight&PolicyDeveloPment

AlittleoFthesPiritthAtmADeviennA’scoFFeehouses famous recently arose in one of

the city’s traditional cafés. However, this time it

wasn‘t writers or artists meeting in a coffee

house to work, find inspiration or debate world

events, but rather a range of representatives

from Universities Austria, the EU, the Austrian

Council for Research and Technology Develop-

ment, business and industry.

scenAriovisuAlizAtionThe RIF World Café Vienna workshop held in the

Cafe Griensteidl on 22 October 2012 considered

the possible futures of research, right through to

the year 2030. The attendees were presented with

a variety of scenarios, drawn up step-by-step in

advance for further discussion and development.

“The World Café Vienna workshop demonstrated

the value of scenario development for the 30 or so

participants who came from different back-

grounds,“ says Philine Warnke, Senior Scientist

in the AIT Foresight & Policy Department.

One representative was so impressed by the me-

thodology used and the necessity of considering

various possible futures that, after the workshop,

she immediately commissioned AIT to undertake

a corporate foresight project for her company.

The event was one of several held as part of the

EU project Research & Innovation Futures 2030

GUIDELINES FOR FUTURE RTI SCENARIOS

/// Advancing globalization, completely new forms of communication, and radi-

cal trends such as „open innovation“: research, technology and innovation are

currently undergoing significant change. As part of the EU project Research &

Innovation Futures (RIF), the AIT Foresight & Policy Development Department

is working together with international partners to develop a variety of scenarios

for the year 2030 in order to provide a sound decision-making basis for future

research policy. ///

● inAnutshell

How will innovation and research be undertaken and organized in the future? And what impact will this have on society? In the EU project Research & Inno-vation Futures (RIF), which runs from October 2011 to September 2013, the AIT Foresight & Policy Development Department is working with international partners to examine these questions. After identifying and analysing general trends, the experts use a two-step method for scenario development. In a first step, workshops were held to develop explorative scenarios which extrapolated from current developments to identify potential conflicts and dilemmas, both in society and the research system as a whole. These formed the basis for drawing up transformative scenarios, making it possible to think through even unexpected developments. The RIF results pro-vide an important basis for decision-making, both for research policy as well as for other stakeholders in the research system.

20-23.indd 2 28.05.13 10:12

Foresight&PolicyDeveloPment 21

into transformative scenarios, enabling unexpec-

ted developments to be thought through and po-

tential radical changes to be considered. These

transformative scenarios were then discussed

with various social groups in the World Café Vi-

enna workshop. A key focus of the project is to in-

volve all the relevant social groups, including civil

society which is taking on an increasingly impor-

tant role as a knowledge generator. At the same

time, the project should demonstrate what deve-

lopments are possible and in what areas, who

will be affected by these developments and to

what extent. Depending on perspective, some of

these developments are more desirable for the

position of Europe‘s research landscape than

others.

DeterminingAPProPriAtecoursesoFActionUltimately, the scenarios allow both policy-ma-

kers and research organization managers to de-

termine their strategic options and decide on ap-

propriate courses of action. Clearly there is a

great difference between the impact caused by

radical rather than gradual change. Social groups

and areas are affected in very different ways, de-

pending on the development. Consequently the

various stakeholders can use the scenarios to

design their own strategies in a forward-looking

manner.

It is important to EU research and innovation po-

licy whether the major challenges of our time

(such as climate change) can be tackled with the

means and measures currently available. Which

groups need to cooperate in order to solve the

grand challenges in the future? This is relevant to

many individual areas, stakeholders and inte-

rests, as already demonstrated for individual

ideas, for example, the plan to shift from diesel

and petrol cars to electric cars in the near future.

How should a research project be designed in or-

(RIF), which deals with the subject of science and

society and their future development. The fore-

sight project, coordinated by AIT, focuses particu-

larly on the question of how innovation and re-

search can be undertaken and organized in

tomorrow‘s information society: the challenges

that need to be considered during the change

process, how they will affect researchers and

other social groups, and what impact these

transformations and changes have on Europe‘s

research landscape.

Other research partners include the Fraunhofer

Institute for Systems and Innovation Research

(ISI), the University of Twente, Manchester Uni-

versity and the VTT Technical Research Centre of

Finland. The project runs from October 2011 to

September 2013 and has already generated nu-

merous findings.

shArPeningthesystemicview“There are many change processes currently un-

derway which have consequences for the re-

search system,“ explains Wolfram Rhomberg,

Expert Advisor in the AIT Foresight & Policy De-

velopment Department. „The RIF project focuses

on assessing and analysing the science and re-

search system as a whole, including all its stake-

holders. We develop different scenarios and mo-

dels for further discussion that enable the

consideration of ongoing change processes.“ By

taking a systemic view of the potential future of

science and research it is possible to avoid the

danger of narrow-minded thinking; the approach

is targeted directly at helping break away from

common logic, or „business as usual“. Scenario

development also offers the opportunity to pre-

pare for potential conflicts, frictions or trend re-

versals.

exPlorAtivescenAriosThe international RIF project involves several

systematic steps. The first was to identify and

analyse the relevant general trends and driving

factors before developing them into explorative

scenarios in workshops. These scenarios de-

scribe the potential outcomes of current develop-

ments, and the conflicts, frictions and dilemmas

which these outcomes could cause. The two-step

method of scenario development devised by AIT

was used for the first time in the project to de-

scribe further possible changes. In the second

step, the explorative scenarios were developed

wolFrAmrhomberg///expertAdvisor,Foresight&PolicyDeve-lopmentDepartment

„The RIF project focuses on assessing and analysing the science and research system as a whole, including all its stakeholders.”

20-23.indd 3 28.05.13 10:12

22 Foresight&PolicyDeveloPment

der to drive the necessary transformations? Fo-

resight approaches such as the scenario method

are helpful in clarifying these and similar questi-

ons, and identifying courses of action for policy

makers.

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mAnyAPPlicAtionsFortheFinDingsThis is doubly interesting for the AIT experts,

since the project results are not only relevant to

EU research policy but also for AIT’s own future

strategic development. For example, the RIF pro-

ject has shown that applied research organiza-

tions, such as AIT or Fraunhofer, are strongly im-

pacted by the changes to the research system

and, depending on the scenario, could either as-

sume new functions or become less relevant. The

question of how Europe can maintain its current

position in science and innovation in the face of

increasing international competition is another

important point. Last but not least, the RIF pro-

ject also offers the stakeholders themselves im-

portant insights into potential developments by

involving them in the process.

The final workshops focus on the consequences

and conclusions thrown up by these various fu-

ture scenarios. And these could offer extremely

important input, for example for EU research

reseArchservices

Research, technology and innovation (RTI) policy plays a central role in the development of innovation systems, and thus in strengthening the econo-mic performance and the ability to tackle societal challenges. This requires designing, analysing and evaluating efficient and coordinated organizatio-nal structures, governance processes and policy instruments. Foresight is a key tool in this context.This research service focuses on the development of research and innova-tion strategies for RTI policy makers, knowledge-based organizations and research promotion agencies. Strategy formulation and implementation is based on intensive knowledge transfer between research institutes and companies, internationalization of research and development, service in-novation or the integration of customers into the innovation process. ///

Explorative scenarios are developed in workshops. These provide the basis for drawing up transfor-mative scenarios, making it possible to think through even unexpected develop-ments.

20-23.indd 4 28.05.13 10:12

Foresight&PolicyDeveloPment 23

core question here is who determines which sub-

jects will be researched? Civil society demands

greater involvement. „We‘re talking here about

new forms of knowledge,“ says Warnke. „In ana-

lysing areas of tension, the question increasingly

arose as to what is officially recognized as sci-

ence and how knowledge is legitimated.“ For ex-

ample, the discussion of whether conventional

medicine alone is valid, and what „alternative“

medicine can offer.

grAnDchAllengesForreAlInspiration and innovation in particular are ex-

pected from unconventional sources of know-

ledge, making the world significantly more multi-

faceted. An increasing number of stakeholders

are generating and disseminating knowledge. In

turn, the “Grand Challenges for Real” scenario

deals with a world in which catastrophes lead to

targeted, global research efforts. Having develo-

ped the final five scenarios, the next step is to de-

termine the courses of action for each stakehol-

der. In a first step, a RIF High Level Stakeholder

Workshop entitled “Exploring strategic policy op-

tions of Research and Innovation Futures” was

held in Amsterdam on 15 March. This will be fol-

lowed by further workshops in which the indivi-

dual stakeholder groups will be supported in

using the outcomes from the RIF scenarios to de-

termine consequences for their strategies, ensu-

ring they are equipped to face the challenges of

the future. ///

funding. Thinking about the future always has an

immediate impact on the future. One key trend

which has been identified is the increasing ope-

ning up of science. Additionally, the manner in

which research is undertaken is becoming incre-

asingly heterogeneous. There is increasing com-

petition and a strong focus on results. Tensions

arise between excellence in research compared

to its contribution to solving social needs, diver-

sity versus homogeneity, cooperation versus

competition, intellectual property and economic

exploitation versus free access to knowledge, the

importance of quality and integrity in science and

much more.

thereseArchlAnDscAPeintrAnsitionCombining these observations and using them to

systematically present transformative scenarios

opens up clear development paths. One such

transformative scenario, for example, is that of

Open Research Platforms, where scientists

worldwide are brought together via web plat-

forms and can share their results to drive re-

search in their fields.

This path has been smoothed and encouraged as

a result of greater coordination in the field of R&D

as well as greater complexity in the research sys-

tem. The driving forces behind this development

have been declining state funding paired with in-

creasing global cooperation and trends towards

the open exchange of knowledge. In this scenario,

it was the failure of the highly fragmented re-

search landscape to rapidly find a solution for a

suddenly occurring fatal epidemic which finally

led researchers to jointly search for a solution via

an open platform.

The important point is to closely scrutinize the

transformation processes in the areas of open

source, self-organization via open research plat-

forms and the question of intellectual property.

„In the future lay people, users or affected par-

ties such as patients could contribute to the re-

search process, or companies even open up their

development departments, in order to find new

solutions,“ explains Rhomberg. The trend is al-

ready perceptible; the question is how much

stronger it could become. Yet the question of how

in future intellectual property rights and remune-

ration can be regulated or projects implemented

in practice still remains to be clarified.

Another possible scenario developed as part of

RIF is referred to as Knowledge Parliament. The Ph

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Further details:Foresight & Policy Development Depart-ment, Beatrice Rath,Phone: +43 505 50-4508,e-mail:beatrice.rath@ait.ac.at, Web: www.ait.ac.at/f_pd

PhilinewArnke///seniorscientist,Foresight&PolicyDeve-lopmentDepartment

„One of the core questions in the development of potential scenarios is to find out who determines what is researched.“

20-23.indd 5 28.05.13 10:12

24 ➜EnErgy

ThEincrEasingusEofrEnEwablEEnErgy

is seen as one of the most effective measures in

the fight against climate change. In future, incre-

asing numbers of distributed solar, wind and bio-

mass plants will feed electricity into the grid,

where they can lead to voltage fluctuations and

capacity constraints due to fluctuating supply and

bidirectional power flow.

In the foreseeable future, many operators will not

be able to integrate further distributed power

plants into their networks without costly line re-

Smart, Smarter – SmarteSt!

/// the new aIt SmarteSt Laboratory offers the technical infrastructure and

scientific expertise needed to develop the smart grids of the future. ///

● inanuTshEll

Over the coming years, an increasing number of distributed generators such as photovoltaic plants and wind parks will feed energy into the grid. So-called “smart grids” enable the efficient management of fluctuating power flows using intelligent network management. With its new SmartEST Laboratory, AIT now offers a globally unique testing and research infrastructure for these fu-ture-oriented network systems. A wide range of cutting-edge equipment can be combined in the laboratory, enabling new components and control concepts as well as their interaction with the grid to be tested and optimized under rea-listic operating conditions. This experimental development facility is of particu-lar interest to network operators and manufacturers of components for distri-buted power plants.

24-27.indd 2 03.06.13 17:55

EnErgy 25

required, enabling us to simulate different net-

work configurations and states in the laboratory,”

explains Christoph mayr from the aIt SmarteSt

Laboratory. “this enables us to establish, for ex-

ample, how components react to grid failures or

voltage drops or the triggering of protective me-

chanisms.”

One important component of distributed energy

generation are inverters, which in photovoltaic

systems, for example, transform the direct cur-

rent from the PV module into alternating current

for the grid. With the increasing share of distribu-

ted renewable energy, this power electronic ele-

ment takes on more and more active grid support

functions and therefore plays a key role in net-

work management. In order to be able to carry

out tests under realistic conditions, the aIt

SmarteSt Laboratory also features a PV simula-

tor capable of providing direct voltages of up to

1,500 volts and currents of up to 1,500 ampere.

“Currently, the trend in inverters is clearly fo-

cused on higher system voltages as these provide

higher system outputs and enhanced efficiency

levels at lower cost,” says mayr. “this PV simula-

tion system, which is the only one on this scale in

the world, allows us to offer manufacturers a

state-of-the-art test and development platform

needed for tomorrow’s system developments.”

connEcTingvirTualandrEalworldsIn the smart grids of the future, electricity and in-

formation do not flow in only one direction – there

is permanent interaction between the power ge-

nerator, the grid and the consumer. these com-

plex interactions can be simulated and analysed

in the SmarteSt Laboratory in so-called “Power

Hardware in the Loop” simulations (P-HIL),

where a section of the network is simulated by

the software and the components are hooked into

the virtual grid environment. the P-HIL simulati-

ons provide real-time information about how

inforcement. “the solution to this problem is

smart grids,” says Wolfgang Hribernik, Head of

Business Unit electric energy Systems at the aIt

energy Department. “these intelligent electricity

networks make optimal use of system capacity

via constant coordination between electric power

generators, consumers and storage devices and

thus facilitate intelligent energy management.”

Setting up the smart grids of the future does,

however, raise the key question of how the multi-

tude of new components and control concepts

will affect the networks.

For safety reasons it is not possible to test the va-

rious scenarios in real network operation. the

aIt SmarteSt (Smart electricity Systems and

technologies) Laboratory, which was opened at

the end of april, is a globally unique infrastruc-

ture enabling the components and concepts for

the networks of the future to be tested under rea-

listic operating conditions. “With our new labora-

tory we offer manufacturers as well as network

operators the possibility to analyse interactions

between components and the grid to ensure that

their products and concepts are fit for the future,”

explains Hribernik.

PEakPErformancEforacanddcPotential test candidates for the aIt SmarteSt

Laboratory are various components used in dis-

tributed energy technology. the range extends

from photovoltaic inverters to electric energy sto-

rage systems and grid controllers through to

components used in combined heat and power

systems or charging stations for electric vehic-

les. a total of three independent, freely configura-

ble laboratory grids are available for testing pur-

poses and can be operated at powers of up to

1000 kilowatts. this allows, for example, the mo-

delling of low voltage networks supplying several

houses at 1:1 scale.

“Using grid simulators and adjustable network

models, voltage and frequency can be varied as

chrisToPhmayr///Engineer,Energydepartment

“Grid simulators and adjus-table network models allow us to vary voltage and fre-quency as required to simu-late different electrical condi-tions in our laboratory grid.“

wolfganghribErnik///headofbusinessunitElectricEnergysystems

“Smart Grids make optimal use of system capacity via constant coordination bet-ween energy generators, con-sumers and storage devices and thus facilitate intelligent energy management.”

24-27.indd 3 03.06.13 17:55

26 EnErgy

compatible the individual components are both

with the overall grid structure as well as with

other devices connected to the network. “Our inf-

rastructure allows us to connect up to several

components simultaneously, for example a PV

system, an electrical storage unit and a charging

station for an electric car, which is the kind of

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configuration we will see more and more in the

future,” explains mayr.

Climate conditions ranging from arctic to tropical

In operation, the individual components of the

energy infrastructure are exposed to a range of

climatic conditions, which strongly influence the

components’ efficiency levels and service life. In

the environmental test chamber at the SmarteSt

Laboratory, these influences are simulated by

subjecting the components to temperatures ran-

ging from between -40 to +120° and humidity le-

vels of up to 95%. “Unlike other test chambers,

here we have the possibility to test the devices in

operation, i.e. at full power,” explains Christoph

mayr, talking about the main advantage over con-

ventional environmental tests. In the course of

long-term tests with constantly varying tempera-

tures and humidity levels, the experts can lite-

rally watch the equipment age. Within just a few

weeks, the simulated, accelerated aging process

enables conclusions to be drawn about the state

and performance of a component after 20 years

of operation in outdoor conditions.

iT’sallinThEmix“the key feature of the aIt SmarteSt Laboratory

is that high-performance laboratory infrastruc-

ture for grid simulation, PV simulation, real-time

P-HIL simulation and environmental simulation is

all concentrated in one location and can be com-

bined as required. this opens up the way for no-

vel test and research approaches,” says Senior

engineer roland Bründlinger, explaining the

unique qualities of the new facility. Indeed, it is

currently not possible in any other laboratory

worldwide to test a high-performance inverter in

the environmental chamber at full power under

varying solar radiation and grid conditions provi-

ded by the PV and grid simulators. this will in fu-

ture also improve the predictability of fluctuating

energy sources such as solar power. “Internatio-

nal efforts are focused on enabling the power

output from PV systems under varying weather

conditions to be proactively fed into the grid ma-

nagement system, which is already common

practice in the case of wind power,” says Bründ-

linger. “reliable data about the effect of environ-

mental influences on the output of photovoltaic

systems is indispensable for such performance

predictions.”

With its comprehensive infrastructure and exten-

sive expertise built up over many years, the aIt

rEsEarchsErvicEs

The SmartEST Laboratory offers state-of-the-art infrastructure and quali-fied experts for smart grid research and development. It allows distributed generation components and their interactions with the grid infrastructure to be tested under realistic conditions in a safe laboratory environment. The infrastructure includes configurable laboratory grids, grid simulators, PV simulators, equipment for power hardware-in-the-loop simulations and an environmental chamber for tests under extreme temperature and humi-dity conditions. These advanced testing and simulation facilities can be combined to provide completely new testing capabilities going far beyond the standard. The SmartEST Laboratory is open to grid operators and ma-nufacturers, making an important contribution to the development and op-timization of new products and control strategies for distributed genera-tion. ///

rolandbründlingEr///seniorEngineer,Energydepartment

“The key feature of the AIT SmartEST Laboratory is that different simulation infra-structure can be combined as required.“

24-27.indd 4 03.06.13 17:55

EnErgy 27

ducts and their interaction with the network un-

der realistic conditions. “Our primary objective is

to ensure that our energy infrastructure is well

equipped to deal with future challenges and to

further strengthen the competitiveness of aust-

rian industry within the future-oriented smart

grids market”, says Bründlinger, confident that

the aIt SmarteSt Laboratory is set to make a key

contribution in this area. ///

energy Department is already recognized as a

leading player among the top research and test

centres for distributed energy generation. this is

clearly reflected, for example, in its role as lead

participant in international networks, including

Derlab, the association of top european labora-

tories and research institutes in the field of distri-

buted energy technologies, as well as its interna-

tional equivalent, the Smart Grid International

research Facility Network (SIrFN) of the Interna-

tional energy agency.

bEnEfiTsformanufacTurErsandnETworkoPEraTorsNaturally, there is strong interest from manufac-

turers and network operators in the new test and

research centre. Grid operators can use the

SmarteSt Laboratory to test their control con-

cepts and protection mechanisms in a safe expe-

rimental environment under extreme conditions

before implementing them in their own networks.

For manufacturers, on the other hand, the most

important thing is to test and optimize their pro-

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Further details:energy Department, michaela Jungbauer,Phone: +43 505 50-6688, e-mail:michaela.jung-bauer@ait.ac.at, Web: http://www.ait.ac.at/energy

hannEshEigl, teamLeaDer

PrOCeSS teCHNOLOGy, re-

SearCH aND DeVeLOPmeNt

SOLar eLeCtrONICS, at FrO-

NIUS INterNatIONaL GmBH ON

tHe ImPOrtaNCe OF mODerN

reSearCH INFraStrUCtUre

FOr DIStrIBUteD eNerGy Ge-

NeratION.

What does Fronius regard as the key chal-lenges in the integration of renewable energies in electricity grids?as a technology-driven company the focus is mostly on technical is-

sues and on finding appropriate solutions. and this also tends to be

the main debate on the market. yet technical implementation is re-

ally only one aspect. Personally, I see the main challenge not in tech-

nical implementation but in understanding that distributed power ge-

neration needs a completely different perspective than centralized

energy supply. If we focus all our efforts on integrating them into the

existing infrastructure, then many benefits of distributed energy ge-

neration will go unused. In my opinion, from a technical point of view,

local energy management is one of the key issues when it comes to

efficient energy supply of the future.

Fronius and AIT have a successful long-standing collaboration. What is the role of research and development for your company as one of the world’s leading manufacturers of photovoltaic inverters?

to put it briefly, development creates turnover in the near future and

research creates turnover in the longer term. So they’re both key to

the long-term survival of a company. at the same time it’s also im-

portant to take the opportunity to deal with new or challenging to-

pics, with less of a focus on concrete turnover figures. this of course

calls for being patient together with having the ability to think outside

the box and daring to venture into unfamiliar territory. at the end of

the day, success as well as the role r&D can play within a company,

depend to a great extent on the people involved and their ability to

turn ideas into reality and quantifiable results.

The AIT SmartEST Laboratory provides a globally unique laboratory infrastructure for tests and simulations. What is the importance of this experimental development facility to Fronius as a manufactu-rer of components for distributed energy generation?In the still relatively new and rapidly changing photovoltaic sector

there are currently few opportunities at international level to exa-

mine technical or normative research questions and exchange ideas

with experts. Fronius considers itself very lucky that we have a lea-

ding research institute working in this field here in austria. By enab-

ling early examination of technical questions, the infrastructure pro-

vided by the SmarteSt Laboratory represents a key step towards

identifying solutions in the renewable energy field. For us as a com-

pany, this infrastructure opens up improved opportunities for us to

react to the constantly changing market requirements and shorten

our innovation cycles. I also anticipate that aIt will use the SmarteSt

Laboratory to further extend its expertise in the field of renewable

energy and will thus continue to be an important partner for Fronius

in the future. ///

24-27.indd 5 03.06.13 17:55

28 ➜Safety&Security

airpaSSengerSStilllookScepticallyat

the glassed-in border control system which, in a

field trial at Vienna Airport, has recently become

an addition to normal border controls. With its

scanners and cameras, the system takes over the

role of the police in checking passports and their

bearers.

„In future, automation should speed up the entire

border control process, giving police more time

to maintain security,“ explains Andreas Kriech-

baum, project manager and image processing

specialist in AIT’s Safety & Security Department.

Police are currently making air passengers

aware of the eGate, which has been installed

close to the conventional border booths for ma-

nual passport control, as the idea of automated

border controls is still completely new to most air

passengers.

automaticSupportforcontrolSThe first prototype was developed, and is being

continually optimized, as part of the Future Bor-

der Control (FBC) project to speed up border con-

trol processing. The project is managed by AIT in

cooperation with the Federal Ministry for the In-

terior (BM.I), Vienna Airport, IT specialist ATOS

(system design, biometrics) and Gunnebo, world

leading provider of entrance control systems. The

Institute for Empirical Social Studies (IFES) is

THE FUTURE OF BORDER CONTROL

/// Border controls are generally an inconvenient and time-consuming business

for air passengers. However, these controls are necessary for a country‘s inter-

nal security. Together with partners, AIT has therefore developed an automated

control system at Vienna Airport which is designed to make future passenger

processing significantly more efficient as well as user-friendlier. These automa-

ted control systems support the work of the border police, although police of-

ficers can naturally step in at any time. ///

● inanutShell

Since October 2012 field testing of an automated border control system has been underway at Vienna Airport. The system was developed by AIT together with partners as part of the national Future Border Control research project. Passengers walk through a fully glassed-in security gate, the eGate, one possi-ble form that an automated border control system could take. It only requires the passport to be placed on the passport scanner. The first door opens and as the passenger walks in, a camera system checks that only one person has en-tered and that the photograph in the passport is that of the passenger. The se-cond door opens only when all the criteria for crossing the border have been fulfilled. The project aims to identify the criteria required in an efficient, quick and user-friendly automated system for border controls. The AIT experts bring to the project their specialized expertise in the field of image processing, and evaluate the overall system on behalf of Austria‘s Federal Ministry for the Inte-rior (BM.I) and Vienna Airport.

28-31.indd 2 04.06.13 09:31

Safety&Security 29

passenger is requested to enter. Inside the

eGate a stereo camera on the ceiling checks

that only one person has entered. The solution

for this so-called system of “passenger separa-

tion” is one of AIT’s contributions. The AIT algo-

rithm also detects backpacks, trolleys or any

other objects that have been left behind. A se-

cond camera checks whether the face corres-

ponds to the digital image in the electronic

passport; the passenger is not required to stand

still for this check, but can simply walk through

the passageway. The second gateway opens

only when all the criteria for the border cros-

sing have been met, thus completing the pro-

cess. Where the criteria have not been met,

border police take over.

Thanks to automation, in future a single border

policeman will be able to monitor several eGates

via cameras from a surveillance station. The

technology will reduce the necessity of manual

processes such as stamping the passports of

non-EU citizens in a few years, giving border po-

lice more time to identify suspicious passengers

or luggage.

largeShareofaitexpertiSeIn addition to project coordination, AIT will also

evaluate the entire Future Border Control project,

which involves examining similar automated sys-

tems at other airports. IT specialist ATOS is res-

ponsible for the system design, processing and

biometric control systems and Gunnebo for the

mechanical locks. AIT is examining a variety of

passport readers and contributes its expertise in

video technologies using its own algorithms. The

evaluation of passport data transmission will take

into account not only speed but also factors such

as potential manipulation and secure encryption.

A second camera is used for facial recognition,

comparing the image with the passport photo-

graph; the system is implemented by ATOS. The

facial recognition system and another commer-

also involved, examining aspects of user friendli-

ness and acceptance. The aim of the project is to

investigate the criteria required for an efficient,

quick and user-friendly automated border control

system. Field tests for the Future Border Control

project started in November 2012. The national

research project was launched in November 2011

as part of the Austrian safety and security pro-

gramme KIRAS and sponsored by the Federal Mi-

nistry for Transport, Innovation and Technology

(BMVIT).

The project will generate information about the

reliability of automated border controls. As these

systems are planned for operational use in the

future, the project will not only encourage further

development by industrial and research partners,

but also enable the BM.I to draw up sound tender

specifications for the commercial version of such

a system.

intenSivefieldteStingtomaximizeuSer-friendlineSSThe project is also providing Vienna Airport with

valuable experience in using such systems and

embedding them into existing infrastructure. As

well as technical aspects, the tests examine

user acceptance, legal considerations, integra-

tion into existing systems and necessary secu-

rity criteria. In April and July 2013, social scien-

tists from the IFES will carry out surveys to

investigate acceptance levels for the installed

prototype.

As all relevant data is automatically recorded the

research project has been registered with the

Data Protection Commission. Passengers are in-

formed about the research project and the use of

their personal data via a display on the eGate and

must agree to this use prior to passing through

the system. This is necessary so that the data ge-

nerated (e.g. facial images) may be used for re-

search purposes in order to improve the system.

Once fully operational, the system will not record

any personal data.

highuSabilityThe eGate consists of two glass gateways and a

glass passageway. Air passengers simply stand

in front of the deliberately transparent entry

gate and place their electronic passport with

chip onto a passport reader. The system then

reads all the relevant data on the passport chip.

Subsequently, the first gateway opens and the

andreaSkriechbaum///Scientist,Safety&Securitydepartment

„Our system will speed up the entire border control pro-cess, giving police more time to maintain security.“

28-31.indd 3 04.06.13 09:31

30 Safety&Security

cial system will be evaluated by ATOS and AIT and

optimized for the application environment. “Auto-

mated border control systems are coming, that’s

for sure,” says project coordinator Kriechbaum.

“The question is how to design them so that they

quickly find acceptance.” Automated systems

such as today’s ubiquitous cash dispensers al-

ways need a certain familiarization period. The

automated system is primarily targeted at busi-

ness travellers and frequent flyers.

aitSetSthepaceineuropeThe automated recording and control of entry

data is also important to the EU. As recently as

the end of February the European Commission

presented its Smart Borders Package which pro-

poses an entry-exit system automatically recor-

ding the entry and exit of travellers from third

countries. This will be complemented by a Regis-

tered Traveller Programme for frequent flyers

from third countries, enabling this group of peo-

ple to use eGates.

reSearchServiceS

Reliable image processing is essential for next generation security ap-plications, especially in the surveillance of critical infrastructure and in-dustrial processes. Novel concepts, architectures and algorithms im-prove detection quality of video systems and reduce false alarms. The new high-resolution cameras enable new applications, but also require novel hardware architectures such as multicore concepts and new pro-cessors as well as advanced software architectures and algorithms. The challenges include higher performance, higher resolution (at exponenti-ally increasing data rates), higher detection and tracking quality, more complex algorithms for enhanced robustness at reduced false alarm ra-tes as well as better usability. The image processing algorithms must also produce reliable results both in indoor and outdoor applications, even under poor lighting conditions. The Safety & Security Department has extensive expertise in optical 3D stereo vision, a high-performance application for combining data from dif-ferent sensors. The research results are being applied in the implementa-tion of multimodal sensor systems for obstacle and lane detection as well as navigation of autonomous systems. New concepts, architectures and algorithms are being developed for mo-del-based analysis of video content for security applications, for high-per-formance content analysis of printed media and for autonomous systems using 3D vision. /// P

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Safety&Security 31

passengers should be able to look forward to fas-

ter border controls, coupled with greater secu-

rity. ///

These developments are very important for a

further project led by AIT, which was launched in

this year and will run for four years involving 27

European partners: the EU project FastPass is

intended to create a harmonized and modular

system for automated border controls across the

EU. The experiences gained during the Future

Border Control project will be extremely helpful.

FastPass is also designed to find the best way of

combining increasing mobility with greater secu-

rity demands, and is developing systems for use

across the EU, including roads and harbours. Air

Further details:Safety & Security Department, Michael Mürling,Phone: +43 505 50-4126, e-mail:michael.muer-ling@ait.ac.at, Web: www.ait.ac.at/safety_security

colonelJohannriedl, FEDE-

RAL MINISTRy OF THE INTERIOR

(BM.I), ON THE OPPORTUNITIES

AND ADVANTAGES OFFERED By

FULLy AUTOMATIC BORDER

CONTROL AT AIRPORTS.

Colonel Riedl, passengers at Vienna Air-port have been able to test the first fully automatic border control system for the past couple of months. The new system

has been developed in a project led by AIT. What are the BM.I’s ex-pectations for this prototype?The development of fully automatic border control systems to sup-

port the border police in managing constantly growing passenger

streams is striding ahead. The BM.I anticipates that the prototype

currently being tested will provide practical experience demonstra-

ting what can be expected from a fully automatic border control sys-

tem, as well as indicating the opportunities and risks associated with

this technology.

Air passengers want to get through the border controls as quickly as possible. They are always in a hurry. What security aspects must be considered?In terms of focus, border control must be considered as fundamen-

tally separate from security control. There is always comprehensive

security control for each person and luggage, even where there is no

border control, for example, for flights within the Schengen area.

When it comes to border control, the BM.I places great importance

on thoroughness. The quality and care with which border controls

are carried out cannot be compromised simply to speed up the con-

trol process.

The KIRAS Future Border Control research project has developed the first prototype to test all factors including user-friendliness, ac-ceptance and security. How has AIT been able to contribute with its know-how?AIT has proven itself a competent and reliable partner.

When can we expect fully automatic border controls to go into stan-dard operation?The BM.I is currently giving fundamental consideration to the possi-

bility of installing automated border control gates for border cont-

rols, especially at Vienna Airport. It’s not currently possible to predict

when fully automatic border controls will become standard at Aust-

rian airports on a large scale. There are many factors determining

the success of such extensive measures and, furthermore, agree-

ment at EU level is vital in view of future potential European develop-

ments.

How well is cooperation with AIT working out?Cooperation with AIT representatives has been quick and uncom-

plicated; we placed great importance on effective communication

right from the beginning. Thanks to this direct contact, together

with the experts from AIT it has been possible to find flexible solu-

tions for spontaneously arising challenges during every phase of

the project.

How would you judge AIT’s innovative performance as an applied research organization?From my perspective it’s impossible to evaluate the entire range of

innovations which really lie behind the results we’ve achieved. The

wishes of the border control staff naturally not always coincide with

what’s technically possible. But for us at the BM.I, it was always exci-

ting to see how much effort AIT put into successfully meeting and

implementing the BM.I’s operational requirements. ///Ph

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32 ➜CAREERPROFILES

Helfried Brunner, as a graduate of both Graz Uni-

versity of Technology and UAS Technikum Wien,

your expertise is very much in demand in indus-

try. So what made you choose to go into re-

search?

I always wanted to work in research. My particu-

lar interest is (and always has been) in issues

connected with energy supply. I chose to go into

research because it gives me the opportunity to

take an active role in shaping the future of energy

supply in Austria and in Europe.

What do you regard as the main advantages of

working in a non-university research institution?

First and foremost, it’s being able to perform

highly applied and industry-oriented research. It

offers opportunities to work with cutting-edge

systems and breakthrough technology, to develop

new methods and to be involved right from the

start with theoretical ideas and concepts, all the

way through to developing product solutions in

collaboration with industry partners.

What are the qualities young scientists applying

for a research position with AIT need to have? Are

there any tips or advice you would give them?

Naturally, they need to have a sound scientific

education. Furthermore, apart from having the

necessary specialized expertise, the research ac-

tivities performed at AIT require staff to have an

in-depth understanding of complex systems. Re-

searchers at AIT also need to be extremely curi-

ous about scientific topics and be prepared to put

considerable energy and effort into working on

national and international research projects in

which they play a highly proactive role.

Apart from your work as a research scientist

you’re also a lecturer at UAS Technikum Wien –

does your day have more than the usual 24

hours?

Well, I find that teaching offers me a great oppor-

tunity to pass research findings on and discuss

them with young academics. It’s an enriching ex-

perience which more than compensates for the

time it takes up. Of course, it also offers me and

other AIT colleagues who teach at universities

and universities of applied sciences the opportu-

nity to come into contact with potential future

thesis students or even colleagues at an early

stage.

What do you see as the strengths of the AIT Aust-

rian Institute of Technology compared with other

similar institutions?

One of the major advantages at AIT is the continu-

ity in research it offers due to the four-year stra-

tegic focus on research topics and the availability

of relevant funding. Another undoubted strength

is of course the AIT staff, who combine their dif-

ferent specialist backgrounds and work together

CAREERS AT AIT/// Tomorrow Today talked to Helfried Brunner, Senior Engineer and Thematic

Coordinator for Smart Grids in the AIT Energy Department about what appeals to

him most about pursuing a career in non-university research. ///

HelfriedBrunner, Senior Engineer im AIT

Energy Department

AITCAREERMODELSENIORENGINEER

Senior Engineers support the Business Unit management in the strategic deve-lopment and positioning of the Business Unit. Responsibilities include the de-velopment and management of large, complex projects of strategic impor-tance, as well as publishing articles and registering patents, developing concepts for applying and exploiting the findings and instructing Junior Engi-neers and Junior Expert Advisors. Success in this role depends in particular on a system-oriented appreciation of the available technological options as well as of customer needs and the market situation. Specialized training correspon-ding to the particular professional and strategic orientation is available. Indivi-duals demonstrating superior leadership competence have the option of assu-ming additional management responsibilities as a Thematic Coordinator.

REquIREMENTS

● CompletedMasterleveldegreeorequivalent● Severalyearsofprofessionalexperienceinresearchanddevelopment● Profoundscientificortechnicalknowledgeintherespectivefieldcoupledwithasuperiorunderstandingofsystems

● Exceptionalknowledgeofthemarketandofcustomerneeds● Abilitytosuccessfullynetworkbothwithintheorganizationandbeyondaswellasimplementationskills

● ●Abilitytothinkandactstrategicallyandinabusiness-mindedmanner Ph

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CAREERPROFILES 33

of different solutions and technologies rather

than one single smart grid solution.

Will it even be possible to transform the existing

energy infrastructure into modern smart grids?

Definitely not everywhere. In cases where energy

infrastructure is already at its physical limit then

even smart grid solutions won’t help. We expect,

however, that in a significant proportion of the

existing European infrastructure intelligent solu-

tions can be deployed to make use of additional

reserves. One of the focuses in smart grid re-

search at AIT is currently on the development of

methods to identify the most appropriate smart

grid solution for a given situation.

Looking to the future, what can we expect in

terms of global energy supply in 2025?

In Europe, we’ll definitely see a major move to-

wards sustainable energy systems and renewa-

ble energy sources will play a key role in energy

supply. As far as global energy supply is concer-

ned, however, I don’t expect to see any significant

change by 2025 due to the growing demand for

energy from newly industrialized countries.

The global trend towards a sharp increase in

the share of electricity in end-use energy con-

sumption is set to continue. On the one hand

due to increasing electrification in countries

such as India and China and on the other hand

due to increased use of more efficient technolo-

gies such as heat pumps or ventilation systems,

which generally tend to be more dependent on

electrical energy. ///

to enable a highly interdisciplinary approach to be

taken in the different research fields in key infra-

structure areas.

As Thematic Coordinator for Smart Grids you are

involved in a range of different national and inter-

national networks. To what extent does AIT profit

from such international contacts?

It’s only possible to play a leading role in national

and international networks if you have gained a

reputation within the research community. In-

volvement in these activities opens up opportuni-

ties for discussing and positioning national re-

search at international level and thus supports

Austrian research and industry. It also makes it

easier to identify international trends at an earlier

stage and bring them to Austria. Such activities

enable us to position ourselves as an internatio-

nal partner. That’s important because European

and international research projects are key stra-

tegic and economic factors for AIT.

In Europe, AIT plays a leading role in the field of

smart grid research. Why is there such internati-

onal demand for AIT’s expertise in this area?

Thanks to our strategic focus and the excellent

national project and funding situation as well as

our excellent research infrastructure, we have

been successful in gaining international visibility

– particularly in the smart grid sector. We’ve also

been a longstanding partner in large European

research projects and networks. The fact that in-

itial solutions are already operating under test

conditions in the grid means that along with our

expertise in simulation we can also demonstrate

our practical experience in the implementation of

such solutions.

Smart grids are a high priority focus at both nati-

onal and international level. What are the condi-

tions that need to be put in place to facilitate their

large-scale introduction?

From a research perspective, support needs to

be given to both grid operators and industry in or-

der to minimize the current uncertainty in the

field of future-oriented network planning and

operation. The key issue is when, where and

which smart grid solutions are most appropriate.

This is proving to be quite a challenge as the vari-

ous networks in different countries have their

own individual features, and climate and societal

differences of course also play an important role

in this context. That means there’ll be a portfolio Ph

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Further details:Elvira Welzig, strategi-sche Personalentwick-lung, Phone: +43 505 50-4008, e-mail: elvira.welzig@ait.ac.at, Web: www.ait.ac.at

32-33.indd 31 28.05.13 10:12

INNOVATION CALENDAR07 MAY: SENIOR eDAY

Modern information and communication technologies (ICT) are a motorfor growth and employment. ICT applications have revolutionized allbusiness sectors and also penetrated private life. The fast-paced deve-lopment of ICT means that e-skills are gaining importance and must becontinuously kept up to date. In addition, the development of e-com-merce is resulting in a growing demand for creative persons with soundconceptual ICT expertise.Venue: Kurhaus, Hall in TirolInfos: www.ait.ac.at/safety_security

13 – 15 MAY: IE EXPO 2013

With over 24,000 visitors and 753 exhibitors in 2012, IE EXPO is the lea-ding trade fair for water management, wastewater treatment, recyclingand energy-efficient technologies in Asia. AIT will be represented by theEnergy and Health & Environment Departments. Venue: ShanghaiInfos: www.ie-expo.com

13 – 16 MAY: SMART GRIDS WEEK

The Smart Grids Week – Salzburg 2013 aims to make a significant con-tribution towards the process already successfully started in Austria tofurther strengthen the development of the electricity infrastructure andkeep up with international developments. Venue: SalzburgInfos: www.energiesystemederzukunft.at/results.html/id7097

14 MAY: IT-KOLLOQUIUM „MACHINE TO MACHINE COMMUNICATION“

Prominent lecturers from Austria and abroad will present new develop-ments in machine to machine communication to an audience of over150 experts. Online registration is available via the OVE event calendar. Venue: ÖIAV banquet hall, ViennaInfos: www.ait.ac.at/safety_security

14 – 16 MAY: SNEC PV POWER EXPO 2013

The SNEC PV Power Expo in Shanghai is an international photovoltaicexhibition and conference and is one of the largest events for the pho-tovoltaic sector in Asia. Numerous national and international compa-nies use SNEC as a platform to present their latest developments andsolutions in the field.Venue: ShanghaiInfos: www.snec.org.cn/default.aspx?lang=en

16 MAY: JUNIOR eDAY WEST

In analogy to the Senior eDay held on 7 May in Hall in Tirol, this event isdesigned to show the potential of ICT applications to young people.Venue: InnsbruckInfos: www.ait.ac.at/safety_security

16 MAY: AUSTRIAN M2M & MOBILE PAYMENT FORUM

The Internet of Things is considered one of the most exciting topics inIT and is set to become indispensable in many sectors. The event willprovide an outlook on the prospects of M2M and will also critically ad-dress current developments in the sector. One focus will be on mobilepayment as one of the most topical and exciting applications of M2M.The AIT Austrian Institute of Technology acts as a partner of the forum.Venue: Tech Gate Vienna, ViennaInfos: www.ait.ac.at/safety_security

22 – 24 MAY: CEDEM13

The international Conference for e-Democracy and Open Govern-ment 2013 addresses topics such as e-democracy, e-participation,open government, open access, e-policies and social media. Perso-nalities from industry, research, academia and public administrationare invited to participate and submit contributions (papers). Paperswill undergo a peer review process and will be published in the confe-rence proceedings.Venue: Danube University, KremsInfos: www.donau-uni.ac.at

23 – 24 MAY: EHEALTH 2013 – BIG DATA – EHEALTH FROM

DATA ANALYSIS TO KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT

eHealth2013, Austria’s leading scientific conference on digital medicinewill be held as part of the eHealth Summit Austria for the first time thisyear (www.ehealthsummit.at). The eHealth Summit Austria aims to de-velop a close network within the e-health community by involving all sta-keholders active in the healthcare sector, i.e. research, hospitals, politicsand industry. Venue: Schönbrunn Conference Centre, ViennaInfos: www.eHealth2013.at

27 MAY: POLITICS AND ADMINISTRATION IN AUSTRIA

The AIT Foresight & Policy Development Department is organizing a con-ference on politics and administration in Austria together with the AustrianSociety for Politics and Administration and the French Cultural Institute.Venue: French Cultural Institute, ViennaInfos: www.ait.ac.at/f_pd

13 JUNE: 3RD IT SECURITY DAY FOR SMART GRIDS

Smart Grids require critical ICT infrastructure, which must be appro-priately secured to safeguard the reliability of technical control and ad-ministration processes. TeleTrusT is organizing the 3rd IT Security Dayfor Smart Grids, where experts from different companies will presentcurrent developments concerning standards and norms, control tech-nology and electric mobility with a focus on IT security.Venue: Thomas-Dehler-Haus, BerlinInfos: www.teletrust.de/veranstaltungen/smart-grid/2013

19 – 21 JUNE: INTERSOLAR EUROPE 2013

Intersolar Munich is an international exhibition and congress for solartechnology. Some 2,200 exhibitors, including the world’s leading manu-facturers, suppliers, retailers and service providers, will showcase newproducts and services in the areas of photovoltaics, PV production tech-nology and solar thermal on an exhibition space of 165,000 m² and pre-sent the latest developments and technical innovations. The exhibitionwill be complemented by a comprehensive conference programme. Venue: MunichInfos: www.intersolar.de

19 – 21 JUNE: IST 2013 – 4TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON

SUSTAINABILITY TRANSITIONS

The Foresight & Policy Development Department is organizing a sessi-on on “Technological Innovation Systems 2.0 – next steps in conceptualdevelopments of the TIS framework” together with the Copernicus In-stitute of Sustainable Development and Innovation Utrecht. Venue: ZurichInfos: www.ist13.ch/index_EN

34 ➜ EVENTS

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AIT TOP JOURNAL PAPERS

➜ SCIENTIFIC PAPER 35

T. Weber, S. Wassertheurer, M. F. O'Rourke, A. Haiden, R. Zweiker, M.Rammer, B. Hametner, B. Eber: „PULSATILE HEMODYNAMICS IN PATIENTS WITH EXERTIONAL

DYSPNEA – POTENTIALLY OF VALUE IN THE DIAGNOSTIC EVALUA-

TION OF SUSPECTED HEART FAILURE WITH PRESERVED EJECTION

FRACTION“

J Am Coll Cardiol. 2013;():. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2013.02.013

The scientific paper pu-blished in the “JACC –Journal of the AmericanCollege of Cardiology”(one of the top internatio-nal cardiology journalswith an impact factor of14.1) for the first time des-cribes and validates anapproach to extend echo-cardiography by pulse wa-ve analysis, improving thediagnostic accuracy by upto 30 per cent as compa-red to the guidelines. Themethod was tested on

over 300 patients and verified through catheterization. The back-ground of this work: catheterization is the gold standard in the dia-gnosis of potential diastolic dysfunction (“stiff heart”). However, thismethod is laborious, expensive and burdensome for the patient. Thisapplies in particular to patients who in the end do not suffer from he-art failure. To avoid this, cardiac ultrasound (echocardiography) isused as a non-invasive method in initial diagnostic assessment in ac-cordance with international guidelines. One of the authors, SiegfriedWassertheurer, works as a Senior Scientist at the AIT Health & Envi-ronment Department. Link to the abstract:http://content.onlinejacc.org/article.aspx?articleid=1662646

J. Hoekman, T. Scherngell, K. Frenken, R. Tijssen:„ACQUISITION OF EUROPEAN RESEARCH FUNDS AND ITS EFFECT

ON INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC COLLABORATION“

Journal of Economic Geography, 2012, 12, 5, 1-30.

The paper analyses effects of European Framework Programmes(FPs) for Research and Development on transnational collaborationsin science. The FPs are the EU’s key instrument for stimulating trans-national research collaboration. The main aim of the paper was to in-vestigate whether the funding of transnational research projects inFPs has a statistically significant effect on subsequent scientific col-

laborations in the form of internationalco-publications. This question wasanalysed at the regional level in theEU-27 countries using methods ofspatial interaction modelling. The re-sults show that the greatest effect canbe observed for scientifically laggingregional pairs; this means that regio-nal pairs which did not intensively co-publish prior to participation experi-enced a statistically significant and su-stainable increase in international co-publications following FP funding. Thisindicates that the FPs are in line withEU cohesion policy and do not follow a“picking the winners” approach. Oneof the authors, Thomas Scherngell,

works as a Senior Scientist at the Foresight & Policy DevelopmentDepartment of the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology.

D. Bruckner, C. Picus, R. Velik, W. Herzner, G. Zucker::„HIERARCHICAL SEMANTIC PROCESSING ARCHITECTURE FOR

SMART SENSORS IN SURVEILLANCE NETWORKS“

IEEE Transactions on Industrial Informatics, 8 (2012), 2; S. 291 – 301.

The paper describes a researchdetail – a nine-layer system archi-tecture including hardware andsoftware – developed within the EUproject “SENSE”. It is part of a sy-stem designed for the monitoringof security-critical premises (e.g.airports) using stationary sensornodes. Each sensor used in theproject included a camera and amicrophone array. The aim was tocombine the data of all sensors inorder to obtain a more coherentview of unusual situations thanwould be possible with individualsensors. The individual sensorshave also been designed to recog-

nize their neighbours by correlating their perceptions without theneed for prior calibration. Wolfgang Herzner, who co-authoredthe paper and developed the system architecture, works as a Se-nior Engineer at the AIT Safety & Security Department.

The magazine Tomorrow Today is a media collaboration with the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology. Editorial responsibility rests with Austria Innovativ.

/// From now on, each Tomorrow Today issue will present papers recently published

by AIT scientists in high impact international journals. ///

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If your company is looking for cutting edge innovations, then AIT Austrian Institute of Technology is your partner of choice. Because in our institute the most acute minds in Europe are working today on tomorrow’s tools and technologies, laying the ground for the solutions the future demands.

Learn more about the future by visiting www.ait.ac.at

THE BEST WAY TOPREDICTTHEFUTUREIS TOSHAPE IT.

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