On June 23, 2025, apprentices from MTU Aero Engines AG visited the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and gained fascinating insights into cutting-edge research across various engineering disciplines.
The visit began with an engaging introduction by Prof. Dr. Ir. Daniel Rixen, who offered a glimpse into university life. Following this, the prospective mechatronics technicians explored the topic of vibration measurement in robotics.
They also had the opportunity to visit the test benches for engine blades at the Institute of Turbomachinery and Flight Propulsion. They learned about the importance of the interaction between the air flow and the arrangement of the engine blades in relation to each other. Concepts were also presented on how a high-pressure compressor can be made more efficient and smaller. A tandem arrangement of the engine blades allows individual stages of the high-pressure compressor to be saved.
Later, a mechanical engineering student from the Chair of Applied Mechanics presented a project focused on detecting abdominal vibrations. Using laser technology, a person’s heartbeat can be analyzed to infer internal pressure conditions, a promising non-invasive method for identifying aortic aneurysms. The apprentices were also introduced to a wear-free magnetic bearing, which eliminates the need for lubrication and opens new possibilities, such as its use in artificial hearts.
The visit concluded with a highlight: meeting LOLA, the humanoid robot at the Chair of Applied Mechanics. Designed to mimic human gait, LOLA uses onboard cameras and inclination sensors to recognize uneven terrain and maintain balance. Standing 1.70 m tall and weighing 68 kg, LOLA’s human-like weight distribution makes it a valuable platform for studying bipedal locomotion.
This excursion offered the apprentices a unique opportunity to experience university-level research firsthand, and to gain a deeper understanding of the technologies shaping the future of engineering.