The LPL pushes the boundaries of what is technically possible. We develop solutions for the products and systems of the next decade, along with the methods and tools needed to create them. We operate where established approaches reach their limits, ranging from immediately applicable solutions to visionary concepts.
Our starting point is the systematic simplification of complex systems. Simplified physical models provide understanding, reduce complexity to its essentials, and open up new design spaces for innovative solutions. The approaches we develop enable both fundamentally new concepts and the targeted advancement of existing products in mechanical engineering, aerospace, automotive, robotics, medical technology, and other disciplines. We support the entire innovation process, from the initial idea to the validated component.
Our methods and tools include:
- Structural mechanics and mechatronics models, ranging from simplified physical models to detailed numerical simulations.
- Optimization methods for the systematic improvement of technical systems, structures, and product families in terms of cost, weight, emissions, performance, and complexity, ranging from topology and multidisciplinary optimization to digital twins and systems engineering approaches.
- Data-driven models combined with statistics and artificial intelligence.
- Methods for functional development and concept generation.
- Product development methods for describing and designing processes and system architectures, as well as systematically supporting concept development and decision-making.
- Cost management methods.
The LPL operates at the intersection of fundamental research and industrial application. We aim to be a first point of contact for industry partners facing challenging development and design problems that do not fit neatly into established categories. Long-term partnerships and strong connections with academia and industry make the LPL a hub for innovative methods and solutions.
We view research and teaching as a continuous cycle: We integrate our research findings into teaching, while new questions and challenges emerging from teaching feed back into our research.
At the same time, we foster a working environment characterized by mutual respect, clear processes, motivation, and open knowledge exchange.
The LPL's courses include: Methods of Product Development, Multidisciplinary Design Optimization, Structural Mechanics Modelling, Cost Management, Mechatronics Innovation Project, Think.Make.Start., Topology Optimization Lab Course, Lightweight Design Lab Course, and Fiber-Reinforced Composites Lab Course.
Research Projects
OptProLaS
Component Optimization Under Consideration of the Process Influences During Selective Laser Melting
Kreative
Design methodology for hybrid Additive Manufacturing
Solid
Smart Soil Compaction Devices
FORAnGen
Bavarian Research Association for the Design of Sustainable Products Using Generative Design.
TopOpt with Assembly Constraints for Bolted Components
Optimizing Screw Accessibility and Assembly Requirements
Yes We Can
Low-cost Lightweight Circular Robot
PLUTO
Processor Localization and Utilization for Thermal Optimization
Solution Spaces
Towards the theoretical limit of optimal requirement decomposition using solution spaces for complex systems design
PROVING
Design Optimization and Validation for Metal Additive Manufacturing
TUM Bike
Demonstrator for Methods and Teaching @ LPL
BUENA
Cross-sector industrialization of additive production
LCL Robots
Low Cost Lightweight Robots on Demand
SSO-DT
Solution Space Optimization with Disturbance Tolerances
STEAM
Solutions for Transport Networks with Electric Advanced Mobility