October 31, 2024. The School of Mechanical and Electronic Information hosted a distinguished academic lecture featuring Prof. Dr. Heiko Rudolf from Anhalt University of Applied Sciences (HSA). Held in Room 301 of Teaching Building 2, the seminar was attended by faculty members and students eager to hear Prof. Dr. Rudolf speak on the theme: “Joining Technology as a Driver for Development and Added Value in the Automotive Industry.”
Prof. Dr. Heiko Rudolf is a Professor of Manufacturing Engineering at HSA. He brings extensive practical experience to academia, having previously served as a Research Engineer and Project Leader at the Volkswagen Group headquarters in Wolfsburg. Throughout his career, he has presided over numerous research projects funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. He is also a published author of influential works, including "Methode zur frühzeitigen marken- und segmentübergreifenden Auswahl der Fügetechnik im Karosseriebau" (Methodology for Early Cross-Brand and Cross-Segment Selection of Joining Technology in Body Construction).
During the lecture, Prof. Dr. Rudolf elucidated the fundamental concepts of joining technology—the process of assembling two or more parts into a single entity. He emphasized its critical role in value maximization and product innovation within the manufacturing sector. He also pointed out that specific automotive components require distinct joining techniques and provided an in-depth analysis of these technologies within the context of modular vehicle construction, showcasing their innovative applications in modern car manufacturing.
The session concluded with a vibrant Q&A segment. Students engaged actively with Prof. Dr. Rudolf, raising questions about practical applications and future trends. The discussion covered a broad spectrum of topics, including:
The current status and characteristics of automotive joining technologies.
Future development scenarios for the industry.
The evolution and challenges of the German automotive manufacturing sector.
The current landscape of autonomous driving (smart driving) in Germany.
Prof. Dr. Rudolf provided detailed responses, sharing his perspectives on the industry's success factors and the technological roadmap ahead. The successful conclusion of this lecture not only broadened the academic horizons of the faculty and students but also served to strengthen the bridge for future academic exchange and cooperation between the school and its international partners.
