Competence Centre for Digital Development in Graz

Together with NOKIA and Citycom, the Degree Programme in Automation Technology at CAMPUS 02 is launching a competence centre for digital development in Graz. In the new laboratories in the “House of Automation”, applications on the subject of “IoT (Internet of Things)” and digitalisation will be further developed and researched.

“Through the cooperation with NOKIA and Citycom, we are entering into a strong partnership which enables us to achieve the common goal of demonstrating untapped potential and new areas of application with IoT technologies – for the direct application in a wide variety of areas in business and industry fields,” says Udo Traussnigg, Head of the Degree Programmes in Automation Technology CAMPUS 02.

“IoT” is becoming more and more prevalent and is already being used in a variety of applications, both nationally and internationally. In many sectors, this contributes to raising processes to a new level of quality and, thus, also to increasing efficiency. With the provision of a suitable infrastructure, as delivered by Citycom in Graz and Styria, an excellent basis is available for the use of “IoT” applications.

The cooperation between CAMPUS 02, NOKIA and Citycom bundles competences and networks in the economy and creates locational  and significant competitive advantages. “With the focus on the Internet of Things, we enable the city to integrate intelligent solutions into its business processes, especially in the areas of

• habitat and environment,
• healthcare and
• safety.

“For the entire economy and large institutions, this cooperation supports benefits in dealing with the competition,” Bernd Stockinger, Managing Director of Citycom, emphasises the importance for the business location.

Mayor of Graz ,Siegfried Nagl is also convinced of the new competence centre and considers the digital development of the city and region to be an essential goal. He explains: “A digital infrastructure is an essential part of the future development of our city. In many areas of life, digital applications can support the citizens of Graz. Also in terms of sustainability and resource conservation, we will be able to leverage important potentials in this way.”

“IoT solutions in Graz

But how exactly can “IoT” solutions possibly help citizens of Graz in the future? There are numerous areas of application, among others:

1. Smart waste bins

These are already in use in Graz. Here, the “IoT” solution works unnoticed in the background – especially in terms of resource conservation. The “smart” waste bins are equipped with sensors and thus automatically recognise when they are full and need to be emptied. They then send a signal to the waste disposal companies, which only empty the container or bin when it is necessary. In this way, costs, resources and also emissions can be saved due to the fewer trips and waste disposal companies can optimise their tours. This “IoT” technology is already being used in Graz in the underfloor containers.

2. Safely through the daily work routine

Occupational safety and related measures are essential in many business areas. In this context, “IoT” can be used in numerous ways. Wireless sensors, for example, can be attached directly to work clothing and identify noises or danger areas in good time. This raises awareness among workers and improves safety in the workplace.

3. Digital ventilation traffic lights for a healthy workplace

A topic that has gained importance especially in pandemic times are smart room sensors, so-called “ventilation traffic lights”. They contribute to a healthy workplace. Sensors connected to “IoT” collect CO2 values and, thus, generate automatic recommendations on when to ventilate a room. In this way, the indoor air quality in companies or educational institutions is continuously analysed and improved if necessary.

4. Conveyor robots

Conveyor robots are already being used in the automotive and logistics industries. Using sophisticated software combined with integrated sensors and cameras, they evaluate their environment. They detect potential collision hazards in real time. Consequently, occupational accidents are minimised and occupational safety is increased. The targeted selection of efficient routes also results in shorter transport routes, which significantly reduce costs and energy consumption.

5. New areas of application

“IoT” can be used in many more fields, for example in the healthcare sector. “The potential and future applications for the Internet of Things are enormous. With this strategic course setting and the establishment of a development cooperation in the form of a laboratory, we are creating the optimal conditions for a modern and future-oriented living and economic area,” emphasise Bernd Stockinger and Ulfried Hainzl, managing directors of Citycom.

The aim is to research and develop many more fields of application at CAMPUS 02 in order to further improve the quality of life in Graz and worldwide. “As a European leading provider of communication solutions, we are proud to work with forward-looking organisations in Graz that have recognised the importance of state-of-the-art, reliable and secure network infrastructures at an early stage. With CAMPUS 02, we look forward to developing further areas of application. Innovative technologies such as industry “IoT” and machine learning make it possible to use city services in an integrated and digital way, thus enhancing the quality of life. Our solutions help create greener, more innovative and thriving communities,” says Patrick Langelaan, Vice President for the Enterprise Market in Southern Europe at NOKIA.