Durst Group and TUM Venture Labs are launching a multi-year collaboration in the field of robotics, AI and automation for industrial production. This makes Durst part of the innovation ecosystem centered around the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and the first Italian partner in the network of the TUM Venture Labs. Together with the start-up teams at the Venture Lab Robotics / AI, the partners will work on solutions to real-world industrial challenges.
Thomas Roetting / Durst Group Durst develops intelligent systems for industrial digital printing and production. Headquartered in Brixen, this family-owned company is a pioneer in the transformation toward connected, data-driven production environments through the use of digitalization, automation and system integration.
Each of the twelve TUM Venture Labs specializes in a key technology. In these fields, they offer start-up teams direct access to cutting-edge research, specialized technical infrastructure, tailored training programs, market expertise and a global network of industry contacts and investors. The Venture Lab Robotics / AI brings together expertise in robotics, artificial intelligence, embedded systems and industrial automation.
At the center of the collaboration are regular expert exchange, industry challenges with start-up teams developing solutions, and the joint development of entrepreneurship and innovation formats. Durst contributes real production-related challenges where automation, robotics, AI-based process control and physical workflows converge. The resulting solutions are intended not only for the printing industry, but also for adjacent and cross-industry applications.
„Production is becoming connected, learning and autonomous"
"Isolated machines are yesterday's model. Production is becoming connected, learning and autonomous. We are building the systems for this," says Christoph Gamper, CEO and Co-owner of Durst Group. "Munich is no coincidence for us. This is where talents turn research into products in short cycles. This is exactly the energy we are looking for." For Durst, this creates a new interface with young companies, researchers, students and industry partners. "Robotics and AI are changing production. That much is clear. The only open question is the speed. This requires new forms of collaboration: industry, research, start-ups and talents at one table."
"Robotics and AI unfold their potential where they meet real industrial challenges," says Dr. Philipp Gerbert, CEO of TUM Venture Labs. "The partnership with Durst combines technological excellence, entrepreneurship and concrete application. This creates a strong environment for new automation solutions around digital production."
