innovation
Over the past five years, autonomous vehicle competitions have become real experimental labs for smart mobility. Prestigious events such as the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League and Formula Student Driverless have brought Formula 1-style cars to race without a human driver, pushing real-time planning, control, and perception capabilities to the limit. However, these challenges have also highlighted unresolved obstacles that arise when a vehicle must operate at high speeds and handle near-limit driving conditions.
Traditionally, ceramic materials are produced at extremely high temperatures, requiring significant energy consumption. Cold sintering completely changes the process, allowing materials to be processed at temperatures below 250°C. This means lower energy consumption (up to 80% less) and the ability to integrate thermally sensitive fillers, which would otherwise not withstand the high temperatures of traditional production.
Gravitational waves, predicted by Einstein in his general theory of relativity, are disturbances in spacetime generated by cataclysmic cosmic events such as the merger of black holes and neutron stars. Until a few years ago, these phenomena were unreachable by science. However, with the advent of terrestrial observatories like LIGO and VIRGO, we began to perceive these cosmic "ripples." Now, LISA promises to extend this observational capability beyond the limits of ground-based instruments.
Training
The evolution of tool materials is revolutionizing the manufacturing industry, with increasingly high-performance and sustainable solutions. From material selection to new production technologies, let's explore the trends shaping the sector.
The visit to Feralpi Group provided students with a firsthand look at the excellence of Italian steelmaking. Featuring advanced technologies, sustainable solutions, and career opportunities, the sector remains an economic and social pillar, blending tradition and innovation.
Students from the Industrial Engineering program at the University of Trento visited the Röchling Automotive plant in Laives, exploring injection molding technologies and innovative production processes. This formative experience connected theory and practice in the automotive sector.
COMPANIES
Unlike traditional subtractive machining methods, AM allows the production of highly complex geometries that are often unachievable with other processes. A notable example is the possibility of producing a large gold ring with a hollow interior, reducing its weight without compromising aesthetics. Furthermore, the additive approach minimizes material waste, as the generation of scrap is drastically reduced compared to subtractive processes.
The production of aluminum billets is predominantly driven by the aerospace, automotive, and transportation sectors, all of which demand high-performance materials. In this landscape, aluminum extrusion remains one of the most essential processes employed. A market that continuously demands better performance pushes manufacturers to innovate relentlessly in pursuit of improved production efficiency.
Students from the University of Trento visited Aquafil Spa, discovering the production processes of synthetic fibers and the company's commitment to sustainability. This formative experience connected theory and practice, demonstrating how innovation and environmental respect can coexist.
stories
"I was six years old when I first saw Short Circuit, the film by John Badham. It told the story of a little robot that, after a malfunction, came to life and started exploring the world. Since then, I’ve always thought I’d love to work in robotics.”
Lorenzo Menaldo’s professional journey spans innovation, engineering, and leadership. From university to international management roles, then into consulting and academic mentorship.
"I felt like something was missing, and that something was a period of study abroad. The opportunity came and paved the way for me to work as a researcher at one of the most prestigious American universities today.” These are the words of Elisa Torresani, an assistant professor at San Diego State University, who moved there seven years ago after completing her engineering studies at the University of Trento, from her bachelor's degree to her PhD.
