Invest BW strengthens research collaboration between SDS Systemtechnik GmbH and Ulm University of Applied Sciences
SDS Systemtechnik GmbH and Ulm University of Applied Sciences (THU) have been working closely together for several years in the field of AI-supported shearography tyre testing. The consortium is now receiving funding of over half a million euros from the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labour and Tourism, as part of the Invest BW funding programme run by the State of Baden-Württemberg, for the joint research project “SGRP-AI – Automated, explainable feature recognition in shearography tyre testing using AI’. The funding underscores the high level of innovation and industrial relevance of the joint research.
In times of skills shortages, rising quality requirements and growing pressure to automate, the intelligent analysis of non-destructive testing methods is becoming increasingly important. Shearography makes it possible to visualise structural defects such as separations, air pockets or material irregularities in tyres. Until now, the analysis of this complex image data has been carried out predominantly by hand and requires highly qualified specialist staff.
The joint research project between SDS Systemtechnik and the THU addresses precisely this challenge. Using modern deep learning methods, explainable artificial intelligence (Explainable AI, XAI), synthetic data generation and an AI lifecycle strategy based on the CRISP-ML(Q) model, the aim is to develop a scalable, traceable and industry-ready AI system. The aim is not only the automated analysis of shearography images, but also the long-term certifiability and secure integration of AI into industrial inspection processes.
“The fact that our project is now being funded by Invest BW confirms the high level of innovation and the significant industrial potential of our research work,” explains Dipl. Ing. Stefan Dengler, founder and managing director of SDS Systemtechnik GmbH. “Together with Ulm University of Applied Sciences, we are developing a pioneering technology that can bring about lasting change to automated tyre testing whilst also laying the foundations for traceable and certifiable AI systems in industrial quality assurance.”
The project is being supervised at the University of Applied Sciences Ulm (THU) under the leadership of Professor Dr.-Ing. Klaus Schlickenrieder. Professor Dr Michael Munz is responsible for the scientific direction of the project. Key project staff also include research assistant and PhD student Manuel Friebolin, who acts as a link between industrial application and scientific research.
The collaboration combines practical industrial experience with cutting-edge research in the fields of deep learning, explainable AI, industrial image processing and AI-based quality assurance. SDS Systemtechnik brings more than 25 years’ experience in shearography-based tyre testing and system integration to the project, whilst the THU contributes its expertise in AI-based image processing, automation, validation and production systems.
“The project impressively demonstrates how applied research and industry can jointly develop innovative technologies with international potential,” emphasises Professor Dr.-Ing. Christian Dettmann, Vice-Rector for Research and Transfer at the THU. “The funding from Invest BW sends a strong signal regarding the importance of explainable and trustworthy AI systems in mechanical engineering and industrial quality assurance.”
With the “SGRP-AI” project, SDS Systemtechnik GmbH and the THU are setting an important milestone in AI-supported non-destructive testing, whilst at the same time strengthening Baden-Württemberg as a centre of innovation.
