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The History of the Department
2000
The new Chair of Automotive Technology is created
from parts of the Chair of Internal Combustion
Engines and Motor Vehicles established in 1936 and
the Chair of Agricultural Machinery and is led by
Bernd Heißing. Thus, the automotive sector which
shapes the department is given a dedicated profes-
sorship.
2000/01
The department begins to implement the
so-called ‘Bologna reform’ process. One Bachelor’s
and one Master’s degree course each in mechanical
engineering are set up alongside the traditional
degree courses.
2001
The collaborative research centre no. 582 ‘Market-
oriented Production of Customised Products’ is set
up, headed by Udo Lindemann.
The Chair of Hydraulic Machines at TUM is granted
the sum of 400,000 DM for research on, and the
development of ‘fish-friendly’ turbines.
2006
The TUM is awarded the status of ‘Excellent Univer-
sity’ within the framework of the ‘excellence cluster’
CoTeSys (Cognition for Technical Systems), scien-
tists at the Department of Mechanical Engineering
conduct research on the basics of perception-cou-
pled motion control and its implementation through
information processing mechanisms.
Digitisation in Mechanical Engineering – a new Paradigm?
Moore’s law states that the computing power of processors
doubles every one to two years. During the first decade of
the new millennium the affordable computing power attains
speeds which enable a redesign, even the re-thinking, not only
of communication and media but also of technology and, in
particular, mechanical engineering. Computers are no longer
just tools in mechanical engineering but are becoming the
core of previously unthinkable new applications.
2008
The collaborative research centre no. 768 ‘Managing
Cycles in Innovation Processes – Integrated
Development of Product Service Systems Based on
Technical Products’ is set up, headed by Udo Linde
mann. Birgit Vogel-Heuser is appointed head of this
centre in 2013, leading it into its third funding period.
The collaborative research centre TRR 40 ‘Techno-
logical Foundations for the Design of Components
of Future Aerospace Transportation Systems Subject
to High Thermal and Mechanical Stress’ is set up,
headed by Nikolaus Adams. The main research
focus of this collaborative research centre is on new
technologies for chemical main stage rocket engines
for future generations of civilian launchers.
Turboshaft engine testbed
Students in the department’s computing room, 2008
Testing hall at the Institute for Machine Tools and Industrial Management