With its wind-soaring wings, the great Roc set out on a journey of ten thousand miles in search of new knowledge. Similarly, on July 22, 2024, to further explore the path of cultivating “chief engineer-type talents” and to deeply implement the NPU’s “127” goals, 15 students from NPU, accompanied by their instructors, embarked on a 14-day study tour at the Technische Universität München in Germany.
Introduction to the Technische Universität München
The Technische Universität München (TUM) is located in Munich, the largest city in southern Germany. It was originally founded in 1868 by the Bavarian King as the “Koeniglich Bayerische Technische Hochschule München”. TUM emerged as one of Europe’s leading research universities and a premier institution in the fields of science and engineering. As a member of TU9, TUM ranked as the top university in Germany and Europe, achieving 28th place globally in the QS World University Rankings 2024. To date, TUM has produced 18 Nobel laureates, 23 Leibniz Prize winners, and 29 IEEE Fellows.
Pre-Departure Training
To enhance students’ awareness of safety and ensure their personal and financial security during overseas travel, the International Cooperation Office and QMES conducted comprehensive safety training sessions on June 21, June 27, July 3, and July 17. During these sessions, students received detailed information about the overall project arrangements, clear instructions on travel requirements, and thorough explanations of how to handle potential emergencies. The QMES lead teacher guided travel preparations, travel discipline, safety precautions, group organization during the activities, communication, and publicity. This ensured that each student was well-prepared for a fulfilling and secure overseas study experience.
Project Details
Expanding Horizons at Leading Institutions and Building Collaborative Bridges
On July 23, a welcome ceremony hosted by the TUM International Office (TUM Int) took place at the TUM Garching campus. The event was chaired by Kathrin Albrecht, Senior Project Manager of the TUM Int. Stella Neuhofen, Project Director of TUM Int, alongside Fan Xiaoli, Dean of QMES, Song Jiayin, Student Affairs Office teacher, and all visiting students, attended the ceremony. Stella Neuhofen, Project Director, provided a detailed introduction to TUM and TUM Int. Subsequently, Fan Xiaoli presented a beautiful souvenir to TUM Int and delivered a speech. She expressed gratitude for the meticulous arrangements made by the TUM Int team and warmly welcomed all participating students. She noted that TUM’s integration of academic research with practical studies was highly commendable and hoped that the students would gain valuable insights and growth from the project. She also looked forward to further strengthening and expanding cooperation between the two institutions in terms of faculty and student exchanges and talent development.
On July 24, Fan Xiaoli and her delegation met with Friederike Hettinger, General Manager of TUM Int, and Jana Legtenborg, Director of Business Development. The two parties discussed their respective research, teaching, and development philosophies and signed a cooperation agreement for summer and winter exchange programmes.
Subsequently, Fan Xiaoli met with Professor Klaus-Jürgen Meier, an expert in “Industry 4.0” theory and former advisor to the German Minister of Economics. He actively participated in his lecture that day. After the session, Fan Xiaoli and Professor Meier engaged in a detailed discussion on the transformative impacts of advanced production management technologies under Industry 5.0 and Industry 4.0. They also observed a simulation competition on “Industry 4.0 vs. Traditional Supply Chain Management”, where students showcased a simulated automotive production line. The competition was intense and highlighted significant improvements in industrial engineering management efficiency and quality, sparking deeper reflections among the students on the implications of Industry 5.0.
Spanning the Boundaries between Schools and Enterprises to Build a Knowledge Hub
The study tour group visited a range of institutions including the TUM Library and laboratories, the Munich Planetarium, the Neutron Source Research Centre, the Hyperloop, DeepDrive, and BMW Welt and BMW Museum.
The visits covered a variety of multidisciplinary fields such as aerospace, smart manufacturing, new material research, chemical engineering, and business management. At BMW Welt and BMW Museum, students gained insights into the evolution of the automotive industry, the latest technologies, and design philosophies. Some students engaged in vigorous discussions about engine design based on their studies. The tour of the Neutron Source Research Centre offered students the opportunity to explore nuclear physics and materials science research, providing an understanding of the workings and applications of advanced nuclear reactor facilities. The Hyperloop showcased the latest advancements and technological challenges in high-speed transportation, inspiring students to think about sustainable transport solutions. At DeepDrive, students had hands-on experience with automotive mechanical manufacturing, learning about development processes and data handling methods. These experiences not only enhanced students’ professional knowledge and skills but also provided inspiration for their future careers and established valuable industry connections.
Studying Core Courses to Build a Dream Legacy
In response to Germany’s Industry 5.0 initiative, TUM has customised courses focusing on industrial development, smart manufacturing, and robotics. During the first week of the programme, led by project heads Kathrin Albrecht and Jana Legtenborg, students engaged in brainstorming sessions on the theme of “Co-Creation”. This was followed by a deep dive into the differences between Industry 5.0 and Industry 4.0, guided by Professor Klaus-Jürgen Meier, an expert in “Industry 4.0” theory. Students experienced the transformative impact of advanced production management technologies. In the second week, Professor Cristina Piazza introduced students to the field of robotics, covering the design of rehabilitation robots and the manufacturing of assistive devices. Students learned about TUM's significant achievements in using robots for health care and post-operative rehabilitation. Additionally, under the guidance of M.Sc. Thomas Mair, students explored the real-world applications of AI technology and its profound impact on the Industrial Revolution. The core courses are rigorously aligned with future technologies and industry upgrades, focusing on interdisciplinary and industry-academia integration to enhance students’ comprehensive research skills, critical thinking abilities, and global perspective.
Exploring Local Culture to Build a German-Chinese Connection
To deepen students’ understanding of German and Munich city culture, the visiting group toured iconic sites such as Marienplatz, the Münchner Residenz, and the Deutsches Museum. They immersed themselves in the charm of German culture through historic streets and picturesque buildings. At the Deutsches Museum, students experienced the history, technology, and innovation of German manufacturing, gaining insights into its contributions to culture, technology, and the integration of industry and academia. The visit concluded at Marienplatz, the heart of Munich, where students enjoyed the blend of bustling modernity and historic charm that characterises European urban life.
Project Summary
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”. The TUM study programme has provided students with a window into international dialogue and exploration of cutting-edge technology. Over a 14-day exchange visit, students have deepened their understanding of Industry 5.0 and future technologies, gained insights into leading research in these areas, enhanced their cross-cultural communication skills, and improved their overall competencies. This initiative has positively contributed to the QMES’s goal of cultivating internationally-minded, innovative professionals.
(Text: Wang Anyue, Tian Jiaqi, Chen Zhengyi, Song Jiayin; Photo: TUM, Song Jiayin, Tian Jiaqi; Edit: Han Huichun; Translate: Shen Xinyi; Review: Fan Xiaoli, Cheng Yin)
