About the institute

At the DIGITAL Institute, our team of over 130 researchers is dedicated to developing sustainable and secure solutions for our society and economy. We leverage the latest information and communication technologies to create innovative high-tech solutions that address the challenges of our time. Our expertise spans a range of areas, including digital twins, the circular economy, and forest monitoring. We collaborate with our business partners and public sector users to develop new products, services, and business models. 

Our expertise lies in the areas of digital technologies, intelligent sensor systems and artificial intelligence. Our national and international USP is intelligent sensor systems in the fields of acoustics, imaging, video, radar, biosensor technology and the associated expertise in data acquisition and sensor fusion. Our experts are constantly working on expanding our expertise and transferring it to new technologies such as quantum computing at an early stage. 

The institute is structured into research groups, where our collective expertise is concentrated, tailored to the specific requirements of each project, and often shared across groups.

• Remote Sensing and Geoinformation: The group's researchers are engaged in the analysis of earth observation data at a range of scales, including data recorded by vehicles, drones, aircraft and in space.
• Intelligent Vision Applications: Our team of experts specialises in the research and development of image interpretation and image processing techniques, with a particular focus on non-contact measurement and quality assurance, as well as the utilisation of computer stereovision.
• Intelligente Akustische Lösungen: Die akustische Wahrnehmung und das Erkennen von Ereignissen aufgrund von Schallsignalen stehen bei dieser Gruppe im Zentrum.
• Telecommunications, Navigation and Signal Processing: The team conducts research in the field of satellite communications technology and specialises in signal transmission at extremely high radio frequencies and satellite navigation.
• Connected Computing: Researchers have expertise in database-driven software systems and develop professional software solutions for preserving cultural heritage and supporting people in their ageing and working lives.
• Cyber Security and Defence: The group uses modern software engineering methods to develop military decision support systems and explores concepts for increasing cyber security in networked systems.
• Digital Twin Lab: Our team at the Carinthia site focuses on the creation of spatial digital twins used to monitor infrastructure and simulate autonomous driving functions.

What infrastructure is available at the DIGITAL Institute?

Our work requires the best and most advanced infrastructure. With the Digital Twin Lab, Hyperspectral 3D Imaging Lab, Acoustics Lab, Human Factors Lab, Communications Engineering Lab, IoT Innovation Space, Cyber Test and Training Centre and an antenna platform with reception systems for innovative satellite solutions, we have what it takes to deliver projects at an international level. 

How is the data collected and analysed?

We collect data not only in the laboratory or in production facilities, but also outdoors, in aircraft and even in space. Our teams are skilled in analysing this data using signal processing, machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques. These skills enable the safe integration of sensing, data processing and information delivery into usable solutions, with a focus on implementation expertise, even in harsh industrial environments. 

What sectors does the DIGITAL Institute work in?

We currently focus on the business areas of industry, mobility, security and defence, environment and climate, space, care and health, and culture and creative industries. Our experts work in strong international networks with business and research partners.