RUBBLE MASTER and the Institute for Integrated Quality Design (IQD) worked together on a research project and presented the results at RM headquarters at the beginning of July. As part of the Johannes Kepler University Linz, the IQD as an interdisciplinary research and teaching institute that focuses on the interface between quality, innovation and recycling management. RUBBLE MASTER also attaches great importance to innovation, so a collaboration with the institute under the direction of Prof. Dr. Erik Hansen was a win-win situation for both sides. As part of their course on the circular economy taught by Ms. Dr. Wiener, MBA, the students were able to implement their research directly at RUBBLE MASTER.
The IQD offers impressively high standards. Students from a wide range of faculties can attend courses here. The interdisciplinary nature of the institute increases the value of the research results, because looking at a problem from different viewpoints brings fresh inspiration to the result that can be achieved. Around 30 international students were able to do research at RUBBLE MASTER as part of this cooperation. The groups were made up of both technology and management students. The teams of mixed experts were able to demonstrate their knowledge and outline future perspectives in three challenges on two topics each. The challenges covered the topics “Smart Products”, “Product Service Systems” and “Circular Products”.
Smart products and digitalisation already play an important role at RUBBLE MASTER today. With the RM GO! SMART principle, RM leads the industry with decisive innovation. RM GO! SMART provides the foundation to avoiding unscheduled downtime and troubleshoot the problem yourself using the error code routines provided. Students at IQD developed the application areas of Smart Products for the next level and analysed the issue of how added value can be achieved by digital products in the service sector. The students showed great interest and by using interviews with experts and a great deal of motivation, they were able to outline further digital products, especially in the field of remote and predictive maintenance as well as education & training.
Service was also the focus of the second challenge on the subject of “Product Service Systems”. The future will not only see technically advanced machines, but also comprehensive service packages that will be needed to keep them optimised. The students developed comprehensive concepts concerning RM Academy, Rental Systems as well as Trouble Simulators up to an RM Driving Licence.
The research groups investigating the subject of “Circular Products” looked at exciting issues of the future, about which topics will become interesting in the recycling industry next. Key to these issues are the requirements that will be enforced concerning the circular economy over the next few years and decades and which materials will need to be recycled in the near future.
RUBBLE MASTER very much appreciates being able to work together with research institutions such as the Institute for Integrated Quality Design. RM Founder and Director Gerald Hanisch is also convinced of this. “We were very pleased with the extensive and varied presentations. The interdisciplinary aspect brings together different perspectives of the same problem so that comprehensive, innovative concepts can be created.” Working together with students and research institutes is always welcome because it brings a breath of fresh air into the company. “Cooperation with research institutes can take various forms and brings a great deal of potential,” says Hanisch. “RUBBLE MASTER is open to innovative research in all areas – whether as part of a research project, as a final thesis at technical college or as part of a bachelor’s or master’s thesis – and is looking forward to further interdisciplinary development,” says Managing Director.