#Research & Development

2019-08-15

Visit of Korean business delegation in KICOX program at ITA

Korean company representatives at the ITA Copyright: NRW Invest

On 24 June 2019 the ITA hosted a delegation of Korean company representatives as part of a visit to the federal state of NRW organized by NRW Invest. First, the business location NRW in the middle of Europe was presented. The RWTH has a special significance here as a university of excellence as a research and development forge of the federal state. The close cooperation with companies from all over the world distinguishes the university in particular.

The aim of the visit was to present the ITA as one of the leading institutes of the RWTH to the Korean company representatives and to initiate cooperation’s. The ITA can look back on a successful history of research and development projects with Korean companies and research institutions. The expansion of this relationship is very fruitful for both sides. In particular, the topics of lightweight construction, recycling, Smart Textiles and medical technology met with great interest among visitors from Korea.

"Complex sensor technology for monitoring vital functions is developed in my company, but your technology for integration into textiles would offer my customers a comfort advantage.",one visitor noticed during the tour through the ITA lab and machine park. In this sense, the exchange between the ITA and Korea will be intensified in the future and the joint work with NRW Invest will be continued.

ITA postdoc Dr Leonie Beek is revolutionising oil filtration with a bionic textile

On various biological surfaces, oil is adsorbed from water surfaces and transported along the leaf. In her dissertation, ITA Postdoc Dr Leonie Beek transferred this effect to a technical textile using her Bionic Oil Absorber (BOA), which can remove up to 4 litres of diesel per hour from water at technological readiness level 4. For this development, Dr Beek was awarded the Paul Schlack Prize 2025 for her dissertation ‘Bionic textiles for oil-water separation modelled on superhydrophobic biological surfaces’ on 10 September 2025. The award ceremony took place during the opening event of the Dornbirn GFC Global Fiber Congress in Austria.

Cooperation between Germany and India (Tamil Nadu) in the field of AI-supported manufacturing, robotics and smart textiles

The Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) and the Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University are planning to cooperate in the future in the field of AI-supported manufacturing, robotics and smart textiles. At the same time, the aim is to promote talent exchange and a sustainable Indian-German partnership.

DigiCafé – Espresso meets Industry 4.0

Drink coffee and learn about Industry 4.0 in a fun way – that's what ITA PhD student Rosario Othen has made possible with his digital espresso machine. Rosario equipped the Quickmill espresso machine with a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller, programmable pump, integrated scale and current measurement.

Roshan Paul appointed as Full Professor by invitation at UBI, Portugal

Roshan Paul, Ph.D. (Tech.) was recently honoured with the position of Full Professor (by invitation) Professor Catedrático Convidado by the Rector, Prof. Mário Lino Barata Raposo of University of Beira Interior (UBI), Portugal https://www.ubi.pt/en. This highest position was offered to him in recognition of his outstanding scientific contributions, particularly for pioneering sustainable innovations in textile processing technology.

Closing the Loop in the Textile Industry: Value Creation in the State of Brandenburg

How can the state of Brandenburg benefit from a circular textile industry? This question is addressed in the new policy paper "Closing the loop in the textile industry: Value creation in the state of Brandenburg." Based on the „TexPHB“ feasibility study funded by the Brandenburg Ministry of Climate Protection, it shows how textile waste can be integrated into new value chains.

Better, faster, bio-based: Functional new Plastic alternatives

How can new bio-based and biohybrid materials with improved features be developed faster? Six Fraunhofer institutes are jointly exploring this question in the SUBI²MA flagship project, using an innovative bio-based polyamide developed by Fraunhofer researchers as a model. Its specific properties make it a promising alternative to fossil-based plastics.

A smarter way to verified Chemical Compliance

Hohenstein and GoBlu Drive Innovation in Sustainable Supply Chain Management As regulatory demands, customer expectations, and sustainability goals continue to grow, the ability to manage chemical compliance and data across complex supply chains has become critical. Hohenstein and The BHive® by GoBlu are initiating a strategic partnership to enhance chemical management in the textile sector. The collaboration delivers more than just a service – it provides an integrated, future-ready solution for brands, manufacturers and suppliers seeking trusted chemical management and credible sustainability.

Rieter reports stable order backlog and strategic progress – outlook for 2025 adjusted

In its Investor Update 2025, Rieter announced an order intake of CHF 203.9 million in the third quarter and CHF 559.3 million after nine months, reflecting a continued cautious investment climate in the textile machinery sector. Sales totaled CHF 121.5 million in the third quarter and CHF 457.7 million for the first nine months of the year, while the order backlog stood at around CHF 590 million as of September 30, 2025.