Retrospective Topic-Clusters 2011
The NoAE Innovations-Competition 2011 includes four search fields or four Topic-Cluster
1 | Powertrain & Eletricfictation | |
2 | Communication & Mobility | |
3 | Materials & Manufacturing | |
4 | Design & Interior |
Topic-Cluster 1 Powertrain & Electrification |
Description Topic-Cluster 1:
In addition to fulfilling the wishes of the customer, the central and long-term goals of the mobility industry are primarily mobility, reduced operating costs as well as reduced CO2 emissions.
Next to the increase in performance of classic concepts, alternative drive concepts such as hybrid, fuel cells or electric concepts are increasing in importance.
Therefore, topic cluster 1 is searching for innovations in particular which optimise the classic or alternative drive train, e.g. through increasing the efficiency of the motor/energy management or the intelligent recycling of energy.
Furthermore, of particular importance for competitive electric concepts, innovations are being searched for which include the 
development and optimisation of new storage concepts as well as corresponding charging and monitoring concepts.
Next to storage, of particular importance is the increase in reliability and durability of the electric drive, with its often new components and sensors, and is thus another main focus of topic cluster 1.
More information: 
Download TC1.1
Topic-Cluster 2 Communication & Mobility |
Description Topic-Cluster 2:
The need for individual mobility and the networking of the various means of transportation is increasing. Typical travel example: You take the suburban railway to the airport; you wait in an airport café; you drive a rental vehicle from the airport to the customer appointment and back. Regardless of the selected location and means of transportation, the traveller, even underway, would not like to do without his communications medium, data and communication possibilities, which he constantly uses in his private and professional life.
This means that the uninterrupted application of technologies such as Smartphones, tablet PCs or Smartpads is even more important for travellers, in order to fulfil the desire for continuous availability as well as for access and utilisation of social networks or required Internet services.
Specific, additional challenges are directed at the automobile industry: the individual and personal needs of the driver and passengers. Intelligent assistant systems simplify or support the driving tasks. For example, by combining vehicle and navigation data, they make driving safer, provide the passengers with individual information and therefore positively organise the time spent in the vehicle.
In line with this, the possibility of an instinctive or “smart” operation of all devices used while driving is a basic requirement, so as not to overwhelm the driver. However, the creation of intelligent operations via user interfaces can also make it easier to utilise new and diverse Internet-based services and applications. Furthermore, the various development and innovation cycles between the automobile and entertainment industries must also be considered.
Additional important innovation focal points are: For the rail and transport industry, the topic of online diagnosis with the goal of faster and safer error detection, and for the aerospace industry, the topic of infotainment utilisation during the flight.
Topic cluster 2 is searching for ideas and innovations in the ICT sector that help to realise the vision of a “connected world” through the reliable and safe combination of useful information and services with the means of transportation. Thus, not only hardware and software are required, but rather above all, mobile services are required with intelligent possibilities, which result in added value for the traveller.
More information: Download TC2.1
Topic-Cluster 3 Materials & Manufacturing |
Description Topic-Cluster 3:
New materials with improved characteristics (e.g. higher temperature resistance, harder or indestructible surfaces, less wear, new textures, smart materials, increased rigidity with reduced weight) and their application in automobiles, 
airplanes, and transport and rail vehicles contribute significantly to optimising existing solutions.
In line with this, topic cluster 3 is focussed not only on new materials as an innovation, but rather also on easily recyclable or renewable materials in order to take the entire energy balance into account on a sustainable basis.
Next to new materials, an important and long-term competitive factor in topic cluster 3 is the topic of production. Searched for are processes, technologies, methods, tools or strategies, which contribute to making production leaner and more efficient, yet more flexible. 
Changes in the product, due to new specifications such as lightweight or mixed construction, new materials, alternative powertrains and demographic changes in assembly, etc., must be integrated by the manufacturer during production through the use of innovative ideas.
Thus, new test methods for stable processes and products are just as sought after as are methods, which improve the quality or safety of the processes.
More information: Download TC3.1
Automotive Special Topic Cluster 3:
Reduction of brake dust on rims |
| Through the wearing of brake discs and in particular brake pads, brake dust is produced, which settles on the rims. Over the long term, this not only damages the rims but is above all also optically disturbing. |
Avoiding surface damages |
| During use, exterior and interior surfaces are exposed to stresses, which lead to damages such as scratches, stone-chipping or other damages. |
Lightweight construction-glazing |
| An increase in comfort features as well as new safety regulations are leading to a more rapid escalation in weight of the vehicle. In order to curb this weight spiral of vehicle mass, lightweight construction topics are playing an even greater role and in particular, glazing offers great potential for effectively reducing weight on the basis of the vehicle’s centre of gravity. |
More information: Download TC3.2
Topic-Cluster 4: Design & Interior |
Description Topic-Cluster 4:
Society is changing and the desire for individual and affordable, yet ecologically balanced mobility is increasing. 
Customer wishes in the utilisation of the vehicle, and airplane and railway vehicles with regards to comfort, functionality and customer benefit, are becoming even more specific, more complex and more individual. Differentiated and flexible solutions are required, so that the traveller can transport his things easily, comfortably and flexibly in the vehicle.
New functionalities in the interior, concepts of individualisation or easy handling should increase the benefits to the customer on a sustainable basis.
Furthermore, new vehicle types in particular as well as societal trends require new and specific design concepts. Current examples include electric vehicles and emerging megacities. In addition, combination of the various means of transportation can lead to new solutions, as can be currently observed with e-bikes: Integrated bicycle racks, integrated charging station for e-bike batteries, combinable bags, etc. 
In this way, completely new mobility concepts are created.
Topic-Cluster 4 is searching for innovations and ideas that address the described aspects for interior and design:
More information: Download TC4.1
Automotive Special Topic Cluster 4:
Use of space and luggage compartments |
| Nowadays, customers have higher expectations for flexible solutions regarding the use of space and luggage compartments in the vehicle, even in sports cars. Thereby customers would like to be able to store their things in the vehicle easily, comfortably and flexibly. |
More information: Download TC4.2
