
Erwin Rauch's Bio
Dr. Erwin Rauch is a Professor for Smart and Sustainable Manufacturing at Faculty of Engineering of the Free University of Bolzano in Italy. He is the Head of the Smart Mini Factory laboratory for Industry 4.0 in Bolzano and founder of the Sustainable Manufacturing Lab at NOI Techpark Bruneck. He received his B.Sc. in Logistics and Production Engineering from the Free University in Bolzano. He also holds a M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from the Technical University Munich (TUM) and a M.Sc. in Business Administration from the TUM Business School. He obtained his Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Stuttgart with summa cum laude. In parallel to his academic career he worked for 10 years as Associate Partner in management consultancy. He is also the author of over 250 scientific contributions and an expert/member of various associations and organisations (Associate Member EuroScience, Executive Group member of the International Association for Axiomatic Desgin, European Professors in Industrial Engineering and Management EPIEM Steering Board, International Association of Learning Factories).He is member of various editorial boards of renown journals and Editor-in-Chief of Production & Manufacturing Research (Taylor & Francis). Further he was Visting Professor at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in United States as well as Chiang Mai University in Asia. His research interest is in Smart Manufacturing and Digital Twins, Decarbonization and Circular Economy, Sustainable Manufacturing, Design of Complex Systems and Engineering Education.
Digital Twin Technologies for Smart and Sustainable Factories
Abstract: Digital Twin (DT) technologies have emerged as a transformative force in the journey towards smart and sustainable manufacturing. But what truly constitutes a "real" digital twin? This keynote presentation explores the essence of digital twin technologies and their critical role in enabling Smart and Sustainable Factories of the future by using data-driven and virtual technologies. By seamlessly integrating real-time data, virtual and mixed reality, simulation, and predictive analytics, digital twins serve as enablers for manufacturing systems that are both intelligent and environmentally sustainable. The presentation highlights several cutting-edge case studies and results of ongoing research projects demonstrating the versatility and impact of digital twin applications. This includes the use of Digital Twins for the design of Mobile Factories for Infrastructure where a digital twin is developed to support the construction of a Hyperloop test track in Switzerland showcasing the potential for flexible, mobile manufacturing solutions. A second use case is the use of digital twins for sustainable and data-driven manufacturing in the ceramics industry looking at one of the largest ceramic tile producers worldwide for reducing environmental impact in energy-intensive industries. A third example is taken from large machinery production where virtual tools are enabling the virtual commissioning and energy-efficient usage of precast manufacturing machinery. A last example is introduced regarding the use of digital twins for virtual and remote learning as a bridge for amdextrous innovation management between academia and industry. Through these examples, the keynote underscores how digital twin technologies not only drive operational efficiency and resilience in different sectors and applications but also serve as a cornerstone for achieving sustainability goals in manufacturing. The session invites researchers, practitioners, and instructors from engineering education to envision a future where digital twins play a central role in reshaping the manufacturing landscape.
Keywords: Digital Twin, Virtual Reality, Simulation, Smart Manufacturing, Sustainable Manufacturing

Telmo Morato's Bio
I am a Portuguese principal marine scientist at the Okeanos Research Unit of the University of the Azores. After completing a PhD degree in Resource Management and Environmental Studies at the University of British Columbia (Canada) and accepting a short-term position as Fisheries Scientist at the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (New Caledonia), I was awarded several research contracts with IMAR and the University of the Azores. Currently, I co-lead with Marina Carreiro-Silva the Azores Deep-sea Ecology research group aiming to advance the understanding of deep-sea ecosystems in a changing planet to inspire society and inform the sustainable management of the oceans.
Cost-effective deep-sea biodiversity assessments with the Azor drift-cam informed conservation and sustainable management of deep-sea ecosystems
In a landmark achievement for marine conservation, deep-sea scientific research in the Azores has been pivotal in the establishment of the largest network of offshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the North Atlantic. This historic decision by the Azorean Parliament in October 2024 underscores the significant impact of tailored scientific research on political decision-making. Supported by low-cost technologies and data-driven approaches, the expansion of the Azores Marine Park advances the UN 2030 conservation target of protecting 30% of marine areas in the Azores. The innovative Azor drift-cam has enabled large-scale collection of high-quality underwater imaging data across the Azores' deep seabed. After 350 days at sea, this cost-effective system has generated 1,200 underwater video transects and explored 600 kilometres of seafloor, yielding over 70,000 new biodiversity records. This extensive dataset has revealed unique coral gardens, expansive sponge fields, and diverse fish populations, forming the foundation for science-based recommendations on MPA placements. The Azores MPA expansion demonstrates that low-cost technologies enhance local capacity, foster equitable access to surveying tools, and generate critical data for improving global deep-sea conservation. While protecting 30% of the Azores' marine areas is commendable, we must evaluate whether this political decision is fit for purpose. The effectiveness of the new MPAs depends on the quality and relevance of designated areas for conservation objectives, the effectiveness of their management plans, and the capacity for adaptation as new scientific information emerges.
Keywords: Deep-sea, Low-cost technology, Marine conservation, governance