Smart sensors for secure connections

The event "From part to smart component: Ideas, Applications & New Business Models" on May 20, 2026 brought together representatives from science and industry at the XR-Lab of the South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences in Iserlohn. The format was organized by the Gesellschaft zur Wirtschafts- und Strukturförderung im Märkischen Kreis mbH (GWS).

As part of the keynote speeches, Dr. Daniel Sahm from the Chair of Steel Construction and Steel Composite Construction at the University of Siegen presented current research work on the intelligent condition monitoring of bolted joints. Under the title "Application of piezoelectric sensor technology for monitoring bolted joints", innovative approaches were presented with which preload losses and structural changes can be continuously recorded.

The event focused in particular on the question of how classic components can be further developed into smart functional carriers through sensor integration. In addition to scientific presentations, the focus was on practical discussions on new product ideas, industrial applications and data-based business models.

Exchange between science and industry

In the subsequent World Café, the participants discussed future potential applications for intelligent sensor technology in industrial products and technical structures. Topics included specific fields of application in companies, the potential of smart components and new approaches to the use and exploitation of sensor data.

The event provided a valuable platform for interdisciplinary exchange between research, industry and development partners and underlined the growing importance of intelligent sensor systems for the digitalization of technical infrastructures and products.