Excursion to the Semmering Base Tunnel and High-Tech Industry

As part of a two-day excursion, students of the master's degree programs Automotive Mechatronics and Management (AMM) and Innovation and Product Management (IPM) gained valuable insights into major infrastructure projects, aviation technology, high-tech production, and the future of mobility.

Day 1: Semmering Base Tunnel and Airborne Technologies
The first day of the excursion began with a visit to the large-scale construction site of the Semmering Base Tunnel, a key infrastructure project within Austria’s railway network. On site, the group was welcomed by experts who provided a comprehensive overview of the different project phases. During the guided tour through the tunnel, students experienced first-hand how modern tunnelling methods are implemented. Particular attention was given to the route selection, which posed significant challenges due to the demanding topographical and geological conditions. The visit highlighted the complex technical, geological, and organizational requirements of such a major infrastructure project.

Afterwards, the group visited Airborne Technologies at Wiener Neustadt Airport. Following an introduction to the company, students gained insight into its diverse range of projects. Despite its relatively small size, the company is involved in numerous international projects and serves both civilian and military clients. During a tour of the facilities, participants saw how aircrafts are customized with specialized equipment to meet specific operational requirements. The visit provided a fascinating perspective on innovation in aviation and interdisciplinary engineering.

Day 2: High-Tech Production and E-Mobility
 On the second day, the excursion focused on modern industrial production and future mobility concepts. The group visited Kapsch Components GmbH & Co KG, where students toured the manufacturing facilities and observed cutting-edge electronics assembly processes. The visit provided valuable insights into high-tech production environments and the development of smart mobility hardware.

The excursion concluded at the Wiener Elektrotage at Vienna’s Rathausplatz where students explored the latest innovations, concepts, and platforms in electric mobility. The event showcased current developments in sustainable transport and offered an outlook on future mobility solutions.

Overall, the two-day excursion offered a well-balanced combination of theory and practice. It enabled students to deepen their knowledge in real-world contexts while gaining insights into a wide range of industries, from large-scale infrastructure and aviation to high-tech manufacturing and sustainable mobility. The experience was both educational and inspiring, highlighting diverse career opportunities in these dynamic fields.

We thank our professors Christian Zehetner, Christian Ertl and all the companies that hosted us for making this experience possible and shared their incredible expertise!