The Aachen Colloquium Moves in a New Direction

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he Aachen Colloquium Moves in a New Direction The change in the name of the Aachen Colloquium from “Automotive and Engine Technology” to “Sustainable Mobility” for the 29th staging of the event makes a clear political statement. In another change, the conference took place in virtual form for the first time because of the coronavirus pandemic. A total of 780 participants and 37 exhibitors attended the online event on October 6 and 7, 2020, which had a program of around 100 technical presentations.

The saying “The world is what you make of it” has acquired a whole new meaning in this time of crisis. The coronavirus led to the Aachen Colloquium being organized in a very different way and, for the first time, it was a completely ­digital event. The fact that despite this or perhaps because of this the organizers were willing and able to make the best of the situation became clear during the welcome meeting on the evening before the colloquium started. The conference organizers, Prof. Lutz Eckstein from the Institute for Automotive Engineering (ika) and Prof. Stefan Pischinger from the Chair of Internal Combustion Engines (vka) at RWTH Aachen University, gave a relaxed and light-hearted introduction to the activities of the following two days. EFFICIENT DESIGN FOR THE MOBILIT Y SOLUTIONS OF TOMORROW

As expected, they began by explaining the new title of the colloquium, which

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now goes under the banner of “Sustainable Mobility.” Our mobility systems are facing many changes. Automated driving is opening up a new dimension, but it requires a quite different technical and legal framework. New fuels and

powertrains will make climate neutrality possible and will also need a corresponding infrastructure. The growing demand for individual mobility and the increasing awareness of environmental issues are calling for approaches such as

© Frank Jung | Springer Fachmedien

UNUSUAL CIRCUMSTANCES

Springer Vieweg’s virtual stand at the Aachen Colloquium enabled a great deal of interaction

© Frank Jung | Springer Fachmedien

car sharing and air taxis, together with new vehicle concepts that will have to accompany them. One of the main challenges we currently need to overcome involves designing efficient, safe and

“Climate change is real, regardless of what some old men in Washington claim.”

Michael Leiters, Ferrari:

“A characteristic sound and breathtaking acceleration are key features of sports cars!”

Stefan Pischinger, RWTH Aachen University:

“None of us expected to be in this situation, but we will make the best of it.”

PHOTOS: ika | Ferrari | vka

DIGITAL CONFERENCE

The next day, the digital conference began smoothly and without any technical glitches. The 780 participants had the opportunity to attend around 100 online technical presentations and plenary speeches on highly relevant subjects and to take part in discussions. The subjects included measures for achieving the 2050 CO2 targets, electrification, zero-impact emission concepts and hydrogen applications, together with

The virtual foyer provided visitors w