The KARL MAYER GROUP, a leading player in the textile industry, has embarked on a groundbreaking partnership with the Institute for Product Development at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) to bolster its position as a technological trailblazer. This collaboration, a joint venture between the Business Unit Warp Knitting and IPEK, aims to revolutionize the industry through innovative solutions.
A kick-off meeting was held at the KARL MAYER GROUP’s headquarters in Obertshausen to mark the commencement of this exciting project. The initiative has attracted 42 talented students from IPEK, who have formed seven teams to tackle a standardized innovation task set by KARL MAYER. These teams will work tirelessly to develop exclusive solutions within a tight timeframe, with the objective of presenting one prototype per team by February 2024.
Warp knitting machines serve as the primary focus of KARL MAYER’s research and development efforts. The company recognizes the need to optimize these machines to meet the evolving demands of future customers. Knut Wantzen, the project’s internal client, expressed enthusiasm for gathering inspiration from external perspectives and learning about the latest product development methods, citing the importance of a perfect innovation process.
In this collaborative effort, the IPEK students, armed with KARL MAYER’s technical expertise and IPEK’s modern development methods, will explore fresh approaches to mastering their tasks. Over the course of several research phases, they will delve into market analysis, construct prototypes, estimate potentials, develop scenarios, and analyze industry trends. Milestone meetings with the KARL MAYER GROUP will guide their progress, ensuring their innovative ideas align with the company’s vision.
The project, which has been in existence for 25 years, has been a recurring initiative with new partners carefully selected each year. Previous participants have included renowned companies like BMW, Bosch, TRUMPF, and Hilti. KARL MAYER is excited to contribute to this prestigious program in 2023, anticipating positive effects on brand building and talent acquisition.
Furthermore, by actively engaging with high-achieving and talented students in this coveted practical project, KARL MAYER aims to present itself as an innovative employer and attract skilled workers to join their ranks.
Supporting the students throughout their journey will be IPEK scientists, offering guidance in terms of methodology and project management. Additionally, mentors from the KARL MAYER GROUP will be readily available to answer the students’ queries regarding the warp knitting machines.
The outcome of this collaboration promises to be transformative, with the students expected to present not only seven prototypes but also numerous other approaches that may have long-term implications for the company. The unveiling of the prototypes will take place at a concluding event in February 2024, featuring an exclusive in-house exhibition at IPEK in Karlsruhe.
Knut Wantzen, a mechanical engineer who was once a participant in a similar IPEK project, expresses his curiosity about witnessing the innovative approaches of today’s generation of students. The collaboration between KARL MAYER GROUP and IPEK signifies a significant step towards pushing the boundaries of technological advancement in the textile industry, paving the way for a promising future.
