New Mechanical Engineering Program Presented with an Excavator for Testing, Experiments and Research Purposes

Sporting the JKU logo, the excavator is not only a visual highlight in the mechanical engineering program, but also an integrated part of the program.

Wacker Neuson recently presented an excavator to the Johannes Kepler University in Linz. To mark the occasion, JKU Rector Meinhard Lukas remarked: "The laws of mechanics do not change. We are bound by them. But the way we integrate machines into our work processes, what they must and should be able to do, and how they interact with each other is something we can reinvent time and again."  Professor Rudolf Scheidl, head of the institute, added: "It is extremely important to us that from the start, our students know and understand what they are facing and what they are dealing with. It’s more productive to discuss issues and experiment on a real object than just talking about an excavator and look at images."

Martin Lehner, CEO of Wacker Neuson emphasized: "We look forward to working with students and graduates in the new Mechanical Engineering program. As we specialize in construction equipment and machinery, we are always researching many future concepts, including autonomous excavators, networked machines and e-mobility solutions. In this regard, it is important to provide an educational program that brings conventional base-knowledge mechanical engineering together with challenges we face in the future, real-world ideas, and creates a mutually beneficial network between students and the local business community early on. Wacker Neuson is known optimistically setting a new course for the future, even in difficult situations such the one we are facing now. We are pleased to support education at the Johannes Kepler University in Linz and the new program with our 2.6-ton excavator."

Managing director Robert Finzel noted that handing the EZ26 excavator over to Prof. Scheidl and his team marks the beginning of a new and important collaboration effort: "As a research, development and production company for compact construction machinery, the demand for skilled employees who have learned how to think outside the box is enormous. We would also like to experience a lively exchange with students who are enrolled in the new Mechanical Engineering program and support a hands-on, future-oriented curriculum. Each and every student should have the opportunity to learn more about our company in Hörsching and see how entire machines are developed, starting with an idea to series production. The EZ26 here at the university provides students with an actual object to practice and work on. We intend on providing our full support and we also look forward to new scientific input and synergy effects."