Manufacturing Technology

Manufacturing technology is the development of new methods and solutions that enable products to be manufactured more efficiently, flexibly and sustainably. In a world where resources are under pressure and global trade is undergoing major changes, there is a growing interest in ensuring robust production.

The research focuses on automation, digitalisation and the use of new materials. This includes, among other things:

  • Digitalisation of industrial processes
  • Automation and robotics
  • Circular economy and life cycle assessment (LCA)
  • Logistics, supply chain and operations management
  • Design and optimisation of production systems

Research is conducted in close collaboration with small and medium-sized enterprises, industry partners and public actors. This collaboration ensures that future production systems are adapted to new requirements for climate, security of supply and technological innovation.

FAQ

See the answers to the most common questions about manufacturing technology.

Manufacturing engineering is a broad subject area. Its main elements are the development and application of technologies and methods to design, control and optimise production processes in manufacturing companies.

It covers physical production systems, digital tools, automation, use of new materials and efforts to ensure sustainability.

Companies are increasingly adopting technologies such as automation, robotics, artificial intelligence, 3D printing and advanced data analytics to complement more traditional manufacturing processes. These technologies make it possible to make production more efficient and sustainable.

Manufacturing technology plays a key role in companies' green transition.

By optimising energy consumption, minimising waste, using new and more sustainable materials and making production more circular, technology contributes to reducing carbon footprints and better use of resources.

The research ranges from basic research into, for example, new materials to applied research in close collaboration with companies. The research includes both theoretical modelling and conducting experiments and tests.

Much of the research aims to digitise or automate production, and increased sustainability and efficiency are often in focus.

DTU has highly specialised laboratories, research equipment, databases, test environments, test halls and workshops used in research. These include robotics laboratories, a wind tunnel, a test facility for materials and structures of all sizes, 3D laboratories, clean rooms and much more.

The facilities are available for companies.

DTU collaborates with small and medium-sized companies as well as larger industrial partners - e.g. within medico, food production and green energy.

There are many different types of collaborations, including strategic partnerships, joint research projects and innovation. Read more about the opportunities for collaboration.

The collaborations also involve the education of students, both in the form of bachelor of engineering students, industrial masters and industrial PhDs.

Programmes in manufacturing technology

A programme in manufacturing technology prepares you to design and manage a production process. You'll gain an innovative approach, allowing you to rethink both products and manufacturing processes, as well as ensuring that production is sustainable and efficient.

Contact our experts in manufacturing technology

Kim Dam-Johansen

Kim Dam-Johansen Professor, Head of Department Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Mobile: +45 20142527

Kim Dam-Johansen is a Professor at DTU. In close cooperation with enterprises, his research covers the design of formulated products, process design, and production across chemistry, biotechnology, food ingredients, pharmaceuticals, and energy.

Torben Knudby

Torben Knudby Head of Study, Associate Professor Department of Engineering Technology and Didactics Mobile: +45 23304347

Torben Knudby is an Associate Professor at DTU. He researches and teaches innovation and operations management in organisations. This includes optimisation, supply chain, automation and production. Torben Knudby has previously been CEO of a medical device company and holds the top level of the Lean programme, Lean Master Black Belt.

Jesper Henri Hattel

Jesper Henri Hattel Head of Section, Professor Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering Mobile: +45 51801499

Jesper H. Hattel is a professor at DTU and researches in manufacturing processes. His expertise is computer simulations of processes such as casting, 3D printing, welding as well as composites manufacturing. Jesper Hattel also leads several initiatives in the manufacturing cluster MADE, Manufacturing Academy of Denmark.

DTU

309.000

In 2023, the industry employed 309,000 people, corresponding to almost 10 per cent of Denmark's total employment.

(Ministry of Ministry of Industry, Business and Financial Affairs, Production and growth go hand in hand, October 2024)

News about Manufacturing Technology

Remanufacturing

New National Centre to Fill Crucial Gap in Denmark’s Remanufacturing Efforts

Worn-out products are to become brand-new business opportunities. DTU and the Danish Industry Foundation are joining forces to establish Remanufactory – a national competence centre for remanufacturing, the first of its kind in Denmark.

Manufacturing technology

Conflict and climate change stir global supply chains

Extreme weather events, war, and trade conflict increase the risk of supply crises, making it more critical than ever to build resilience into supply chains.

Manufacturing technology

Figuring out how to optimize production

Based on large datasets and a deep understanding of the underlying physics, DTU researchers help manufacturing companies optimize manufacturing processes.

Innovation

Innovation or stagnation: How we challenge US tech dominance

Entrepreneurship and talent cultivation are gaining ground in European university culture. But if we are to compete with the US, we must drive our ambitions even further - politically as well, writes DTU's innovation leaders in a column

Innovation

DTU student startup joins forces with e-Boks: “It’s ridiculous how fast it has happened”

Just four months after two DTU students founded their digital ID-wallet startup, Dewa, they entered a strategic partnership with e-Boks. Dewa used DTU's X-Tech course as a launching pad and is now testing a digital student ID in a pilot project.

Innovation

DTU startups attracted 21% of Danish venture capital in 2024

New data shows that in 2024, startups from DTU managed to attract DKK 1.8 billion in venture capital investments in the Danish market. These predominantly deep-tech startups originate directly from DTU's strong research environments.

Education policy

President: It's a political mistake to shorten the Bachelor of Engineering programme in the middle of a rearmament

The message from the government to the Danish Defence is clear: buy, buy, buy. But if Denmark's manufacturing sector is to be geared up to deliver on commands like this, a reduction in the Bachelor of Engineering programmes would be a political misfire, writes DTU's President Anders Bjarklev in a column.

Chip design

Great interest in a four-hour chip design workshop

More than 80 people spent their Saturday with DTU Compute and the Tiny Tapeout project to get hands-on experience with the process of chip design when creating microchips.
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