Hartmann cites the transfer of his research work (GPU-accelerated simulation) into new Siemens software products that open up designers as a new user group for interactive simulation tools as his most important scientific and professional milestone.

We asked Professor Hartmann a few questions about his field of research and his plans for his start at TU Darmstadt:

Digital twins are one of the key technologies for overcoming the challenges of sustainability. They not only enable the development of more efficient products, but also the more efficient operation of existing products, which can save significant amounts of energy (see also E+E Discourse March 2024). Sustainability will not succeed without digital twins.

Simulation technology and digital twins can be used in many areas, as they enable ‘experiments’ to be carried out virtually and, in particular, different scenarios to be played out virtually. This can significantly accelerate the gain in knowledge. As the corresponding methods are application-agnostic, there are interfaces to many areas. In my career to date, I have always worked in an interdisciplinary way, e.g. with interfaces to mechanobiology, the behaviour of pedestrians or, most recently, engineering sciences. I am therefore very pleased that TU Darmstadt emphasises interdisciplinarity so strongly.

I would love to spend a day in the Department of Psychology. In addition to many technical aspects, the human-machine interface is a key challenge in driving forward the greater adaptation of digital twins. Today's tools are often too complex to make the technology accessible to the masses. Human-machine interaction has a special role to play here. New technologies such as augmented and virtual reality, language models in artificial intelligence and eye tracking make it possible to redesign interaction – making it an extremely exciting field of research.

… use a lot of YouTube and artificial intelligence (large language models) to acquire knowledge faster. On the one hand, YouTube enables me to learn from the best professors in the world, e.g. linear algebra by Gilbert Strang or data-based engineering by Steve Brunton. On the other hand, modern language models enable a quick and individualised introduction to unfamiliar subject areas. However, it is important to emphasise that these models are only suitable as an introduction and cannot replace a more in-depth familiarisation with topics.

… sport (running) and DIY.