1 Artificial intelligence
Computers have become so powerful that highly advanced algorithms can be used for tools, learning methods, and processes such as big data, artificial intelligence, business process mining, machine learning, and deep learning. Not only can we program precisely what systems should do, they can also learn over time. This leads to unlimited possibilities and ethical challenges.
DTU Compute works within these areas.
2 Augmented reality
By merging the real world with the virtual world, you can help a technician repair a jet engine without taking it apart. Augmented reality is also used in teaching contexts, where students get insight into the consequences their research will have in the real world. Augmented reality covers virtual reality, vision technology, on-line-tracking, and digital twins—fully digital replicas of any product.
DTU Mechanical Engineering and
DTU Compute work within these areas.
3 Autonomous systems
Autonomous systems require artificial intelligence in real time. Autonomous systems are self-driven systems and include drones, robots, and autonomous vehicles. Autonomous systems are based on sensor systems, real-time high performance computing, vision systems, automation, control algorithms, and robots.
DTU Mechanical Engineering,
DTU Electrical Engineering,
DTU Space, and
DTU Diplom work within these areas.
4 Industrial Internet of Things
It is no longer just people that communicate over the Internet. Things now also exchange information. You see this in the healthcare sector, where small devices are attached to surgical instruments. You also see gadgets that measure how active we are, and how much we need to exercise. The industrial Internet of Things (IoT) covers high performance embedded computing, various platforms, sensors, and additive manufacturing such as 3D and 4D printing, allowing you to make complex objects such as machine parts.
DTU Fotonik and
DTU Electrical Engineering work within these areas.
5 Intelligent networks and user platforms
Smart homes and smart cities use sensors that collect data about everything from traffic patterns to air quality. They are used to optimize and link the city together. For example, homeowners can remotely control switches and appliances, and aids with built-in sensors make it possible to treat patients using remote monitoring. Intelligent networks and user platforms cover intelligent user platforms, connected homes and smart cities.
DTU Civil Engineering,
DTU Compute, and
DTU Management Engineering work within these areas.
6 Digital health
Personal health technology is playing a greater role in the future healthcare system, where digital solutions help patients towards better health. One example is sensors—previously only available in the clinical laboratory, but now available for patients as portable digital healthcare technologies. Digital health covers technologies such as IT, biology, behavioural monitoring, point-of-care devices, and smart food.
DTU Electrical Engineering,
DTU Nanotech,
DTU Food,
DTU Compute, and
DTU Management Engineering work within these areas.
7 Cyber security and privacy
A lot of data is saved without our consent. This mindset is coming under great pressure. Danish researchers now have unprecedented and extremely precise knowledge of the genetic makeup of the Danish population, having analysed the genes of 50 families. But how can we use this knowledge as a society? Cyber security and privacy covers technologies for data security, digital infrastructure and high performance computing.
DTU Bioinformatics and
DTU Compute work within these areas.
8 Industrial quantum computing
Quantum mechanics raises many challenges in relation to technical material properties and to building systems. Irrespective of how far away quantum computers might be, we will see new technologies and companies flowing out of this area along the way. When we talk about quantum mechanics, we are talking about quantum communication, quantum sensors, and quantum computers.
DTU Physics and
DTU Nanotech work within these areas.
9 Advanced materials
In the field of advanced materials, work is done to give materials various properties. Can we make them self-cleaning, or stronger than the ones we know? If so, it will change the way we do things. The field covers advanced functional materials, new materials, and coatings such as those used in fuel cells and chemical processes.
DTU Energy,
DTU Nanotech, and
DTU Danchip work within these areas.
10 New business models
Many small and medium-sized companies that make a living from the niche production of certain products will be challenged in the future. The trend is reflected in the music industry, for example, which has moved from selling physical CDs to music streaming services. We will see more of this. We will move from selling a product to developing service companies. In relation to technology, we speak of start-ups, new disruptive business models, and business inside technology.
DTU Management Engineering,
DTU Diplom, and
DTU Skylab work within these areas.