Research

The rapid development of digital technologies is shaping our daily lives, the economy and industry. They are also becoming increasingly important in agriculture in order to optimize operational processes, increase efficiency and boost yields. Innovative products such as mobile measuring stations, microclimate monitoring devices, security cameras, software solutions for field trials, drone image analysis and herd management systems demonstrate the diversity of digital applications. The digitalization of agriculture, also known as “precision farming”, “smart farming” or “digital farming”, shows a trend towards AI-based systems. These systems recognize patterns in large amounts of data and independently derive decisions and work steps. Digital technologies should not only increase efficiency and yields, but also make agriculture more environmentally friendly, for example by optimizing the use of fertilizers and reducing the use of pesticides. Despite these positive developments, the environmental impact of digital technologies is often neglected. Few studies deal with this topic. The production and disposal of digital devices is associated with considerable resource consumption, which poses a challenge for the circular economy. The use of advanced materials in sensor technology and other areas requires a critical assessment of environmental and health risks. Sustainability aspects, including material selection, energy consumption and disposal, must already be considered in the design process.

Within the framework of a literature study and a compact, experimental analysis, we summarize the data on particulate abrasions of ceramic dental implants and relate the result to the known data of conventional titanium implants. Expert interviews will be conducted within the framework of the project and thus a comprehensive picture of the evaluation and selection criteria of implant materials will be published as part of an overview study.

Nanomaterials and other innovative materials (advanced materials) offer interesting application possibilities and functions. They are therefore increasingly being used in new products and in many industrial sectors. However, the possible undesirable consequences must also be carefully studied and evaluated. The accompanying project to NanoTrust-Advanced investigates safety and risk-relevant aspects of nanomaterials and advanced materials, which are regularly published in the established NanoTrust dossiers and fed into the national Nanoinformation Commission of the Ministry of Health, the working group on nano-worker protection of the AUVA or the standardization group "Nanotechnology" of the Austrian Standards Institute. The inter- and transdisciplinary exchange of knowledge and experience that takes place here at many levels and in numerous committees thus contributes to the safe and sustainable development of these new materials.