When in 2022 five institutes of the Łukasiewicz Research Network in Poznań merged into one, the Łukasiewicz – Poznań Institute of Technology, this marked just the beginning of changes. Changes for Łukasiewicz employees and customers alike. This year brought new developments, with which the Poznań Institute will strengthen its research and market position.

After the merger, the Łukasiewicz-PIT consisted of six research centres focused on logistics and modern technologies, digital transformation, wood technology, railway vehicles, plastic processing, and agricultural and food technologies. The centres also represented research areas in which the Institute specialised.

“A merger of five research entities that had been operating for a long time was a real challenge. Each of them had its own specific structure, projects, and customers. However, we quickly started to notice benefits resulting from a converging of subjects and competencies. For example, let’s take a look at agricultural machines. Those that we create with our customers are complex devices that use artificial intelligence, e.g. to recognise plants, or advance teledetection technologies for precise dosing of fertilisers and plant protection agents. They are created as a result of cooperation of specialists from many fields – says Deputy Commercialisation Director Sylwin Tomaszewski.

We join forces

Now the Institute goes even further. From 1 January 2024, the Łukasiewicz – PIT has a new structure. It consists of four research centres, which group specialists from different fields and are able to comprehensively respond to the needs of the business. They will not only design agricultural machines, but also equip them with solutions based on AI or IoT. They will also perform comprehensive tests conforming to the industry standards.

The first of them is the Centre of Modern Mobility, which develops innovative solutions and technologies for logistics, transport, agriculture and forestry. It consists of research groups working on designing of vehicles and machines, simulation tests, electrical engineering, automation, and robotics, as well as logistics.

The Centre of Sustainable Economy is responsible for research, development, and implementation of sustainable industrial and environmental technologies. It works to replace existing solutions having high environmental impact with new ones that will protect the environment and possibly reverse the process of its degradation. This centre consists of research groups focusing on material engineering, mechanical engineering, and wood, chemical, and environmental protection technologies.

The Digital Transformation Centre conducts extensive scientific and research and development works concerning adaptation and implementation of modern smart digital technologies. This centre creates, develops and adapts technologies, and optimises business processes and systems, so they meet all customer needs. Its works also involve standardisation and automation in various sectors. This unit consists of research groups working on software, electronic devices, and business processes.

The fourth one is the Centre of Laboratory Tests created by merging all laboratories operating in the Institute. It conducts accredited tests consistent with the industry standards, as well as unaccredited ones. It also develops new test methods and conducts standardising activities. The Centre consists of five laboratories: Material Research, Electrical Engineering Research, Environmental Research, Thermal Processing, and Metrological Research.

The new structure and combined competencies will result in the synergy effect. The effect that will benefit all companies and institutions cooperating with the Łukasiewicz-PIT. More information about the range of services offered can be found at: pit.lukasiewicz.gov.pl.