Michael Zäh

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Michael Zäh is a full professor and chair of Machine Tools and Production Engineering at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) since 2002. His academic journey began at TUM, where he earned his doctorate in 1993 under Prof. Milberg. Prior to academia, he held engineering and managerial roles in machine tool manufacturing. As the head of the Institute of Machine Tools and Industrial Management (iwb), his research focuses on cutting machine tools, generative manufacturing processes, and cognitive systems in manufacturing. He also leads initiatives in additive manufacturing, laser processing, and sustainable production systems.

• Research Areas: Machine tools, additive manufacturing, laser technologies, cognitive factories, and sustainable production.
• Key Projects: Development of the 'cognitive factory' concept, reAM250 open-source platform for powder bed fusion monitoring, and industry 5.0 implementation strategies.

His work emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, with contributions to battery production technologies, predictive maintenance, and data-driven decision-making in manufacturing networks. He has authored over 300 publications and holds the VDW Study Award for his diploma thesis on chatter effect analysis.