Raimund Edlinger

Raimund Edlinger is a research-focused academic at the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, Wels campus, affiliated with the Research Center Wels. He leads the Center of Excellence for Automotive/Mobility and Smart Production, with specialized focus areas in Digital Transformation, Rail Automation, Telematics, and Smart Automation and Robotics. His interdisciplinary work bridges engineering and practical robotics applications across diverse environments.

Edlinger's research centers on advancing robotics for real-world challenges, particularly in GNSS-denied scenarios and hazardous environments. His expertise spans autonomous navigation, sensor fusion (LiDAR, thermal imaging, tactile systems), and human-robot interaction, with significant contributions to rescue robotics, underground mapping, and space analog missions. Recent work emphasizes digital twin applications for Mars simulations and tactile terrain assessment to enhance robot mobility in complex terrains.

Analysis of his publication trends reveals a strategic shift toward multi-sensor integration for reliability in adverse conditions (e.g., smoke, narrow tunnels, Mars analogs). His 2022-2025 output shows concentrated effort in practical deployment challenges: casualty evacuation systems, nuclear disaster response, and cost-effective sensing solutions, reflecting strong industry and emergency response collaboration.

His competitive robotics achievements include:

• 1st place EnRicH 2021 (Manipulation category)
• Multiple RoboCup podium finishes (2015-2022) in Rescue League and Best-in-Class Manipulation
• German Open championship recognitions across five consecutive years

Edlinger directs significant research initiatives including the active MOBES project (Mobile Erdstall Scanner, 2025-2026), MARK Racing Team, and Autility platform development, funded by Austria's Climate and Energy Fund and ICT programs. He supervises student research while contributing to national robotics strategy through activities like ÖBFV Führungsseminar workshops on digitalization.

His work is operationalized through the RRT-Roboto-Racing Team and specialized labs within Research Center Wels, featuring underground structure simulators, Mars analog testbeds, and sensor calibration facilities for extreme environments. Current projects integrate 5G communication and AI-driven manipulation for next-generation rescue systems.