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9 June 2025

On 6 June 2025, the workshop ‘Innovative NVH Methods for Industry 4.0’ was held at the Scientific and Technological Centre of the University of Ferrara, promoted by the Ferrara Technology Park, together with the IN4 laboratory, with the support of Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, University of Parma and University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. The event saw the active participation of about 100 students, researchers, professionals and representatives from the business world, confirming the growing interest in issues related to NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness).

The day's programme consisted of a series of high-level technical and scientific presentations addressing the latest innovations in vibration and noise control in mechanical systems, with an integrated approach combining academic research and industrial applications.

After the first morning session of presentations, the coffee break provided a much-appreciated opportunity for informal networking, during which participants were able to talk directly with speakers and exhibitors. The light lunch was also an important opportunity for interaction, useful for exploring specific topics and establishing new contacts between the worlds of research and industry.

In the afternoon, the proceedings continued with further presentations that aroused keen interest, stimulating questions and discussions. Particular attention was paid to presentations dedicated to the visualisation of vibrations using high-performance cameras and to vibro-acoustic solutions for the automotive and agricultural machinery sectors. The speakers illustrated the most advanced numerical and experimental techniques currently available to reduce vibrations and noise perceived by drivers and passengers while driving.

Several presentations explored the evolution of sensors and simulation software used in vibro-acoustic measurements, highlighting how these tools are essential for predicting the dynamic behaviour of systems and assessing their impact as early as the design stage.

The numerous presentations given during the day covered a wide range of innovative topics in the field of NVH, offering a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the most effective methodologies in research and industry.

For example, there was discussion of the potential offered by executable Digital Twins and Virtual Prototype Assembly platforms, tools that allow the vibro-acoustic behaviour of a system to be simulated virtually in the early stages of design. Another presentation analysed the NVH performance of permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM), evaluating the effects of eccentricity and rotor magnetisation variations on vibrational behaviour.

A practical case study was presented on how a vehicle was instrumented to perform NVH and performance tests, describing in detail the techniques and equipment used. This was followed by an in-depth study on monitoring the durability of transmissions in tractors, conducted using advanced vibration analysis for early fault diagnosis.

Ample space was also given to digital tools for NVH analysis, including Digital Reality platforms and software solutions for testing and intelligent monitoring of mechanical systems. In this context, the importance of approaches ranging from measurement to intelligent diagnosis emerged, through the integration of advanced sensors, data processing and machine learning algorithms.

Excitation methods and sensors for modal analysis, which are fundamental for understanding the dynamic response of structures, were also explored in depth. Motion Amplification technology also attracted considerable interest, as it allows normally imperceptible vibrations to be “seen”, facilitating their visual interpretation.

Innovative solutions based on miniaturised piezoresistive sensors for pressure and noise measurement were also presented, together with low-cost systems for condition monitoring in industrial environments and smart buildings.

In the context of electrification and the automotive sector, the issue of vibrations in electric powertrain systems was addressed. In the pharmaceutical field, on the other hand, a case study was presented on monitoring the lubrication status of a tablet press, using machine learning algorithms to increase process reliability.

Other noteworthy presentations focused on Transfer Path Analysis applied to test benches for automotive locks, NVH characterisation of automatic machines for pharmaceutical applications, and the synthesis of accelerated tests on multi-axial vibrating tables, used to validate the reliability of components subjected to complex dynamic stresses.

The event proved to be a valuable opportunity for updating and discussion, emphasising the importance of dialogue between universities and businesses in the development of increasingly cutting-edge technological solutions.

It is precisely this spirit of collaboration that we want to promote: an ecosystem in which skills, technologies and visions converge to build a more efficient and sustainable industrial future.

It was a day full of ideas, inspiration and new connections, an opportunity to strengthen ties and start new collaborations that we hope will benefit our territory and the entire regional production system and beyond.