Prof. Dr.-Ing. Robin Langebach

Consortium Coordinator, Project Lead Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences

Prof. Robin Langebach has held the Schaufler Professorship for Compressor Technology at Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences since 2019 and serves as spokesperson for the Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Environmental Engineering. His research focuses on energy-efficient and connected components — particularly compressors and expansion machines — intelligent sensor technology and technical acoustics, as well as the ongoing development of teaching in refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat pump technology.

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Nicolai Beisheim

Project Lead Albstadt-Sigmaringen University of Applied Sciences

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Nicolai Beisheim has worked at the Faculty of Engineering at Albstadt-Sigmaringen University of Applied Sciences since 2009 in the field of automation and digitalization in mechanical engineering. He also heads the "Institute for Computer-Aided Product Development (IRGP)". A key focus of his teaching and research is graphical simulation using XR technologies.

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Fahmi Bellalouna

Member of the Project Management

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Fahmi Bellalouna has been Professor of Digitalization in Product Lifecycle Engineering at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics at Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences since 2015, where he heads the XR Lab. His focus areas are applied research and teaching in Extended Reality (XR), digital twins, and computer-aided engineering processes.

Arjun Rai Gupta

Project and Cluster Manager

Arjun Rai Gupta coordinates the VDC network, fosters partnerships, and strengthens knowledge exchange among its members. With expertise in immersive technologies and standardization initiatives, he is actively involved in managing business strategy, communication, and transfer activities for the InnoVET-Plus XR2ACH project.

Franz Joseph Pal

Expert & Knowledge Transfer, Refrigeration and Heat Pump Technology

Franz Joseph Pal has been part of the Schaufler Professorship for Compressor Technology team at Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences since 2020. His research and work focus on intelligent sensor technology for monitoring refrigeration systems and the use of acoustics in refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat pump technology.

Sebastian Amann

Research Associate — XR

With over six years of experience as a research associate at Albstadt-Sigmaringen University of Applied Sciences, I focus on research projects in simulation, Extended Reality (XR), and digital twins. My experience with VR, AR, and Unity lets me apply these technologies effectively in practice-oriented projects and actively help shape digital transformation.

Wilhelm Gerner

Lead of Singleplayer Development Design of the XR Learning Environment

In the project, I am responsible for developing the singleplayer learning environment in Unity, including the design and implementation of the virtual world as well as interactive VR/XR training workflows. I translate real-world processes from refrigeration technology into clear digital learning logic, working closely with refrigeration experts and project partners. My tasks also include the iterative development, testing, and continuous optimization of the learning experience, as well as supervising bachelor's and master's theses.

David Mehlen

Research Associate (XR Developer)

David Mehlen works as an XR developer at Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences (HKA) and is part of the XR2ACH research project. There, he develops and optimizes immersive XR applications for practice-oriented learning and training scenarios. His focus areas include performance optimization, the development of visual effects (VFX), and the design and implementation of new features — ensuring the application is both technically powerful and visually compelling.

Research Associate

Marvin Clauss

Research Associate — AR/VR

Design, implementation, and documentation in the fields of graphical simulation, 3D, VR/AR, and mixed reality.

Internship/Master Thesis — XR Development & Learning Analytics