Keynote Speaker - Frank Härtig

KEYNOTE

Frank Härtig

Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt, Germany

Metrology is currently strongly influenced by the rapid developments in digital infrastructure and the challenges of traceable AI. In the area of machine-actionable infrastructure from the machine to automated comparative measurements, first realizations exist. These are based on digital certificates, which can also be seen as indicative for the development of smart standards.

Digital metrology experts are also currently being developed. The example shows how these can already quantify AI systems today.

Dr.-Ing. Prof. h. c. Frank Härtig is a distinguished mechanical engineer and metrologist, currently serving as the Vice-President of the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) since May 2020. His extensive career reflects a profound commitment to precision measurement and metrology.
Dr. Härtig commenced his academic journey in 1980, studying mechanical engineering at the University of Karlsruhe (TH), where he earned his degree as a graduate engineer. In 1992, he obtained his PhD (Dr.-Ing.) from the same institution, following external research at the Institute for Institute of Production Science (Werkzeugmaschinen und Betriebstechnik WBK). His early professional experience includes roles as a development engineer at Dr.-Ing. Höfler Messgerätebau in 1987 and leadership positions at Carl Zeiss, where he led a team focused on measuring gear cutting tools and later became the deputy director of the software development department.
In 1995, Dr. Härtig joined PTB as a scientific employee in the department of Coordinate Measuring Machines. He briefly led software and electronic development at Werth Messtechnik GmbH in 1998 before returning to PTB in 1999 for a permanent position in coordinate metrology. Over the years, he ascended through various leadership roles, including head of the "Gearing and Threads" project in 2002, head of the "Coordinate Measuring Technology" department in 2008, and head of Division 1 "Mechanics and Acoustics" from 2014 to 2020.
Beyond his responsibilities at PTB, Dr. Härtig has been actively involved in international metrology organizations. He served as President of the International Measurement Confederation (IMEKO) from September 2021 to August 2024, after being President Elect from 2018 to 2021. His academic contributions have been recognized with several awards and honoraries, including a Professorship honoris causa from the Harbin Institute of Technology in 2016 and Guest Professorships at Beijing University of Technology.
Dr. Härtig's dedication to metrology is further evidenced by his leadership roles, such as chairing Conformity Assessment Body and the Rule Determination Committee both located at PTB. His work has earned him several accolades, including the Technology Transfer Award from the Chamber of Industry and Commerce Braunschweig in 2005 and 2019, and the Seifriz Award in 2020 for collaborative efforts in precision measurement.
Throughout his career, Dr. Härtig has significantly advanced the field of metrology, contributing to both the scientific community and industrial applications.