Rudolf Hoffmann is conducting research for his PhD thesis into data-driven fault tree models for explainable quality prediction and root cause analysis. Image: HFU
HFU Doc Stories: Rudolf Hoffmann is completing his PhD at Furtwangen University – among other things
The new “HFU Doc Stories” series shines a spotlight on early-career researchers at Furtwangen University. Over 80 PhD candidates are working on fascinating research projects and their theses at HFU. Through HFU Doc Stories, we follow them on their journey.
Analytical and disciplined – that is probably the best way to describe Rudolf Hoffmann’s approach to many areas of his life. And there are quite a few of them. At Furtwangen University, the 31-year-old is working on his doctoral thesis in the field of IT. Under the working title ‘Learning Dynamic Fault Trees for Explainable Failure Prediction in Manufacturing Systems’, Hoffmann is researching how quality assurance can be improved with the help of explainable artificial intelligence.
As a PhD candidate, Hoffmann is investigating explainable AI models – or “Explainable Artificial Intelligence” (XAI) – as part of the “XQuality” research project. The aim of “XQuality” is not to use AI as a black box, but to make its decisions in quality assurance transparent and verifiable. In modern manufacturing processes, AI models analyse large volumes of data and identify patterns that indicate potential faults. Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) ensures that these predictions are transparent; engineers can see which factors led to a warning, investigate the causes of faults in a targeted manner and implement corrective measures more quickly. In this way, XAI supports compliance with quality standards, reduces scrap and downtime, and at the same time strengthens confidence in AI-supported production processes.
In his work, Rudolf Hoffmann focuses primarily on fault trees; he tinkers with graphics that enable him to visualise AI-generated fault predictions. “This allows companies to better understand and rectify faults in their production,” he explains.
Hoffmann also needs this ability to analyse and improve systems in another role he holds at the HFU; he also works in the university’s own IT department, part-time. “After completing my degree, I wanted to do a PhD, and the combination of a position at the university and working on a third-party-funded research project was ideal for me,” says Hoffmann. He has been at HFU since 2015; here he first successfully completed the bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics, followed by the master’s in Mobile Systems.
It is thanks to his determination that this scientist and IT expert also devotes a great deal of time to another very special role in his life − Rudolf Hoffmann is also a professional boxer. As German champion in the light welterweight division, he has an enormous training workload to manage. Before he starts work at HFU every day, he completes two hours of box training; the same applies after work. Only then does the competitive athlete find time for his family – and for working on his PhD thesis.
“My special talent is probably ambition,” says Rudolf Hoffmann, reflecting on the many goals he sets himself. But he’s always been like that. At the age of nine, he was spotted as a table tennis talent and dreamt of a professional career. Together with his twin brother Alexander, however, he decided to make a fresh start in boxing. It was Alexander’s idea, and he eventually persuaded him to swap his bat for boxing gloves. Since then, the “Hoffmann Twins” have been causing a sensation in the sport; both are among Germany’s best boxers and regularly alternate between first and second place in the rankings. The brothers hope to compete for the European title later this year. “Boxing is an art,” says Rudolf Hoffmann of his sport. Even after almost 20 years of hard training, there is still so much room for improvement. “Sport is incredibly versatile. Above all, you have to think of your willpower as a muscle,” says Hoffmann.
His particular talent − his ambition − also helps him in his professional and academic life, explains the professional sportsman. “The pressure in boxing is tougher than any of the academic problems I have to tackle,” laughs Hoffmann. As a self-employed IT consultant, he also applies his analytical skills to help clients and businesses. And when it comes to his PhD thesis, he uses a tried-and-tested motivational technique from sport, “I’m saying it out loud now, so I’ll feel more pressure − I’ll have it finished by the end of the year.” No doubt about it. Even a PhD can be achieved through sheer willpower.
Further impressions
