Concentrated development expertise

04/27/2026

for the highest level of innovation

BT-Systems GmbH’s new Development Center (DVC) brings together expertise and technologies from a range of specialist areas – ensuring efficient development, the highest quality and a sustained capacity for innovation.

BT-Systems’ new Development Centre (DVC)
With the Development Centre (DVC), BT-Systems is creating a central hub where technological innovations and expertise are efficiently brought together. Since January 2026, the development departments of the BT-Anlagenbau and REDWAVE centres of excellence have been working together under one roof. What was previously spread out is now being consolidated and expanded. Paths become shorter, processes clearer, and ideas more readily accessible. The aim: technological excellence and a strengthened leading role in sorting and quality control technology. “In the form of the Development Centre, we are making a conscious investment in structure, expertise and collaboration.” “This will enable us to strengthen our service capabilities in a targeted manner and implement the required solutions for our customers efficiently and with noticeable speed,” says Gerald Kreiner, CEO of BT-Systems GmbH.

A clear structure, a shared focus
Mechanical engineering, camera technology, software development and automation work side by side at the DVC. Working closely together facilitates coordination, speeds up decision-making and improves the implementation of technical requirements. Here, development is not viewed in isolation, but as a shared process. This allows adjustments to flow directly into the products – from fine-tuning individual components to the further development of complete system solutions. The DVC thus becomes a place where innovation is not just planned, but put into practice.

„Wir schaffen ein Umfeld, in dem Know-how zusammenfließt, Teamarbeit wächst und Entwicklung nachhaltig möglich wird.“

Gerald Kreiner
CEO of BT-Systems GmbH

A strong foundation for REDWAVE and custom machine manufacturing
One of the DVC’s key priorities is the further development and innovation of REDWAVE sorting technology. Currently in focus: The sorting of metal, glass, minerals, plastics and textiles. This is where sensor-based sorting solutions for recycling and mining applications are developed. The focus is on precision, efficiency, robustness and improved performance. This objective is achieved using state-of-the-art technologies such as cutting-edge AI solutions and the latest sensor technology. All of this is also directly incorporated into our custom machine manufacturing. A second focus of the DVC is the development of bespoke systems for quality control in the food, pharmaceutical, chemical and building materials industries. Proven sorting technologies are adapted, refined and tailored into bespoke solutions. Reliable foreign object detection remains a key element – it ensures product quality and process stability.

Intelligent image processing for more precise sorting processes
A key area of development is modern image processing combined with artificial intelligence. The aim is to get the most out of sorting processes. This means that even the slightest differences between materials can be reliably detected. This makes it possible to separate substances that were previously difficult or impossible to distinguish using conventional methods. At the same time, existing sorting tasks are being taken to a new level of quality. This improves separation accuracy, reduces waste and enhances the cost-effectiveness of the systems. At the same time, the REDWAVE software solution is being continuously developed. Machine parameters can now be adjusted more quickly, process data analysed more accurately, and systems adapted flexibly to changing material flows.

Short paths, fast service support
A key benefit of the Development Center is the significant strengthening of the service division. Thanks to the close integration of development, software and application expertise, technical issues can be resolved quickly and solutions devised immediately. Many issues can be resolved at the first-level support stage. Response times are significantly reduced, downtime is minimised, and service calls are prepared in a targeted manner. What used to require consultation is now done through direct communication. For customers, this means: prompt assistance, clear points of contact and reliable support – a key factor in ensuring high plant availability, operational reliability and long-term partnerships.

Leadership and experience
Christian Hartbauer is in charge of the Development Centre. Having been with BT-Systems for more than 23 years, his career has taken him from software developer to head of image processing and quality control systems, and on to his current role as head of the DVC and authorised signatory at BT-Systems. “Bringing together the individual development teams from each location, a very strong team was built.” Experience and professional expertise are combined with youthful ambition and innovative drive. Working closely together brings enormous benefits – short lines of communication, quick coordination and swift, practical solutions. This enables us to respond much more quickly, resulting in shorter time-to-market and more streamlined direct customer support,” says Hartbauer.
He is supported by an experienced management team:

Manuel Lux, Head of Quality Control Systems
Michael Felber, Head of Research & Development
Manfred Gschweitl, Head of Image Processing

Together, they determine the technical direction, coordinate development projects and ensure close communication with the design, production and service departments, as well as with senior management.

Team and reorganisation
In January 2026, the development team at BT-Anlagenbau moved from Ludersdorf to Brodersdorf and was reorganised within the Development Centre alongside REDWAVE Research & Development. At the same time, the team was expanded in a targeted manner. This led to the creation of a central development department, which currently has just under 20 staff members. Experience, an understanding of processes and close day-to-day collaboration form the basis for smooth operations and continuous improvement.

Outlook
With the Development Centre, BT-Systems is strengthening its ability to respond quickly to market changes and implement new technologies in a structured manner. Close collaboration between development, design and application remains key – to solutions that are practical and stand the test of time.

(Kopie 140)

Key Facts DVC

Objective: Consolidation of the development activities of the BT-Anlagenbau and REDWAVE centres of expertise
Location: Brodersdorf
Head of the Development Center: DI Christian Hartbauer
(since 1 January 2026)
Focus: Sorting technology, quality control systems, custom machine construction

INTERVIEW

Head of the Development Center

What makes the team at the Development Center special to you?
I am supported by a highly motivated team that brings experience, professional skills and genuine enthusiasm for our product to the table. It is precisely during challenging times that our strength really shines through.

How do colleagues in the centres of excellence benefit from this central consolidation?
They benefit from a central, highly competent point of contact for technical matters, which takes responsibility and efficiently pools knowledge.

Were there any particular challenges in integrating the teams, and how were they overcome?
There are always challenges – and that’s exactly what makes the work exciting. When everyone pulls together, challenges can actually be motivating and fun.

What benefits does the close collaboration between development and support bring to our customers?
Customer feedback is incorporated directly into the development process. When things get complicated, the support and development teams work closely together until the root cause has been clearly identified and a lasting solution found.

Is there an example where direct communication via DVC has been particularly quick or effective in helping?
They happen every day.

Which technological developments do you find particularly exciting at the moment?
Artificial intelligence as a tool for measurable performance gains. Not as a magic bullet, but practical, robust and tested in real-world conditions – that is exactly what we deliver.

How do you ensure that innovations are implemented in a practical way?
Practical experience isn’t gained in the office, but with the client. Our experience in the field and close collaboration with sales and support ensure that innovations actually add value in day-to-day operations.

What are your goals for the DVC over the coming months?
With such a strong team in place, we aim to take our systems to the next level and consistently drive further technological advancements.

What do you personally find most inspiring aboutyour role at the Development Center?
Further developing a technologically complex product with a dedicated team, whilst constantly breaking new ground – that is pure motivation for me.

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