In this section, I share thoughts that go beyond the conventional – bridging technology, everyday life, and society.
For those who understand machines – and sometimes people, too.
Technology doesn’t stop at the circuit diagram.
In this section, I share thoughts, observations, and perspectives on topics that go far beyond CAD drawings and conveyor systems: mobility, sustainability, regulatory excess, material logic – and the question of why “advanced” does not always mean wise.
Maschinenverstand is neither marketing nor a platform for opinions. It is an invitation to think along. For engineers, practitioners, decision-makers – and anyone who doesn’t take everything at face value just because it’s written in a standard.
Episode 1: Crap in Bags – Why Modern Vehicle Policy Has Nothing to Do with Sustainability
Some decisions make you wonder:
Do we want to save the world – or just generate revenue?
An example: the diesel particulate filter.
Technically, undeniably fascinating. It filters particles, reduces emissions, meets standards.
But at what cost?
The technology doesn’t lie – but it stays silent about the overall balance.
What the DPF reduces in fine dust comes at the cost of:
- overheated turbos,
- clogged exhaust systems,
- repair costs exceeding €2,000,
- a complex regeneration process, in which the collected soot is partially burned off – ultimately ending up back in the environment anyway.
And when it’s completely full?
Not simply: replace the filter, done.
No – then: adjust the control unit, visit the workshop, perform reset drives, install new sensors.
All expensive. All unnecessarily complex.
Is this still technical intelligence – or already certified madness?
Downsizing – or: How to turn a tractor into a shaver
Another example: modern engines.
What used to have 5 cylinders now has 3.
What used to last 250,000 km is now optimized for lease cycles.
And what can be extracted from 1.0 liter of displacement today is called “innovation” – but it’s more reminiscent of a two-stroke motorcycle engine in car format: loud, short-lived, and prone to failure.
The Mazda CX-60 is a refreshing exception: 3.3 liters displacement, inline six-cylinder diesel – made in Japan, built for durability rather than a spec sheet.
But politically, such vehicles are not being promoted. Why?
Because the rules of the game are not designed for longevity.
They are designed for limit management.
Sustainability – but only in advertising
The truth is uncomfortable:
A car that has to be rebuilt every six years is not sustainable – no matter how many filters it has.
A three-cylinder engine with a 100,000 km warranty is not progress – it’s a hidden disposal strategy.
And vehicles that are simply sold to “third countries” after the warranty ends are not environmentally friendly – they are just exported problems.
They call it “emission shifting.”
I call it: crap in bags.
Conclusion: Machine intelligence requires more than just regulations.
What’s missing isn’t technology.
What’s missing is a system that combines intelligence, responsibility, and common sense.
Not more standards. But more honesty.
