History of FPNI

Fluid Power Net International was formed in 1998 with the objective of providing the infrastructure to build an international network of researchers and facilities to carry out major projects, and to:

  • Promote international research cooperation in the field of fluid power technology and related areas,
  • Provide information about worldwide research and industrial activities in the field of fluid power technology and related areas,
  • Promote engineering education in the field of fluid power technology and related fields.
Fluid Power Net International was a joint initiative of:
  • Fluidteknikk, Institutt for Termisk Energi og Vannkraft (Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway)
  • Institute of Heavy Duty Machines (Cracow University of Technology, Poland)
  • Department of Control and Engineering Design (Technical University of Denmark)
  • Subsea Engineering Research Group, Department of Mechanical Engineering (Monash University, Australia)

In the FPNI Forums Cracow, Poland (1998 and 2000), Ferrara, Italy (2002), and Bad Ischl, Austria (2004) and in different members meetings initiatives have been discussed and launched to establish and foster and international scientific community in fluid power. Concrete outcomes have been

In 2004 it has been decided to adapt the objectives and the organisation of FPNI to emphasise the scientific networking rather than to be a virtual laboratory for carrying out major research projects. In a members meeting at the 4th PhD Symposium, Sarasota Florida, June 2006, new statutes have been decided and a Board has been elected.