Riedler was born in
Graz,
Austria, and studied mechanical engineering at the
Technische Hochschule (TH) Graz from 1866 to 1871. After graduation he took on a succession of academic appointments. He first became an assistant at the TH
Brünn (1871-1873); From 1899 to 1900, he was appointed the school's principal
(rector) and led discussions on how to celebrate its 100th anniversary. As a result, Riedler and
Adolf Slaby (1849–1913) convinced
Kaiser Wilhelm II (1859–1941) to allow
Prussian
Technische Hochschulen to award doctorates. Although the government did not immediately consent, this effort led eventually to the school's reconstitution as today's Technische Universität Berlin. Riedler first received international recognition for his reports on the
Philadelphia Centennial Exposition (1876) and
Paris Exposition Universelle (1878). He was later widely known for his efficient, high-speed pumps widely adopted in waterworks and in draining mines. In 1893 Riedler and some employees traveled to
World's Columbian Exposition in
Chicago. He delivered a detailed report on American institutes of technology and their labs which he deemed more suitable for engineering education. Riedler was heavily involved in the following reform process with regard to technical education. In 1896, Riedler established the first German mechanical engineering lab which was located in
Charlottenburg. In the following years technical labs were established at all the other German TH as well and the study program became more practice oriented. Alois Riedler was also known for his 1896 book "Das Maschinen-Zeichnen", (Machine Drawing) which introduced modern
technical drawing. Riedler was actively involved in the early development of
internal combustion engines, both for
gasoline and
diesel fuel. In 1903 he established the Laboratory for Internal Combustion Engines at the TH Berlin, expanded in 1907 to include investigations of motor vehicles. As laboratory director, Riedler designed a pioneering roller test stand. He also received what was probably the first research contract to investigate fuels specifically for
aircraft engines (particularly
benzene). Alois Riedler also tried to establish an academy of technical sciences. Despite the emperor's support those efforts failed. == Private life ==