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July 2
- Distance Learning Students at Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences Celebrate Their Graduation
➀ Eleven graduates from the distance learning Master's programs in Electrical Engineering (M.Sc.) and Reliability Engineering (M.Eng.) celebrated their graduation at a ceremony in Darmstadt, attended by faculty and family;
➁ The programs, offered by Hochschule Darmstadt and Technische Hochschule Aschaffenburg in collaboration with zfh, emphasize career advancement in technical and leadership roles;
➂ Speakers highlighted the challenges of balancing work and study, commending graduates as role models for perseverance and professional growth.
- TU Dresden's Hans Kleemann Awarded 2025 Joachim Herz Prize for Pioneering Biotech Research in Fossil-Free Electronics
➀ Dr. Hans Kleemann of TU Dresden received the 2025 Joachim Herz Prize (€500,000) for his bio-based, recyclable circuit board research under the "UnbeLEAFable" project, aiming to replace conventional electronics components with sustainable alternatives inspired by leaf vascular structures;
➁ The innovation combines biodegradable bioplastics and natural leaf skeletons to create eco-friendly printed circuit boards (PCBs), reducing fossil fuel dependency and enabling efficient recycling of electronic waste, which accounts for 62 million tons annually;
➂ The funding addresses the "Valley of Death" in product development, bridging the gap between academic research and industrial application, with potential to revolutionize the electronics industry toward a circular economy.
July 1
- Students from Stralsund University Win One of the World's Largest Energy Efficiency Competitions
➀ The ThaiGer-H2-Racing team from Hochschule Stralsund secured the European championship at the Shell Eco-Marathon 2025, achieving a record 1,024 km/m³ efficiency in the hydrogen fuel cell category.
➁ Their second team, Bengalo Racing, ranked 7th in the Urban Concept electric vehicle category with a 21 km/kWh improvement, showcasing advancements in practical automotive design.
➂ This marks the university's seventh title in the competition since 2008, outperforming teams from Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey, and other European countries.
- Mario Ragwitz Becomes New Spokesperson of Fraunhofer Excellence Cluster CINES
➀ Prof. Dr. Mario Ragwitz is appointed as the spokesperson of the Fraunhofer Excellence Cluster CINES, succeeding Prof. Dr. Hans-Martin Henning, who led the cluster since its founding in 2019.
➁ CINES involves ten Fraunhofer institutes focusing on integrated energy systems, including energy system analysis, digitalization, power electronics, and heat, emphasizing collaboration to address energy transition challenges.
➂ Ragwitz highlights the cluster's role in developing solutions for decarbonizing industrial, heating, and transportation sectors, referencing projects like the TransHyDE hydrogen initiative and the need for systemic infrastructure integration.
- Improved Indoor Environmental Quality in Industrial Workplaces
➀ Fraunhofer researchers developed OPTIMA PRO and DressMAN360°, combining sensor measurements (temperature, noise, lighting) with worker surveys to holistically evaluate industrial workplace comfort;
➁ The approach addresses dynamic factory conditions (e.g., machinery noise, airflows) and subjective perceptions, aiming to enhance employee health and productivity;
➂ DressMAN360°, originally used in vehicle cabins, evolved into an industrial standard tool to reduce strain on workers and improve occupational appeal in manufacturing settings.
- AI-Driven Lifecycle Management for End-of-Life Household Appliances
➀ Fraunhofer IPK and partners developed an AI system to determine if end-of-life appliances should be refurbished or recycled, using image recognition and cloud-based analysis;
➁ The system employs visual quality scoring (1-5) via mobile apps and synthetic training data, aiming for over 97% identification accuracy;
➂ Integrated with robotic process automation and e-commerce platforms, the project targets reducing carbon footprints and advancing circular economy practices in Germany and Europe.
- Using AI to Recycle Old Electrical Appliances
➀ Fraunhofer IPK, in collaboration with HaKiGo and YES Ecosystems, is developing a cloud-based AI system to assess whether used household appliances (e.g., refrigerators, washing machines) should be refurbished or recycled, aiming to reduce waste and promote a circular economy;
➁ The AI system uses image recognition and dialog-based mobile apps to evaluate device quality (scored 1-5), predict pricing, and automate resale processes via e-commerce platforms;
➂ The project integrates robotic process automation (RPA) and synthetic data training, targeting a 97% recognition accuracy and synchronization with recycling management systems to reduce CO2 emissions by 2026.
- Markus Krutzik Appointed Professor of Integrated Quantum Sensors at HU Berlin
❶ Markus Krutzik, head of the Joint Lab Integrated Quantum Sensors at Ferdinand-Braun-Institut (FBH), has been appointed as W3-S Professor at HU Berlin, focusing on advancing compact quantum sensor technology.
❷ His research targets practical applications like next-gen satellite navigation, medical biomagnetic field measurements, and quantum internet infrastructure, leveraging microintegration and space-grade laser technologies.
❸ Collaborations with FBH, HU Berlin, and international partners aim to strengthen Germany's quantum technology sovereignty through robust, space-ready semiconductor-based systems.
- Markus Krutzik Appointed Professor of Integrated Quantum Sensing at Humboldt University of Berlin
➀ Markus Krutzik was appointed as a W3-S Professor of Integrated Quantum Sensing at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, emphasizing the critical role of quantum sensing in Germany and Europe's technological sovereignty;
➁ His research focuses on developing compact, high-precision quantum sensors for satellite navigation, medical technology, and quantum internet infrastructure, leveraging semiconductor technologies and microintegration;
➂ Collaborations with international partners and regional quantum technology networks aim to advance real-world applications, including space-ready systems and advanced laser technologies.
- Bachelor of Engineering: Expanding Career Opportunities in the Engineering Field
➀ The Technische Hochschule Aschaffenburg announced online information sessions for its part-time Bachelor of Engineering programs (Electrical/Information Technology and Industrial Engineering), targeting professionals seeking leadership roles in engineering;
➁ The programs combine flexible self-study with on-campus sessions and integrate practical research labs, with applications open until August 15, 2025;
➂ Collaborating with Hochschule Darmstadt and zfh, the curriculum emphasizes career advancement for working adults through an eight-semester structure.
June 30
- The Hearing Car on a Test Drive: Fraunhofer IDMT and CARIAD Test Acoustic Sensor Technology for Automated Driving
➀ Fraunhofer IDMT-HSA and CARIAD SE are testing new acoustic sensors and measurement technology in vehicles to enhance automated driving by detecting external sounds like emergency sirens and enabling voice interaction;
➁ The systems underwent rigorous testing in Sweden under extreme weather conditions (snow, ice, heat, and rain) to evaluate reliability and usability;
➂ The KI4BoardNet project focuses on developing AI-driven vehicle power and data networks, integrating sensor data with real-time vehicle metrics for future automotive applications.
- New Online Evening Study Semester Starts at WBH: Save up to €2,562 with Early Bird Discount
➀ Wilhelm Büchner Hochschule offers six Bachelor programs (e.g., Electrical Engineering, Computer Science) through its online evening study format, starting September 2025;
➁ Key benefits include small-group learning (≤30 students), weekly virtual sessions, flexible self-study, and personalized tutoring;
➂ Early applicants before July 15, 2025, qualify for a 'Super Early Bird' discount of up to €2,562.
June 27
- New 80 kW test bench strengthens hydrogen infrastructure in Saxony
➀ Fraunhofer IWU will deploy an 80 kW fuel cell test bench in October 2025 to evaluate performance and durability of hydrogen systems, supporting industrial clients and projects like Clean Energy City;
➁ The institute’s Referenzfabrik.H2 initiative focuses on optimizing manufacturing processes for electrolyzers and fuel cells to enable cost-effective mass production;
➂ Expansion includes new test infrastructure in Chemnitz and Görlitz, featuring electrolyzer testing up to 2 MW and climate simulation chambers for hydrogen storage and production R&D.
June 26
- Provision of 4-inch Aluminum Nitride Crystals for Future Markets in Power Electronics and UV Photonics
➀ Three leading semiconductor entities—Leibniz-Institut für Kristallzüchtung (IKZ), PVA TePla AG, and Siltronic AG—collaborate to scale aluminum nitride (AlN) crystal growth from 2-inch to 4-inch wafers, targeting industrial applications;
➁ AlN's ultra-wide bandgap properties enable high-efficiency power electronics (e.g., electric mobility, renewable energy) and UV photonics (e.g., disinfection, medical/agricultural sensors);
➂ Partners aim to strengthen Europe's semiconductor sovereignty by combining expertise in crystal growth (IKZ), substrate development (Siltronic), and PVT-based industrial scaling (PVA TePla).
- Miniature Artificial Intelligence for Smallest Devices
➀ Researchers from TU Graz, Pro2Future, and the University of St. Gallen developed methods to deploy AI models on resource-constrained IoT devices with as little as 4KB memory, enabling localized processing without external compute resources;
➁ The team used techniques like model partitioning, Subspace-Configurable Networks (SCNs), quantization, and pruning to balance model size and accuracy, achieving up to 7.8x faster image processing on IoT devices;
➂ Applications include industrial automation (e.g., drone/robot localization), smart home remote controls, and anti-spoofing for keyless car entry systems, demonstrating broad scalability across embedded systems.
- Artificial Intelligence in Miniature Format for Small Devices
➀ Researchers from TU Graz and partners developed methods to run AI models on IoT devices with ≤4KB memory, enabling localized AI processing for applications like precision positioning;
➁ Techniques include modular specialized models, subspace configurable networks (SCNs), quantization, and pruning to optimize efficiency while maintaining accuracy;
➂ Potential applications span industrial automation (drone navigation), automotive security (keyless entry verification), and smart home systems with extended battery life.
- "MasterKI": AI System for Condition Monitoring of Mobile Machinery in Port Logistics and Construction
➀ Universität Bremen collaborates with ANEDO GmbH and SEGNO Industrie Automation to develop a modular edge-computing system combined with AI for real-time condition monitoring of mobile machinery in ports and construction;
➁ The system employs a cloud-based platform and transfer learning to analyze data, predict failures, and reduce reliance on extensive field data, improving cost efficiency;
➂ Enhanced data security measures with encryption and a user-friendly monitoring app aim to prevent unauthorized access and support industrial digitization.
- MasterKI: AI System for Status Monitoring of Mobile Machines in Port Logistics and Construction
➀ The University of Bremen collaborates with industry partners to develop an AI-driven modular edge computing system for real-time status monitoring of mobile machines in logistics and construction;
➁ The solution combines an AI cloud platform and transfer learning to minimize dependency on extensive field data, enhancing cost-effectiveness;
➂ Emphasizes data security through encryption and offers a user-friendly app to improve machine availability and operational efficiency.
June 25
- Electroactive polymers for heating and cooling
➀ Fraunhofer IAP develops ultrathin electrocaloric polymer films (4 micrometers) for refrigerant-free heating/cooling systems, targeting applications in vehicles, electronics, and laser systems;
➁ These polymers use electric fields to generate rapid temperature changes, enabling energy-efficient heat pump designs with alternating warm/cold zones;
➂ Multilayer stacking and material optimization enhance performance, offering eco-friendly alternatives to compressor-based refrigeration in the ElKaWe flagship project.
- Electroactive Polymers for Heating and Cooling
➀ Fraunhofer IAP develops ultrathin electrocaloric polymer films (4μm) for efficient heating/cooling systems that eliminate harmful refrigerants;
➁ Applications include automotive interiors, battery modules, and electronics, leveraging temperature changes via electric field modulation;
➂ Part of the ElKaWe project, aiming to replace traditional compressor-based systems with eco-friendly polymer-based heat pumps.
- 15 Years of Fraunhofer IZM-ASSID: The Future of Microelectronics Shaped by Fraunhofer IZM’s Dresden Site
➀ Fraunhofer IZM-ASSID celebrated 15 years as a pioneer in 3D system integration and wafer-level packaging, driving innovations like TSV processing and chiplet architectures;
➁ Flagship projects CEASAX (300mm microelectronics R&D) and APECS (EU Chips Act pilot line) strengthen Europe's competitiveness in semiconductor advanced packaging and edge AI;
➂ Strategic collaborations with GlobalFoundries, Infineon, Siemens, and academia solidify its role in global high-tech ecosystems and technological resilience.
- 15 Years of Fraunhofer IZM-ASSID: Dresden Institute Unit Shapes the Future of Microelectronics
➀ Fraunhofer IZM-ASSID celebrated its 15th anniversary as a global innovation leader in 3D system integration and wafer-level packaging, driving advancements in hybrid bonding and chiplet architectures;
➁ Key projects like CEASAX and the APECS pilot line under the EU Chips Act strengthen Europe's semiconductor ecosystem, enabling modular chip design and industrial collaboration;
➂ The institute fosters partnerships with industry giants (e.g., Infineon, GlobalFoundries) and academia, supporting critical research in edge AI, quantum computing, and automotive electronics.
- Explainable AI: Making Results Understandable and Transparent for Target Groups
❶ The article emphasizes the importance of transparency in AI decision-making, particularly in fields like medical diagnostics and recruitment, where understanding the rationale behind AI outputs is critical for trust and model improvement.
❷ It highlights two main focuses of Explainable AI (XAI): enhancing data/model quality for engineers and addressing ethical requirements to provide user-centric explanations, ensuring responsible AI deployment.
❸ The whitepaper advocates advancing XAI research, standardizing tools for large-scale models, integrating XAI into AI education, and encouraging corporate adoption to foster collaboration between human expertise and machine learning.
- 80 kW Fuel Cell Test Stand at Fraunhofer IWU Completes Hydrogen Ecosystem in Saxony
➀ Fraunhofer IWU launches an 80 kW fuel cell test stand to evaluate performance, durability, and reliability of fuel cell systems under varied operational conditions, supporting the industrial scale-up of hydrogen technologies;
➁ The facility expands testing infrastructure with additional units for electrolyzers and component-level analysis, including impedance measurements and material testing to optimize production costs and functionality;
➂ Collaboration with the Hydrogen Lab Görlitz and regional partners strengthens Saxony’s position as a hydrogen research hub, focusing on large-scale electrolysis simulation and climate-resilient testing.
June 23
- BMFTR Project SPINNING: Results Show Enormous Potential of Spin-Photon-Based Quantum Computers
➀ The BMFTR-funded SPINNING project demonstrated a diamond spin-photon quantum computer with 12 qubits, showcasing superior coherence times (over 10 ms) and lower error rates (<0.5%) compared to superconducting IBM models (Eagle, Heron);
➀ Photonic coupling over 20 meters enabled scalable, distributed quantum registers with high fidelity (over 0.9), offering flexible integration with classical computing systems;
➂ The project involved collaboration among 28 entities, advancing diamond material processing, qubit fabrication, and AI-driven quantum applications, funded with €16.1 million by the German government.
- Emergency Medicine: Robot Treats Injured People in Flight
➀ Researchers at Technical University of Munich (TUM) developed a robotic system to treat life-threatening tension pneumothorax during evacuation flights, using ultrasound-guided needle decompression;
➁ The system, part of the EU-funded iMEDCAP project, integrates a robotic arm and diagnostic tools for both military and civilian emergencies, such as gunshot wounds or traffic accidents;
➂ The project also includes drone-based evacuation (Avilus Grille) and telemedicine capabilities, with additional robotic modules under development for osseous access, tourniquet application, and chemical weapon response.
- Emergency Medicine: Robots Treat Injured During Flight
➀ Researchers at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) developed a medical robotic system to treat tension pneumothorax during evacuation flights, funded by the European Defense Fund;
➁ The robotic arm integrates ultrasound and a decompression needle for emergency intervention, part of the iMEDCAP project targeting military and civilian use;
➂ The system enables remote-controlled treatment via drones, with additional modules in development for tasks like drug delivery and hemorrhage control.
June 20
- BTU-Team Lausitz Dynamics is 2025 Europe and Africa Runner-Up in Prototype Hydrogen Category
➀ The BTU student team Lausitz Dynamics secured second place at the Shell Eco-marathon Europe and Africa 2025 in the Prototype Hydrogen Fuel Cell category, achieving an energy efficiency of 964.3 km/m³ of hydrogen, equivalent to ~2,890 km per liter of gasoline;
➁ The competition, held in Poland, focused on climate-neutral mobility, requiring teams to complete a set distance with minimal energy usage. The team redesigned their vehicle with a hydrogen fuel cell system, supercapacitors, and aerodynamic improvements;
➂ The interdisciplinary team of 17 students, led by Prof. Sylvio Simon, successfully transitioned from a battery-powered vehicle in 2024 to hydrogen fuel cell technology, showcasing innovation and collaboration in sustainable engineering.
June 19
- New Microscopy Tool for Energy Research
➀ Researchers developed an automated data analysis method for Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy (KPFM) to measure millisecond-level voltage changes on photoelectrode surfaces, enhancing insights into charge transport dynamics.
➀ The technique, demonstrated using titanium dioxide (TiO2), enables precise correlation between local morphology and optoelectronic properties, critical for improving photoelectrochemical cells (PECs) for sustainable hydrogen and fuel production.
➂ The innovation paves the way for designing more efficient and durable materials, advancing solar fuel technologies by leveraging high-resolution microscopy and data science approaches.
June 18
- Better Images for Humans and Machines
➀ Researchers from ETH Zürich and Empa developed a perovskite-based image sensor that captures more light with better color accuracy and fewer artifacts compared to traditional silicon sensors;
➀ The stacked perovskite layers enable full-spectrum light absorption without filters, tripling both light capture and resolution potential;
➀ The technology shows promise for hyperspectral imaging in medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and machine vision applications, with plans to miniaturize pixels further for commercialization.