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September 16
- Online Session by Fraunhofer IAPT on AI as a Lever for Quality Assurance in Additive Manufacturing
➀ Fraunhofer IAPT will host an online session on October 16, 2025, showcasing AI, machine vision, and digital twins for cost-reduced quality assurance in additive manufacturing;
➁ The event will highlight virtualized production phases, automation of quality management, and economic benefits of AI solutions through industrial case studies;
➂ Targeting production leaders, engineers, and data scientists, the free 30-minute session aims to demonstrate scalable and automated approaches to quality control in AM.
- ROBDEKON Competence Center Stabilized Through Association Founding
➀ The ROBDEKON Competence Center, focused on robotics for decontamination in hostile environments, was formally established as a nonprofit association (ROBDEKON e.V.) to ensure long-term innovation and collaboration with industrial partners;
➁ The association serves as a platform for research, training, and knowledge exchange in AI-based robotic systems, with applications extending to civil safety, agriculture, and construction;
➂ Members gain access to leading research institutions and influence the direction of R&D, while the center also aligns with Germany’s Robotics Institute to advance large-scale autonomous robotics technologies.
- AI Regulation and Medical Devices: Balancing Safety and Innovation
➀ The EU AI Act imposes stringent requirements on AI-based medical devices, combining existing Medical Device Regulation (MDR) mandates, especially impacting Germany’s SME-dominated MedTech sector and startups;
➁ Challenges include high regulatory compliance costs, documentation burdens, and limited resources for SMEs, while ensuring patient safety demands robust data governance and human oversight for high-risk AI systems;
➂ The paper advocates for coordinated regulatory frameworks, real-world testing environments like sandboxes, and expanded access to healthcare data (e.g., European Health Data Space) to foster innovation and maintain Europe’s competitiveness.
- Quality Assurance in Electric Motor Production: Researchers Aim to Automate Air Gap Measurement
➀ The research project "MotorInspector" by IPH and MFP aims to automate air gap measurement in electric motors to enhance efficiency, longevity, and production costs;
➁ Focused on axial-flux motors (disk rotors), which are critical for e-mobility, the project integrates sensor-based measurement and robotic automation for quality control;
➂ Collaborating with industry experts, the team seeks practical insights to refine the automated system, targeting implementation in automotive and industrial motor production by 2027.
September 15
- Humans and Machines Learn Differently
➀ Researchers from Bielefeld University and international institutions highlight key differences in how humans and AI systems generalize knowledge;
➀ The study underscores the need for interdisciplinary collaboration between cognitive science and AI to align AI's generalization methods with human reasoning;
➂ The SAIL project, funded by North Rhine-Westphalia, aims to develop sustainable and human-centered AI systems through a shared conceptual framework.
- Humans and Machines Learn Differently
➀ Researchers from Bielefeld University and international institutions published a study in Nature Machine Intelligence, highlighting fundamental differences in how humans and AI systems generalize knowledge. Humans rely on conceptual thinking, while machines use methods like Out-of-Domain Generalization and neuro-symbolic AI;
➁ The interdisciplinary collaboration involving over 20 experts emphasizes the need to bridge cognitive science and AI research to create systems that align with human values and decision-making;
➂ The study is part of the SAIL project, funded by North Rhine-Westphalia, aiming to develop sustainable, transparent, and human-centered AI technologies throughout their lifecycle.
- Together on the Move: Niedersachsen-Technikum 2025/26 Launches with Hiking Tour in Osnabrück
➀ The Niedersachsen-Technikum 2025/26 cohort began with a hiking event in Osnabrück, attended by 41 participants and representatives from universities, companies, and ministries;
➁ The program combines internships and academic studies to empower women in STEM, with 90% of graduates pursuing STEM careers;
➂ Funded by government and private partners, the initiative highlights commitment to fostering gender diversity in technical fields.
September 12
- Max Planck Institute Magdeburg Presents Itself at Explore Science in Magdeburg
➀ The Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems Magdeburg will participate in Explore Science Magdeburg 2025, offering hands-on experiments in biotechnology and energy conversion for youth;
➁ The event, organized by the Klaus Tschira Stiftung and Magdeburg, aims to spark STEM interest through interactive workshops, microscopy activities, and fuel cell demonstrations;
➂ Focus areas include sustainable energy solutions, biotechnological research, and fostering collaboration between scientific institutions and schools.
- Carl Zeiss Foundation Supports Laser Research and Requirements Engineering at TH Bingen
➀ The Carl Zeiss Foundation funds two projects at TH Bingen: one focuses on reducing laser-plasma instabilities to improve fusion energy efficiency, and the other enhances Requirements Engineering for software development to ensure error-free outcomes;
➁ The fusion research aims to overcome key challenges in developing sustainable, CO2-free fusion power plants, while the software project emphasizes automated analysis and clear requirement documentation;
➂ Both initiatives align with TH Bingen's practical research ethos, with students actively participating, and applications for the 2025/26 academic year are open until September 15, 2025.
September 10
- A Bright Future for Quantum Computing
➀ Fraunhofer IZM and Akhetonics collaborate on the SPOC project to develop an all-optical quantum processor using advanced packaging technologies like thin-glass interposers and photonic wire bonding;
➁ Optical processors leverage photons for higher bandwidth, energy efficiency (up to 60x improvement), and scalability compared to traditional electronic systems;
➂ The SPOC project, funded by Investitionsbank Berlin, aims to deliver the first fully optical quantum processor by 2026 through iterative testing and hybrid material integration.
- Lighting the Way for Quantum Computers: The Dawn of All-Optical Quantum Processors
➀ Fraunhofer IZM and Akhetonics collaborate on developing a scalable all-optical quantum processor using light-based data processing, which promises 60x energy savings and higher bandwidth compared to electronic systems;
➁ The project employs advanced packaging technologies like glass-based interposers and photonic wire bonding, enhancing component integration efficiency by 50% and targeting miniaturization;
➂ Funded by Investitionsbank Berlin with €400,000, the SPOC initiative (2024-2026) aims to create a fully optical quantum computing platform through hybrid integration of optical materials.
September 9
- HSBI and Stadtwerke Research Intelligent Use of Electrical Consumers for Future Energy Supply
➀ HSBI and Stadtwerke Bielefeld collaborate on projects (ProSeCO and FlexLabQuartier) to enhance energy grid flexibility, integrating renewable energy and electric vehicles (EVs) in the Sennestadt district;
➁ ProSeCO develops a probabilistic digital twin to optimize low-voltage grid management, while FlexLabQuartier promotes decarbonization by aligning EV charging with local solar power generation;
➂ The research emphasizes user-centric solutions, including app-based recommendations for sustainable energy use, to reduce CO2 emissions and ensure grid stability.
- Energy planning reimagined: OASES provides open data and models for Africa and Europe
➀ The OASES project developed an open AU-EU ecosystem for energy system modeling, integrating satellite-based infrastructure detection, AI-driven RE plant identification, and high-resolution time series data for renewable energy planning.
➀ Collaborators including Fraunhofer IEE, universities, and research institutions enhanced the IRENA FlexTool and conducted case studies in Africa, enabling low-threshold, open-source solutions for renewable energy integration and grid expansion analysis.
➂ The project validated its tools through workshops and case studies in Algeria and South Africa, promoting cross-sector collaboration and setting the stage for future integration into national energy strategies via follow-up funding programs.
- Semiconductor Technology for Broadband Satellite Communication Achieves Record Efficiency
➀ Fraunhofer IAF developed a 70nm GaN transistor technology achieving record efficiency under satellite conditions, enabling compact active antennas for high-bitrate data transfer in Ka-, Q-, and W-bands;
➁ The technology demonstrates high linearity and power efficiency (58.6% peak efficiency at 38 GHz), meeting ESA standards for satellite communications, and aims to support resilient global networks;
➂ Results from projects like Magellan and GANYDEM170 will be showcased at EuMW 2025, alongside other GaN-based RF electronics advancements.
- Semiconductor technology for broadband satellite communications achieves record efficiency
➀ Fraunhofer IAF developed 70nm GaN HEMT transistors with 58.6% power-added efficiency at 38 GHz, setting a record under satellite conditions;
➁ The technology enables compact active antennas for high-bitrate data transfers in Ka/Q/W-bands, supporting global satellite communication networks;
➂ Achievements validated under ESA standards and presented at EuMW 2025, highlighting applications in GEO/LEO satellites and 6G systems.
- Driver and In-Cabin Monitoring Redefined: Limitless Recognition, Real Benefits
➀ Fraunhofer IOSB introduces AktiMeter, an innovative in-cabin monitoring system using Vision Language Models (VLMs) to detect any activity—including previously unknown scenarios—without retraining, enhancing autonomous vehicle safety and passenger comfort;
➁ Unlike traditional systems requiring specific activity training, AktiMeter leverages pre-trained AI knowledge to reduce development costs and time while ensuring local data processing for privacy compliance;
➂ The system benefits automakers in prototyping and market research through anonymized analytics, showcased at IAA Mobility 2025 as a leap in intelligent vehicle interiors.
- UZH Device Searches for Light Dark Matter
➀ UZH researchers developed a superconducting nanowire single-photon detector (SNSPD) to search for light dark matter particles below 1 MeV, achieving sensitivity to 1/10th of an electron's mass;
➁ The device detects photon-induced changes in superconducting nanowires, marking the first exploration of ultra-low-mass dark matter with this technology;
➂ Future plans include optimizing SNSPD for smaller particle detection and underground deployment to mitigate background radiation interference.
- Milestone in Flexible Perovskite Solar Cells: EU-funded PEARL Consortium Demonstrates Roll-to-Roll Production
➀ The EU-funded PEARL consortium achieved over 21% efficiency for flexible perovskite solar cells using advanced R2R manufacturing, with institutions like ICIX and VTT developing surface treatments and greener processes;
➁ Durability tests confirmed stability over 2,000 hours in harsh conditions, while sustainable practices, including carbon electrodes and material recycling, reduced the carbon footprint by 50%;
➂ The project aims to optimize large-scale production for applications like building-integrated photovoltaics, with demonstrations planned at the EU PVSEC 2025 conference.
- Milestone in Flexible Perovskite Solar Cells: EU-Funded PEARL Consortium Demonstrates Roll-to-Roll Manufacturing
➀ The PEARL Consortium achieved over 21% efficiency in flexible perovskite solar cells using advanced materials and roll-to-roll (R2R) pilot manufacturing;
➁ Sustainability efforts, including carbon electrodes and recycled PET, reduced carbon footprint by over 50%;
➂ The consortium plans to optimize R2R processes and expand real-world applications like building-integrated photovoltaics and IoT.
September 8
- New and simple detection method for nanoplastics: The 'optical sieve' works like a test strip
➀ A joint team from the University of Stuttgart and the University of Melbourne developed a cost-effective method using an "optical sieve" to detect nanoplastics (0.2–1 µm) in environmental samples, requiring only a standard optical microscope;
➁ The technique utilizes semiconductor substrates etched with "Mie voids" that produce color changes when particles are trapped, enabling rapid size and quantity analysis without complex equipment;
➂ The method has potential applications in on-site environmental monitoring and health research, with plans to adapt it for irregular particles and real-world water samples.
September 5
- ‘Wonder Material’ for Future Electronics with New Potential
➀ Researchers observed Floquet states in graphene using femtosecond-pulse microscopy, confirming Floquet engineering's applicability in metallic/semi-metallic materials;
➁ This breakthrough enables precise control of electronic states in quantum materials, advancing potential technologies like robust quantum computers and sensors;
➂ Funded by the German Research Foundation, the study opens pathways for tailoring material properties to shape future electronics and high-performance computing.
- Quantum Computing – Challenge and Opportunity for Scientific High-Performance Computing
➀ The ZKI Autumn Conference 2025 at the Leibniz Supercomputing Centre (LRZ) explores the future of data processing, focusing on quantum computing, AI hardware, and photonic computing paradigms;
➀ IBM's Dr. Heike Riel highlights efforts to advance quantum technologies, AI physics, and novel computing frameworks;
➀ The LRZ pioneers energy-efficient photonic AI computing using Q.ANT's analog photonic server, positioning Germany as a leader in post-CMOS technologies.
September 4
- ERC Starting Grant for Junior Professor Stefan Mönch – Towards Almost Lossless Electrical Energy Conversion
➀ Junior Professor Stefan Mönch at the University of Stuttgart has been awarded an ERC Starting Grant of €1.5 million to research highly efficient electrical energy conversion technologies;
➁ The project focuses on partial power processing (PPP) converters and multilevel converters to minimize energy losses in applications like electromobility and solid-state heat pumps, achieving efficiencies over 99%;
➂ Research explores cascading topologies and optimal voltage levels to extend applications to smart materials, soft robotics, and energy harvesting, supported by collaborations in projects like GaN4EmoBiL and COOLPOL.
- ERC Starting Grant for Junior Professor Stefan Mönch – Towards Nearly Lossless Electrical Energy Conversion
➀ Dr. Stefan Mönch received a €1.5 million ERC Starting Grant to advance research on near-lossless electrical energy conversion using Partial-Power Processing (PPP) and multilevel converters, aiming to minimize energy losses in voltage transformations.
➁ The research targets applications like electromobility and solid-state heat pumps (using eco-friendly electrocaloric materials) and explores optimizing voltage stages and cascading topologies to maximize efficiency, building on GaN semiconductor expertise from prior projects.
➂ The project also investigates energy harvesting and smart materials for soft robotics, with potential to significantly enhance sustainable energy systems and reduce environmental impact.
- Fraunhofer ISE Develops Test Procedure for Grid-Forming Inverters
➀ Fraunhofer ISE developed a standardized test procedure for grid-forming inverters in collaboration with German transmission system operators to assess their role in stabilizing power grids during renewable energy integration;
➁ The tests evaluated seven manufacturers' inverters (ranging from kW to MW scale), revealing significant behavioral variations under simulated grid stress scenarios and providing optimization insights;
➂ Project outcomes informed European standardization efforts, including the VDE FNN guidelines, and support future certification for grid-forming technologies ahead of 2026 market incentives.
- Paul Motzki receives one of Europe's most prestigious research grants to develop innovative cooling systems
➀ Professor Paul Motzki at Saarland University secured an ERC Starting Grant (€1.5 million) to advance elastocaloric cooling technology, combining shape memory alloys and dielectric elastomer actuators;
➁ The eco-friendly elastocaloric method uses nickel-titanium alloys for heating/cooling without harmful refrigerants, achieving 20°C temperature differentials, with potential for multi-stage systems;
➂ Motzki’s team also leads EU projects like the EIC Pathfinder (prototype air conditioning) and SmiLE (smart medical implants), leveraging AI for sensor-free actuator control and innovative cooling applications.
- Paul Motzki Receives One of Europe's Most Prestigious Research Awards for Innovative Cooling Systems
➀ Prof. Paul Motzki was awarded the ERC Starting Grant to develop elastocaloric cooling systems using shape memory alloys and dielectric elastomer films, aiming for compact, eco-friendly solutions;
➁ The technology, with potential applications in residential and automotive cooling, achieves temperature differentials of 20°C and is part of EU-funded projects like EIC Pathfinder;
➂ Motzki’s team is integrating silicone film actuators and AI-driven controls to advance energy-efficient, sensor-free cooling and heating prototypes.
- Even Smarter: Fraunhofer IWU and Fraunhofer IIS Introduce New Generation of smartTOOL Tool Holder
➀ The new-generation smartTOOL features enhanced sensors and electronics for monitoring process forces and vibrations in all directions, with sampling rates up to 10 kHz for high-frequency detection;
➁ Its compact, robust design reduces space by 25%, supports multiple spindle geometries, and uses wireless energy harvesting for autonomous operation without external power;
➂ Integrated with the AI-driven ECC4P Edge Cloud system, it enables real-time production monitoring and automation, debuting at EMO Hannover 2025.
September 3
- Artificial General Intelligence (AGI): Promises, Reality, and Open Questions
➀ AGI remains a contested concept with varying definitions, split between scaling neural networks (e.g., GPT-5) and hybrid approaches like AlphaFold combining data-driven and symbolic AI.
➁ Philosophical debates address AGI's alignment with human intelligence (consciousness, autonomy), while legal challenges include liability and governance for autonomous systems.
➂ The Lernende Systeme platform highlights societal risks, ethical concerns, and the need for democratic oversight in AGI development through its report.
- Students Develop Novel Multi-Metal 3D Printing Process
➀ ETH Zürich students created a rotating multi-metal 3D printer that processes multiple metals simultaneously, drastically reducing production time;
➀ The machine, designed for aerospace and industrial applications (e.g., rocket nozzles, turbines), uses a rotating platform for continuous printing and precise gas flow control;
➂ ETH filed a patent for this innovation, which aims to scale for larger components and broader use in fields like e-mobility and aviation.