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March 3
- More Power for Fiber Optic Networks
➀ Fraunhofer researchers have optimized data transmission in fiber optic networks with applications like self-driving vehicles and 6G communications.
➁ WESORAM and Multi-Cap projects enhance network capacity with innovative technologies.
➂ LCoS mirrors and spectrometer gratings enable advanced signal handling and multiplexing.
- More Power for Fiber Optic Networks
Fraunhofer researchers, in collaboration with partners, have optimized data transmission in fiber optic networks using smart techniques. Optical switches with liquid crystal mirrors reduce data packets, allowing more data to pass through the network. Additionally, splitting signals across various fiber strands creates more flexibility.
The project WESORAM has developed a technology that allows signals from eight input channels to be sent to 16 output channels, increasing network capacity and flexibility. The research also includes the development of signal amplifiers for multi-core fibers, enhancing data transmission capabilities.
Both projects are supported by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research and the VDI (Association of German Engineers).
- Modular SCADA Platform to Ensure Stability of Power Grids
➀ The European power supply system is undergoing a transformation due to the energy transition, with more and more facilities feeding into the decentralized power grid through power electronics.
➁ The InterSCADA project aims to develop a modular SCADA platform that will help grid operators across Europe maintain system stability in increasingly hybrid AC/DC power grids.
➂ The platform is designed to be flexible and adaptable to dynamic network situations, and will be tested in four European countries to ensure its replicability in diverse geographical environments and regulatory and technical requirements.
- AI Diagnostic Platform Improves Early Detection of Skin Cancer
➀ An innovative full-body scanner linked to an AI diagnostic platform is being used to improve early detection of melanoma;
➁ The scanner, developed by project partner Bosch, scans the entire body in six minutes and uses cognitive AI to assess risks;
➂ Explainable AI (XAI) technologies are being incorporated to ensure the reliability and safety of the AI system.
- KI-Diagnoseplattform improves early detection of skin cancer
The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft has developed a new KI-Diagnosis Platform that improves the early detection of skin cancer using a whole-body scanner. The scanner, connected to the KI platform, analyzes the entire body in six minutes and provides a risk assessment for any suspicious skin changes. The project, iToBoS, involves 20 partners and is aimed at enhancing and speeding up the existing method of skin examination. The scanner uses cognitive AI to assist in the examination and provides a personalized risk evaluation for each mole. The platform integrates health data from various sources, and the project is supported by the EU with 12.1 million euros.
February 28
- An Extraordinary Employee: Humanoid Robot TALOS at TU Darmstadt for Research into Human-like Learning
➀ The Technical University of Darmstadt has introduced a state-of-the-art humanoid robot, TALOS, to its research portfolio, marking the launch of the new Laboratory for Humanoid Robotics.
➁ TALOS, from Pal Robotics, is a versatile robot capable of handling heavy objects, climbing stairs, and interacting with humans and mechanical colleagues.
➂ The robot is equipped with advanced sensors and computing power, including an AI accelerator, to perform complex tasks and movements.
February 27
- Thin Chips and Robust Substrates - Key Technologies for Cost-Efficient Silicon Carbide Power Electronics
➀ Silicon carbide (SiC) offers significant technical advantages for power electronics, but its cost remains a barrier to market penetration. The Fraunhofer Institutes are developing key technologies to reduce material losses and device thickness while increasing the thermomechanical stability of SiC chips.
➁ The ThinSiCPower project aims to produce cost-effective SiC substrates and thinner SiC chips using more resource-efficient processing technologies, such as laser separation of SiC crystals and bonding onto a carrier substrate.
➂ The project partners are Fraunhofer ISE, ENAS, IWM, and IISB, with the goal of reducing SiC device costs by 25% and SiC design costs by 25% through increased load cycle stability.
- Thin Chips and Robust Substrates – Key Technologies for Cost-Effective Silicon Carbide Power Electronics
The article discusses the development of cost-effective silicon carbide (SiC) power electronics through research projects like ThinSiCPower. It highlights the advantages of SiC over traditional silicon, emphasizing the need for reducing costs and improving thermal-mechanical stability. The project focuses on creating thin SiC chips and cost-effective substrates without the need for sawing and grinding, aiming to accelerate the market penetration of efficient SiC power electronics.
- Success for European Battery Project: From Raw Material to (Almost) Fully Developed Car Battery
➀ The EU project led by Empa significantly improved batteries for electric vehicles over four years;
➁ The goal was to scale new materials and technologies to market as quickly as possible;
➂ The project developed a new battery module with higher energy density, better environmental footprint, and improved safety features.
February 26
- Outstanding Final Theses Awarded by Baelz Foundation: HBC Graduate Johannes Spangler Receives Prize
➀ The Baelz Foundation has for the 22nd time awarded outstanding Bachelor's and Master's theses;
➁ Johannes Spangler, a graduate of HBC, received the second prize in the Master's category;
➂ Spangler's thesis focused on the analysis and evaluation of refrigeration systems using new software tools.
February 25
- HEAD-Genuit-Stiftung Approves New Graduate College 'MOSAIC' at RWTH Aachen, UKA, and TU Berlin
➀ The HEAD-Genuit-Stiftung supports the establishment of the new graduate college 'MOSAIC' at RWTH Aachen, involving the UKA and TU Berlin.
➁ The graduate college focuses on researching acoustic well-being in various indoor and outdoor spaces, with a special emphasis on the new research direction 'Soundscape'.
➂ The interdisciplinary research group considers numerous factors influencing acoustic experience, including interactions with temperature, light conditions, air quality, room height, and geometry.
- Official Inauguration of Prof. Dr. Martin Braun with a Technical Symposium
The formal inauguration of Prof. Dr. Martin Braun as the director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Energy Economics and Energy System Technology IEE in Kassel was held recently. The event was accompanied by a symposium on 'Sustainable and Smart Energy Systems,' which addressed the central challenges and future perspectives of the energy transition. The focus was on the current key themes of the Institute: resilience, digitalization, and sector coupling.
In his speech, Timon Gremmels, the Minister for Science, Research, Art, and Culture of Hesse, welcomed Prof. Braun to his new position and emphasized the importance of the work of Fraunhofer IEE in the transition to renewable energies. Prof. Constantin Häfner, the Board Member for Research and Transfer at Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, also praised Prof. Braun's contributions to the practical application of research results in the economy.
Prof. Martin Braun, who has significantly shaped the development of Fraunhofer IEE for many years, views the leadership of the Institute as a central responsibility. The Institute aims to develop innovative solutions for the design and automation of energy plants and the entire energy system, with a particular emphasis on close collaboration with partners from science and industry.
February 24
- INM at LOPEC: Customized Functional Inks for Printed Electronics
➀ The INM – Leibniz-Institut für Neue Materialien presents functional inks and coatings at the LOPEC in Munich, tailored for specific applications.
➁ The inks are designed for flexibility, heat sensitivity, and conductivity, suitable for various applications including wearable devices and smart buildings.
➂ The INM showcases its innovations at stand B0.610, including functional surfaces, transparent heating structures, and satellite communication components.
- 8th UKP Workshop: High-power Lasers and New Technologies for Material Processing
➀ The 8th UKP Workshop will be held at DAS LIEBIG in Aachen on April 8 and 9, 2025, focusing on scaling and increasing productivity through innovative system technology.
➁ Key topics include beam shaping, fast beam deflection, and the use of high-power beam sources.
➂ Exciting presentations from industry and research will cover the latest technological trends and industrial applications.
February 21
- Further Education: Vocational Schools Drive Vocational Training for Electric Vehicles
➀ The increasing share of electric vehicles (EVs) necessitates a growing need for skilled professionals in the field.
➁ Vocational school teachers from across Bavaria are being trained at the Hochschule Coburg to keep up with the latest technology in EVs.
➂ The training focuses on various aspects such as motor types, cooling systems, and energy management, with hands-on experience and guest lectures from industry experts.
- TU Ilmenau Research Project: Contactless Measurement of Brain Signals for Gentle Monitoring of Newborns
➀ The Technical University of Ilmenau is launching a research project to enable direct, contactless measurement of human biosignals.
➁ The new sensor system, part of the ELFISENS project, is designed to capture biosignals without touching the skin.
➂ The technology aims to revolutionize the monitoring of biosignals in electroencephalography and provide gentle long-term monitoring, especially for newborns.
February 20
- Roll-to-Roll Nano-Imprint Lithography for Design Applications and More Efficient Photovoltaics
➀ The Fraunhofer FEP is developing optically effective surface structures for perovskite solar cells within the EU PERSEUS project to enhance cell efficiency and reduce reflection losses.
➁ The Design-PV project focuses on creating decorative surfaces for integrated photovoltaic modules, combining aesthetically pleasing solutions with PV-active wall areas.
➂ The RzR-NIL technology allows for the production of large-area, continuous film surfaces with various applications, such as Lab-on-Chip structures, biofouling reduction, and window anti-reflective coatings.
- Roll-to-roll nanoimprint lithography for design applications and more efficient photovoltaics
Fraunhofer FEP is developing new optically effective surface structures for perovskite solar cells using roll-to-roll nanoimprint lithography (NIL) to minimize reflection losses and increase efficiency. The project Design-PV aims to integrate PV-active facade areas with non-active surfaces seamlessly. NIL technology is also being explored for applications in antifouling, anti-reflective coatings, and medical engineering.
The project PERSEUS is focused on improving the performance of perovskite solar cells with innovative methods, including optimized surface structures. Fraunhofer FEP is working on cost-effective production of these structures using R2R-NIL, targeting indoor and outdoor photovoltaic module applications.
NIL is capable of fabricating surface topographies on polymer films for large-scale production. The technology offers flexibility to integrate various pigments or particles into coatings, and is being developed for applications beyond photovoltaics, such as lab-on-chip structures and battery electrode substrates.
- Fraunhofer HHI Launches Research Project for Sustainable Communication Networks
➀ The Fraunhofer Heinrich-Hertz-Institut (HHI) has started the CELTIC-NEXT Flagship Project SUSTAINET aimed at developing sustainable and resilient network technologies.
➁ The project, funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research with 30 million Euros, will run from January 2025 to December 2027.
➂ The focus is on developing future-proof networks that integrate fiber, wireless networks, and modern mobile generations, improving the availability, resilience, and sustainability of the networks.
- Fraunhofer HHI Launches Research Project for Sustainable Communication Networks
Fraunhofer Heinrich-Hertz-Institut (HHI) has initiated the SUSTAINET project, a €30 million research effort to develop sustainable and resilient network technologies. The project, running from January 2025 to December 2027, aims to integrate fiber optics, radio, and mobile networks to improve network availability and sustainability. It is divided into three sub-projects focusing on advanced technologies, intelligent solutions, and sustainable network architectures.
- Patent-Worthy Achievement: VibroDraw Enables Material-Friendly Ultrasonic Deep Drawing in Series
➀ The Fraunhofer IWU has achieved a patent-worthy achievement with the VibroDraw process, which integrates ultrasonic vibrations into deep drawing processes to reduce friction and improve material handling.
➁ The process, developed in collaboration with MARK Metallwarenfabrik GmbH and DEVAD GmbH, has the potential to reduce friction by at least 20 percent.
➂ The technology is being transferred to industry, particularly for the deep drawing of cell housings in high-voltage batteries for electric vehicles, aiming for larger cell formats and higher energy density.
- Patent-Ready Performance: VibroDraw Enables Material-Saving Ultrasound Deep Drawing in Series
➀ The Fraunhofer IWU, in collaboration with MARK Metallwarenfabrik GmbH and DEVAD GmbH, has successfully integrated ultrasound vibrations into industrial deep drawing processes with frequencies up to 500 cycles per minute using the VibroDraw method.
➁ The technique reduces friction significantly, leading to less material stress, surface damage, and cracking.
➂ The research team, led by Martin Mädlow, achieved a 20% reduction in friction by using the matrix in the forming process, with potential for further improvement.
February 19
- Advancing Zero-Emission Urban Mobility
➀ The metaCCAZE Consortium held a meeting in Amsterdam to accelerate sustainable urban mobility solutions.
➁ The project focuses on shared, smart, and zero-emission mobility in 12 European cities.
➂ The four Trailblazer Cities are finalizing mobility solutions for demonstration, including waste collection optimization, on-demand transport services, and sustainable last-mile delivery.
- Ernst-Abbe-Hochschule Jena Establishes Endowed Professorship for 'Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI)'
➀ The Ernst-Abbe-Hochschule Jena (EAH Jena) is establishing an endowed professorship for 'Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI)';
➁ The professorship aims to improve the transparency and comprehensibility of decisions made by AI systems through innovative methods and tools;
➂ The professorship will focus on interdisciplinary research and education, involving various fields such as healthcare, social services, and business administration.
February 18
- Interview: Which Energy and Which Heating?
➀ The topic of heating, renovation, and energy has caused dissatisfaction and resignation in society;
➁ Professor Dr. Michael Schaub discusses the current situation and the use of heat pumps;
➂ The cost of converting to a Propan heat pump and the challenges of energy efficiency are addressed.
- Robotics Innovations in the Schweinfurt City Center
➀ The Technical University of Würzburg-Schweinfurt's robotics students presented their innovative business ideas at a pitch event in StudyFAB;
➁ The event showcased a variety of ideas, from industrial applications to everyday solutions and healthcare;
➂ The winning team, BRICS, aims to increase the recycling rate of bricks using deep learning algorithms and robotics technology.
- With These Two 'Studium PLUS' Models, Gain Abundant Professional Experience
The University of Heilbronn offers two 'Studium PLUS' models: 'Studium PLUS Education' and 'Studium PLUS Deepened Practice', allowing students to earn two professional qualifications in approximately five years, including an IHK-certified vocational qualification and a bachelor's degree.
Students can gain practical experience during the semester break by working in companies. Over 50 partner companies and around 20 courses in technology, business, and information technology are available to interested students.
Students who have already started the 'Studium PLUS Education' program, such as Raphael Klumpp, find that the cooperative study model is the ideal combination of theory and practice, providing excellent career opportunities upon graduation.
- Funding for Research Project on Sustainable Sodium-Ion Batteries
The University of Bayreuth is involved in the SIB:DE FORSCHUNG project, aiming to advance the industrial application of sodium-ion batteries. The project, funded by €14 million from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, involves 21 institutions to fast-track the application of research discoveries. Professor Dr. Matteo Bianchini leads the 'Anodes' subteam focusing on the development of new active materials for cathodes and anodes. The project includes seven industrial partners and 14 academic partners, with an extended consortium of 42 associated partners.
- Promotion for Research Project on Sustainable Sodium-Ion Batteries
The University of Bayreuth is involved in the project 'Sodium-Ion Battery: Germany Research – SIB:DE RESEARCH' aimed at the rapid industrial implementation of sodium-ion batteries. Twenty-one national institutions from science and industry are pooling their expertise to quickly transfer research results into practical application. The research project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) with approximately 14 million euros.
Lithium-ion batteries are the most commonly used energy storage devices currently. However, resource dependence and scarcity are significant challenges for this technology. Therefore, alternatives for mobile and stationary energy storage are urgently needed. Sodium-ion batteries (NIB, SIB) are considered a promising approach due to their abundance, affordability, and safety. Thus, sodium-ion batteries could play a key role in a stable and sustainable European energy supply.
The SIB:DE RESEARCH project involves 21 German institutions that are examining the suitability of SIB for the energy and mobility transition and aim to quickly industrialize its use. The project focuses on identifying SIB active materials that can be produced on a scalable basis and offer competitive cell performance. Prof. Dr. Matteo Bianchini from the University of Bayreuth's Chair of Inorganic Active Materials for Electrochemical Energy Storage is working on developing new active materials for cathodes and anodes, which are crucial for the performance of SIB.
February 14
- Honorary Doctorate Awarded to Axel E. Barten
➀ Axel E. Barten has been awarded an honorary doctorate (Dr.-Ing. E.h.) from the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology at the University of Siegen for his scientific work in mechanical engineering.
➁ Barten has been involved in university governance and is a member of the university's board of trustees. His commitment to integrating university research with high-tech practice is highlighted, particularly through the Campus Buschhütten project.
➂ Barten has contributed significantly to the development of new academic programs and has been a visionary driver in the field of engineering. He also spoke about the future of engineering education, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the use of artificial intelligence.