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January 29
- On the Way to a New Battery Generation
➀ Researchers from China have proposed adding a soluble catalyst to lithium-air batteries to improve their performance and lifespan.
➁ The new imidazolyl-iodide salt (DMII) acts as a redox mediator that facilitates charge transport and prevents electrode passivation.
➂ Tests show promising results with reduced overpotential, high cycle stability, and reversible formation/decomposition of Li2O2 without side reactions.
January 28
- Two-Day Compact Course at Fraunhofer IAPT's Additive Academy
➀ The Additive Academy of Fraunhofer IAPT is offering a two-day compact course on March 25-26, 2025, providing a quick introduction to the basics of Additive Manufacturing (AM) and advanced skills for designing complex components.
➁ The course is aimed at researchers, product designers, manufacturers, business developers, and other management levels.
➂ The training covers current trends, applications, standards, cost models, and focuses on design for additive production, including lightweight construction, functional integration, productivity improvements, and waste reduction.
- KIT and DKFZ Develop Novel Technology for Internal Radiotherapy Using Compact Electron Accelerators
➀ Researchers from KIT and DKFZ are developing a new technology that uses compact electron accelerators to directly irradiate tumors within the body.
➁ The project, named UCART, aims to reduce the size of electron accelerators by over 1000 times, making them as small as a millimeter, which can be introduced into the body via an endoscope.
➂ This new approach could potentially make radiation therapy more accessible worldwide and reduce damage to healthy tissue during treatment.
January 27
- MoIn-LaMAS: Situation Orientation for Mobile Autonomous Systems to Establish a Communication Infrastructure
➀ On January 22, 2025, the Agentur für Innovation in der Cybersicherheit GmbH (Cyberagentur) announced a call for proposals for the MoIn-LaMAS research project, aiming to develop mobile communication infrastructures for crisis and disaster situations.
➁ The project focuses on the reconfigurability and resilience of communication networks, utilizing swarm networks of heterogeneous unmanned systems.
➂ The research project, funded with 5 million euros over three years, will provide a significant boost to civil protection in Germany and evaluate its technologies through a demonstrator.
- MoIn-LaMAS: Positioning for Autonomous Systems to Build Communication Infrastructure
➀ The Cybersecurity Innovation Agency has launched a new research initiative called MoIn-LaMAS, aiming to develop autonomous communication infrastructures for crisis and disaster scenarios.
➁ The project focuses on reconfigurable and resilient communication networks, leveraging heterogeneous unmanned systems to provide mobile ad-hoc communication infrastructure.
➂ With a research volume of 5 million euros over three years, the project aims to strengthen population protection in Germany and ensure the practical applicability of developed technologies.
- Three Finalists Advance to Next Phase for HAL2025 Competition
➀ The Agentur für Innovation in der Cybersicherheit GmbH has selected three finalists from 66 submissions for the HAL2025 competition focused on autonomous intelligent systems.
➁ The finalists include Fraunhofer IFF, Prof. Dr. Heiko Hamann, and Martin Matt, each with unique approaches to developing swarm intelligence systems.
➂ The next phase involves detailed concept development, with final evaluation by a Grand Jury and a prize of up to 100,000 Euros for the best concept.
- The PTB Consolidates Its Activities Around Artificial Intelligence
➀ The Physical-Technical Federal Agency (PTB) has established a new Competence Center 'Artificial Intelligence and Metrology' (KI-Met) to consolidate its activities related to artificial intelligence.
➁ PTB has been involved in research questions related to AI for several years and is focusing on creating synergies and exchanging knowledge with stakeholders from politics, industry, and standardization.
➂ The new competence center aims to improve the perception of PTB as a competent partner in AI and potentially become the first metrology institute worldwide to offer certification for AI algorithms.
- Nerve Stimulation: The Brain Doesn't Always Listen
➀ Researchers from TU Wien have found that nerve stimulation can be more effective when it is synchronized with the body's natural rhythms, such as heart rate and breathing.
➁ In a pilot study, five individuals were examined, and it was discovered that the timing of the electrical stimulation relative to the heartbeat is crucial.
➂ When the stimulation signals are set during systole (heart contraction), there is a significant effect compared to stimulation during diastole (heart relaxation).
- IVAM Hightech Summit 2025 – Celebrating 30 Years of Innovation
➀ The IVAM Hightech Summit, a leading conference in microtechnology, will be held from May 21-22, 2025, at Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund.
➁ The summit will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the IVAM Microtechnology Network under the theme “Tech United: Bridging Nations, Building Future”.
➂ Highlights include a comprehensive conference program, a technical accompanying exhibition, an evening networking event, and discussions on the future directions of the industry.
- IVAM Hightech Summit 2025 – 30 Years of Innovation in Microtechnology
➀ The IVAM Hightech Summit 2025 will be held on May 21-22, 2025, at the Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund, Germany.
➁ The summit will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the IVAM association for microtechnology and will feature an extensive conference program, technical exhibition, networking events, and strategic discussions.
➂ The event aims to foster direct exchanges along the entire value chain, promoting valuable business partnerships and showcasing innovations from young companies and technology firms.
- Renewable Energy Project in Bochum: EMSiQ - Sector-Crossing Energy Management in an Intelligent Residential Area
➀ The Ruhr-University Bochum and Vonovia are developing a project called EMSiQ which aims to create a sustainable energy management system in an intelligent residential area using renewable energy sources.
➁ The project integrates solar power, heat pumps, and electric mobility solutions to reduce the pressure on public power grids and minimize costs for residents.
➂ The project is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection with around 2.9 million euros over four years.
January 25
- Wireless Charging for Electric Vehicles - Project 'DynaviL' Launched at Hochschule Kempten
➀ The project 'DynaviL' has been launched at Hochschule Kempten to research wireless dynamic charging for electric vehicles, which will be designed for a spatially extended area for the first time.
➁ The project is funded by the Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy under the 'Electrical Systems' program with around €436,000.
➂ Two use cases are being demonstrated: autonomous shuttles and industrial vehicles. The goal is to develop a cost-effective solution that can be applied to both use cases.
January 24
- EU Funding to Help Children Regain Hand Function Through Neural Interfaces
➀ The European Research Council (ERC) is funding a project called 'PlayAgain' at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) aimed at developing neural interfaces to help children regain motor function in their hands.
➁ The project aims to strengthen or restore connections from the brain to the muscles of the paralyzed hand using a neural interface, potentially enabling intuitive control of neuroprostheses for grasping.
➂ The team hopes that with successful development, this technology could significantly improve the quality of life for children with neuromuscular impairments, allowing them to perform daily tasks and activities more independently.
- Faster, Comparable, and More Precise Fault Analysis in Microelectronics through Use of AI
➀ The Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS is working on a project called FA2IR with partners to develop solutions for using digital tools for fault analysis.
➁ The project aims to automate AI-assisted analysis to reduce subjectivity, shorten development times, and improve product quality.
➂ The initiative seeks to create comprehensive and fully integrated environments for processing and managing digital data, algorithms, methods, and models for machine learning that are globally applicable and can be dynamically expanded.
January 23
- Fraunhofer ZSI Presents Mid-Term Results of Current Funding Period
➀ Fraunhofer ZSI presented mid-term results for the current funding period to representatives from the Ministry of Economy, Innovation, Digital and Energy in Saarland.
➁ The center showcased advancements in intelligent sensor systems that are crucial for complex systems in the industrial and medical fields.
➂ Highlights included a functional demonstrator for non-contact characterization of heart muscle tissue models and an intelligent ultrasound sensor system designed using a modular approach.
- Ivan Minev Receives ERC Proof-of-Concept Grant for Innovative Neural Implants
➀ Professor Ivan Minev from the Technical University of Dresden has received a Proof-of-Concept grant from the European Research Council (ERC) for his project 'COATARRAY'.
➁ The project aims to develop specialized coatings that will significantly improve the electrical and mechanical performance of bioelectronic implants.
➂ The grant will fund the project for 18 months with 150,000 Euros, supporting extensive testing and preclinical studies.
- Bachelor of Engineering: Discover Online Study Options!
➀ The Technical University of Aschaffenburg is offering two attractive bachelor's degree programs in Electro- and Information Technology (B.Eng.) and Business Engineering (B.Eng.).
➁ The blended learning concept allows for predominantly time- and location-independent learning with phases of self-study and usually two presence days per month at the university.
➂ On January 24, 2025, at 17:30, the study program team will answer all important questions about these two bachelor's degree programs during an information event held on campus.
- First Node for the Quantum Internet of the Future Established in Aachen
➀ The Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT has established the first node for the quantum internet of the future in Aachen, Germany.
➁ This node is part of a larger project aimed at developing metropolitan scale quantum networks, connecting quantum computers and sensors securely and powerfully.
➂ The project involves multiple partners including QuTech, OPNT B.V., Element6, and TOPTICA Photonics AG, and aims to solve the repeater problem to facilitate a cross-border quantum internet.
- First Node for the Future Quantum Internet Established
➀ The first node for the future quantum internet was established in Aachen, Germany, as part of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology 2025.
➁ Researchers from QuTech in the Netherlands have connected two quantum computers over a 25 km fiber optic cable, achieving reproducible quantum entanglement.
➂ The project aims to develop metropolitan-scale quantum networks, which are seen as precursors to the quantum internet of the future.
- Two AI Projects as Boosters for Economy and Defense
➀ Two research projects, KI-AmaR and XRai Vision, are receiving funding to develop AI-assisted systems for complex repairs and the use of XR technologies in industrial processes.
➁ The KI-AmaR project aims to enable complex repairs without specialized training using a mobile smart factory equipped with a 3D printer.
➂ The XRai Vision project focuses on supporting companies in adopting Extended Reality (XR) technologies like AR and VR to improve their workflows and productivity.
- Cybersecurity Agency Initiates Call for Innovative Data Reconstruction Research
➀ The Cybersecurity Agency has initiated a call for innovative data reconstruction research to address communication challenges in difficult environments.
➁ The program aims to develop new approaches and technologies to improve communication quality with low data transfer rates, focusing on security-critical applications.
➂ Interested organizations are invited to submit ideas by February 16, 2025, to contribute to the development of robust and future-proof communication capabilities.
- Achieving a Resource-Efficient Energy Industry Using AI, Digital Twins, and Smart Algorithms
➀ Fraunhofer ITWM is showcasing its latest developments in achieving a resource-efficient energy industry at E-world energy and water 2025.
➁ The team from the 'System Analysis, Prognosis and Control' department is presenting monitoring systems with non-contact torque detection and AI for resource-efficient plant operation.
➂ The 'High Performance Computing' department's 'Green by IT' team is working on managing the energy transition, including the integration of Dutch energy community 'Schoonschip' into energy markets using innovative technologies.
- With AI, Digital Twins, and Smart Algorithms for a Resource-Efficient Energy Economy
➀ Fraunhofer ITWM is showcasing its latest developments in resource-efficient plant operation at E-world energy and water 2025.
➁ The teams are presenting their research on artificial intelligence for efficient operation and imaging techniques for process and product monitoring.
➂ The institute is also optimizing heat power plant processes with digital twins and managing energy communities with innovative technologies.
- Thermal Movement: New Approach to Recycling Lithium Batteries
➀ Researchers at Anhalt University of Applied Sciences are developing a new thermal recycling method for lithium-ion batteries to recover valuable materials like lithium, cobalt, aluminum, copper, and nickel.
➁ The current mechanical recycling processes have limitations and inefficiencies, leading to only half of lithium-ion batteries being recycled.
➂ The project aims to develop an efficient process in a reactor oven that can achieve high recovery rates of valuable materials from both small and large batteries.
January 22
- German Universities Qualify Immigrated Engineers for the Local Labor Market
➀ The program 'QualifyING' is initiated by three universities in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) to qualify immigrant engineers for the local job market.
➁ The program includes theoretical and practical training, covering topics such as DIN standards, time management, and presentation skills.
➂ Examples of participants like Ahmad Al Kejji and Olena Prykhodko show how the program helps immigrants integrate into the German workforce.
- Interactive Mathematics Practice Platform to Reduce Dropout Rates in STEM Programs in Schleswig-Holstein
➀ The FH Kiel team has developed an interactive mathematics practice platform called mintSH to help reduce dropout rates in STEM programs.
➁ The platform offers over 2,000 practice problems from applied mathematics fields including engineering sciences, computer science, and inductive statistics.
➂ During the pilot phase, about 850 STEM students from three universities in Schleswig-Holstein used mintSH, receiving positive feedback from both students and teachers.
January 21
- Three Finalists Advance to Next Phase for HAL2025 Competition
➀ The Cyberagentur has announced three finalists for their HAL2025 competition focused on developing autonomous intelligent systems.
➁ The finalists include Fraunhofer IFF from Magdeburg, Prof. Dr. Heiko Hamann from the University of Konstanz, and Martin Matt as an individual participant.
➂ The next phase requires detailed concepts to be submitted by April 2025, with a grand jury evaluating the submissions.
- AI Boosts Performance of Photovoltaic Technology
➀ Researchers at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) have demonstrated that machine learning (ML) can significantly improve the manufacturing process monitoring of perovskite solar cells, a promising photovoltaic technology.
➁ Using deep learning techniques, they were able to predict material properties and efficiencies of solar cells with high precision beyond laboratory scale.
➂ The study shows that ML can help identify process errors during cell production, leading to improved quality control without additional testing methods.
- Professor at University of Duisburg-Essen Develops Method to Predict and Enhance Flow State for Improved Productivity
➀ Professor Mario Nadj at the University of Duisburg-Essen has developed a method using machine learning and electrocardiogram sensors to predict and enhance the 'flow' state, a phase of deep concentration.
➁ This method can predict the flow state almost in real-time, allowing for uninterrupted determination unlike traditional methods that rely on self-reports.
➂ The research aims to reduce interruptions and improve productivity, with potential applications in both professional and musical settings.
January 20
- 2 Million Euros for Establishing a New Bachelor's Program in Robotics & Artificial Intelligence at Hochschule Koblenz
➀ The state government of Rhineland-Palatinate is funding the establishment of a new bachelor's program in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence at Hochschule Koblenz with two million euros.
➁ The program will focus on robotics applications and artificial intelligence/informatics, filling a gap in the current educational offerings in the region.
➂ This initiative aims to support digital transformation in the economy and foster technological innovation by qualifying professionals in these fields.