Author page description
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.
- Intelligent 5G Network, Digital Twin, and Privacy in the IoT: Frankfurt UAS Graduates Awarded Friedrich-Dessauer-Preis
➀ Three graduates from Frankfurt UAS were awarded the Friedrich-Dessauer-Preis for their theses on IPv6 privacy in IoT, 5G network control, and thermal modeling of power electronics;
➁ Nico Lick developed Privacy Extensions for IoT devices using RIOT OS to address IPv6 tracking vulnerabilities, enhancing user privacy and protocol standardization;
➂ Thomas Zielasny integrated a Network Exposure Function into open-source 5G networks to optimize dynamic data flow, while Svenja Zöller validated a digital twin thermal model for predicting aging in wind turbine electronics.
- International Conference on Superconductive Electronics and Quantum Technologies Held in Germany
➀ The International Superconductive Electronics Conference (ISEC) 2025 in Erfurt convenes global experts to advance discussions on quantum computing, energy-efficient electronics, and brain-inspired computing.
➁ Thuringia positions itself as a technological innovation hub, with applications spanning secure communication, environmental sciences, and AI data center energy challenges.
➂ Forschungszentrum Jülich introduces the QSolid project, targeting scalable quantum computing through qubit integration and novel control electronics.
- Marco Stucki wins Berlin University Alliance ideas competition
➀ Marco Stucki won the Berlin University Alliance's open knowledge lab competition with an innovative method for manufacturing diamond-based quantum light sources, crucial for future quantum computing and secure communication networks;
➁ The competition, themed "Art meets Science," highlighted cutting-edge research in quantum technologies, exemplified by Stucki's "Sawfish Cavity"—a photonic crystal resonator that efficiently traps and amplifies light using wave-like structures;
➂ The project will be showcased through an artistic poster campaign under the Berlin University Alliance's Open Knowledge Lab initiative, bridging technical innovation and public engagement.
- Marco Stucki Wins Berlin University Alliance Ideas Competition
➀ Marco Stucki won the Berlin University Alliance's ideas competition with a novel method for creating diamond nanostructures for quantum technologies, enabling future quantum computing and secure communication networks;
➁ The competition showcased Berlin's diverse research fields, attracting over 80 submissions spanning global health, climate, and quantum technologies;
➂ Stucki's "Sawfish Cavity" uses diamond-based optical resonators to trap and amplify light, with artistic visualizations displayed publicly in Berlin as part of the campaign.
- Miniaturized quantum magnetometer offers new measurement possibilities for a wide range of applications
➀ Fraunhofer IAF showcases a compact diamond-based quantum magnetometer with high sensitivity and robustness at World of Quantum 2025;
➁ The sensor enables precise measurements for applications in biomedicine, navigation, and geology, including GNSS-free positioning and underground resource detection;
➂ Future goals include further miniaturization, sub-picotesla sensitivity, and scaling diamond wafers to 4 inches for industrial production.
- Miniaturized Quantum Magnetometer Offers New Measurement Possibilities for a Wide Range of Applications
➀ Fraunhofer IAF developed a miniaturized diamond-based quantum magnetometer using nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers, achieving high sensitivity (picotesla range) and robustness for applications in biomedicine, materials testing, and navigation;
➁ The sensor enables vector magnetic field measurements with reduced calibration, supports autonomous GNSS-free navigation in challenging environments, and aids in geological mineral exploration;
➂ Ongoing advancements aim to further reduce sensor size by 5x and enhance sensitivity for sub-picotesla measurements, while expanding diamond wafer production to industrial 4-inch scales.
- Outstanding Achievements in Research and Transfer: Prof. Karl Leo Awarded the Order of Merit of the Free State of Saxony
➀ Prof. Karl Leo, a leading scientist in solid-state physics and optoelectronics at TU Dresden, received Saxony's highest state honor for his transformative contributions to the region's research landscape;
➁ His pioneering work on organic semiconductors led to breakthrough OLED technologies now used globally in displays, alongside advancements in solar cells and biodegradable electronics;
➂ A serial entrepreneur, Leo founded 11 startups like Novaled and Heliatek, strengthening Silicon Saxony's tech ecosystem and earning prior accolades including the Leibniz Prize and European Inventor Award.
June 17
- Sustainable Manganese-Based Phosphors
➀ A joint research project by Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf and Universität Innsbruck explores manganese as a sustainable alternative to rare-earth elements in LED phosphors;
➁ Mn2+ in alkali lithosilicates demonstrates stable white-light emission under high temperatures, potentially replacing dual rare-earth phosphors in LEDs;
➂ The innovation addresses geopolitical and cost challenges of rare-earth mining while improving material accessibility and thermal performance for lighting applications.
- New standards for durable electronics: The EU energy label for mobile devices
➀ The EU will enforce a new energy label for smartphones and tablets (Android/iPadOS) from June 20, 2025, evaluating energy efficiency, durability, repairability, and reliability, with Fraunhofer IZM contributing key technical standards;
➁ The label aims to extend device lifespans (3.0 to 4.1 years for midrange phones), reduce e-waste, and save consumers €20 billion by 2030 through requirements like 800+ battery cycles, 7-year spare parts availability, and software/firmware access;
➂ Fraunhofer IZM developed robustness tests (e.g., drop tests) and advocated for reparability metrics, with similar laptop labels planned for 2028.
- New Standards for Durable Electronics: The EU Energy Label for Mobile Devices
➀ The EU will enforce a new energy label for smartphones and tablets starting June 2025, evaluating energy efficiency, durability, repairability, and requiring seven-year spare parts availability and software updates;
➁ Developed with Fraunhofer IZM, the label aims to extend device lifespans (e.g., smartphones from 3.0 to 4.1 years), cut e-waste, and save 14 TWh of energy annually by 2030;
➂ Future plans include expanding the initiative to laptops by 2028, reinforcing the EU’s focus on sustainable consumption and circular economy principles.
June 16
- Research Training Group in Organic Electronics receives further funding
➀ The German Research Foundation (DFG) awards €7.3 million over 4.5 years to the TIDE Research Training Group, a joint initiative by the Universities of Cologne and Bonn, focusing on molecular order's impact on organic electronics;
➁ The second funding phase emphasizes device implementation, building on foundational research linking experimental and theoretical approaches in flexible electronics like OLEDs and solar cells;
➂ Doctoral students receive multidisciplinary training, including international research opportunities and a Bench-to-Business program to bridge academic research with industry applications.
- Graduate School in Organic Electronics Receives Additional Funding
➀ The TIDE Graduate School in Organic Electronics secures €7.3 million in renewed DFG funding for a 4.5-year second phase, starting in October 2025;
➀ The Cologne-Bonn university collaboration focuses on molecular order‘s impact on device performance, training multidisciplinary experts for industry demands;
➂ The next phase emphasizes device implementation, international research opportunities, and business education to bridge academia and industry.
- Innovative Robotics Software »Botfellows Dynamic Safety« Makes Protective Fences Obsolete
➀ Botfellows GmbH, a spin-off from Fraunhofer IWU, introduces »Botfellows Dynamic Safety«, a software enabling industrial robots to operate without physical safety fences by dynamically adjusting speed based on human proximity;
➁ The solution integrates directly into robot controllers (e.g., Estun), ensuring safety while maintaining productivity through real-time sensor-camera monitoring and customizable human-robot collaboration modes;
➂ Key benefits include reduced costs, layout flexibility, and increased efficiency, showcased through live demos at automatica 2025.
- Innovative Robotics Software 'Botfellows Dynamic Safety' Eliminates the Need for Safety Fences
➀ Botfellows GmbH introduces 'Botfellows Dynamic Safety,' a robotics software integrated into control systems, replacing physical safety fences with dynamic zones that adjust robot movements based on human proximity;
➁ The solution enables human-robot collaboration (HRC) in shared workspaces, enhancing productivity and flexibility in tasks like palletizing through coexistence, cooperation, and collaboration scenarios;
➂ Developed in partnership with Estun Automation, the software eliminates complex interfaces, reduces costs, and supports seamless industrial automation.
June 13
- Fraunhofer IZM Awards Dr. Lutz Stobbe the 2025 Research Prize
➀ Dr. Lutz Stobbe received the 2025 Fraunhofer IZM Research Prize for pioneering research in sustainable ICT, focusing on lifecycle environmental assessment models for digital infrastructure like data centers and network technologies;
➁ His methods combine quantitative data analysis with modular chip design and circular economy principles to identify ecological hotspots and drive eco-friendly microelectronics;
➂ As a cross-disciplinary leader, he bridges technical research and stakeholder communication, advocating for repairability and recyclability in future digital systems.
- Dr. Lutz Stobbe honored with the Fraunhofer IZM 2025 Research Award
➀ Dr. Lutz Stobbe received the 2025 Fraunhofer IZM Research Award for pioneering work on ecological life cycle assessments of ICT infrastructure, focusing on data centers and network technologies;
➁ His research provides granular data on energy, materials, and production processes, enabling eco-design improvements like modular chip manufacturing;
➂ Stobbe advocates for circular economy principles in microelectronics, emphasizing reusability and recyclability while bridging technical analysis with stakeholder communication.
June 12
- If we want truly intelligent robots, improving the design of their bodies is essential
➀ Current robots prioritize AI-driven software control, but their mechanical limitations hinder agility and energy efficiency compared to biological systems;
➁ Embodied intelligence integrates control into robot physiques, reducing computational demands and enabling passive adaptation to environments;
➂ Soft robots using physical mechanisms like self-oscillating valves exemplify hybrid designs balancing software and mechanical intelligence for future applications.
- If we really want intelligent robots, we need to improve the design of robot bodies
➀ Current robotics focus excessively on AI software, neglecting mechanical design, leading to inefficiency and high energy consumption compared to biological organisms;
➀ The concept of 'embodied intelligence' emphasizes integrating physical design with environmental interactions to enhance robotic agility and reduce computational overhead;
➂ Soft robots made from flexible materials showcase 'physical control' mechanisms, utilizing material properties to minimize reliance on digital controllers and improve energy efficiency.