➀ Researchers at Fraunhofer IOSB developed the AktiMeter, an AI-powered system that logs and analyzes human movements in vehicles, capturing body positions, gestures, and activities;

➁ The technology combines computer vision, 3D modeling, and generative AI to enable real-time insights for ergonomic studies, automated driving applications, and market research;

➂ Plans for a 2026 market launch include validating reliability and creating a user-friendly interface, aiming to enhance vehicle safety, user experience, and AI-driven innovation in the automotive industry.

➀ Fraunhofer IOSB developed AktiMeter, an AI-driven system using computer vision to analyze passenger behavior and activities in vehicles in real-time, enhancing autonomous driving interactions.

➁ The technology combines 3D vehicle modeling, machine learning, and generative AI to handle unforeseen scenarios without cloud dependency, generating a digital twin of the cabin while ensuring GDPR compliance.

➂ Applications include market research, ergonomic studies, and autonomous vehicle development, with prototypes being tested and a commercial launch planned for mid-2026.

➀ Fraunhofer IFAM developed dynamic impedance spectroscopy for real-time monitoring of battery status during operation, improving safety and lifespan;

➁ The method enables immediate detection of overheating in electric vehicle batteries and optimizes charging strategies, reducing wear;

➂ Applications extend to renewable energy storage and safety-critical sectors like aviation, supporting diverse battery technologies, including solid-state and sodium-ion.

➀ Fraunhofer researchers develop a multimodal imaging method combining X-ray CT and radar to reduce radiation exposure in breast and lung cancer diagnosis;

➁ Radar provides 3D tissue imaging without radiation by analyzing electrical conductivity, complementing X-ray data for higher precision and artifact reduction;

➂ A three-year project aims to create a lab prototype for early, low-radiation detection of tissue changes, involving Fraunhofer EMI, MEVIS, and FHR institutes.

➀ Fraunhofer IOF researchers advanced thin-film lithium niobate (LNOI) technology to develop photonic integrated circuits (PICs), enabling energy-efficient, high-speed optical systems for quantum computing and AI;

➁ The PhoQuant project aims to build a photonic quantum computer using LNOI-based optical components, eliminating the need for complex cooling and enabling scalable quantum internet applications;

➂ LNOI circuits achieve 100 GHz processing speeds with low-voltage control, offering high bandwidth and multi-wavelength signal processing for AI tasks, showcased at World of Quantum 2025.

➀ Fraunhofer MEVIS developed a deep-learning-based software to automatically compare CT scans of lung tumors, improving accuracy and speed in tracking disease progression and treatment effects;

➁ The AI-driven solution detects 11% more tumors and processes images in under a second, reducing clinician workload and enabling timely therapy adjustments;

➂ Clinically validated, the tool aims to expand to full-body applications, enhancing patient outcomes and reducing unnecessary costs.

➀ Fraunhofer IOSB is developing satellite-based electro-optical sensors to detect missile launches early, enhancing defense response times.

➁ The sensors use infrared technology to identify missile exhaust plumes, enabling faster countermeasures and simulations via MATISSE software for accuracy.

➂ Algorithms minimize false alarms by analyzing heat signatures, with systems already tested on ERNST satellite and geostationary projects with Airbus Defence and Space.

➀ Germany's laser industry faces supply chain risks due to dependence on rare-earth elements from third countries, jeopardizing technological sovereignty;

➁ Fraunhofer Institute researches alternative laser crystals, nonlinear optical materials, and fiber optics to enhance self-reliance, including novel crystal growth methods and damage threshold measurement technologies;

➂ Applications span quantum tech, medical systems, and defense, with innovations in short/mid-infrared fiber lasers and customized optical components showcased at LASER 2025 trade fair.

➀ Fraunhofer Institute is addressing Germany's dependency on imported rare-earth elements by developing alternative laser crystals and fibers to ensure technological sovereignty;

➁ Researchers focus on optimizing crystal quality, damage thresholds, and fiber laser design to enhance performance in applications ranging from quantum tech to medical devices;

➂ Innovations in non-linear optics (NLO) and material processing will be showcased at the LASER trade show in Munich, highlighting solutions for supply chain resilience.

➀ Germany faces challenges in laser technology due to reliance on rare earths and crystals from third countries, exacerbated by export restrictions and geopolitical tensions;

➁ Fraunhofer Institute (IOSB) develops alternative solutions through advanced crystal growth, nonlinear optical materials, and fiber laser technologies to ensure supply chain independence;

➂ Innovations include improved crystal processing techniques, fiber optics for infrared applications, and robustness testing, showcased at LASER 2025 trade fair in Munich.

➀ A consortium of 12 European partners, coordinated by imec, launches the EU Chips Design Platform under the EU Chips Act to support fabless semiconductor startups and SMEs with cloud-based design resources, training, and funding;

➁ The platform offers access to EDA tools, IP libraries, fabrication pilot lines, and mentorship programs, aiming to reduce costs and accelerate time-to-market for chip innovations;

➂ Integrated with Europe’s broader semiconductor strategy, the initiative complements national competence centers and pilot lines like APECS and WBG, strengthening the continent’s industrial competitiveness through 2028.

➀ The IAMHH e.V. Association has appointed Dr. Maximilian Heres as its new Managing Director to promote the development of new technologies in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region and the industrial application of additive manufacturing.

➁ Dr. Heres has over seven years of experience in the development, optimization, and implementation of advanced manufacturing processes, focusing on integrating futuristic manufacturing technologies like 3D printing.

➂ As the new Managing Director, Dr. Heres will represent IAMHH e.V. in local and national scientific and industrial organizations, fostering collaboration and innovation.

➀ The Fraunhofer CINES excellence cluster provides recommendations for achieving a climate-neutral industry in Germany by 2045;

➁ Emphasis on the role of electricity and hydrogen as central energy carriers and the importance of energy infrastructure development;

➂ Discusses the challenges and opportunities for cost-effective and competitive energy systems, including the development of hydrogen infrastructure and electricity pricing.

➀ Many technical applications integrate new and autonomous functions, making them 'smart'. These products operate based on information from the environment and knowledge bases, evaluated through artificial intelligence methods.

➁ The success of such products depends on mastering today's innovation dynamics and increased product complexity from the idea phase through the entire lifecycle.

➂ The Fraunhofer Smart Systems Community supports companies and explores new dimensions for reliable, trustworthy, and secure applications.

➀ The transition from conventional fuels to renewable energy sources has made hydrogen a crucial energy carrier. Fuel cells provide energy for mobility and independent power supply as an alternative to traditional combustion engines. However, the technology is still lacking in components available in the required quantities and at affordable costs.

➁ The Fraunhofer Institutes in Germany are working together on cost-effective mass production of bipolar plates, the core of fuel cells, to achieve widespread use of fuel cells.

➂ The research project 'H2GO' focuses on developing industrial technologies for fuel cell production, including efficient processes and production systems, as well as machinery and equipment construction.

➀ Researchers from Fraunhofer have developed sensor systems and measuring equipment to detect leaks in hydrogen lines and tanks.

➁ The ultrasonic sensor utilizes the photoacoustic effect to detect hydrogen leaks and can also identify small traces of other substances.

➂ A laser spectrometer and Raman spectroscopy are used for remote detection of ammonia and selective detection of hydrogen respectively.

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.

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.

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.

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.