➀ Researchers at the University of Tartu repurposed old smartphones into compact 'tiny data centers' to reduce e-waste and enable real-time edge computing.

➀ The system, featuring 3D-printed casings and custom software, successfully monitored marine life underwater without human intervention.

➂ Potential applications extend to public transit optimization and other edge computing scenarios, offering a sustainable solution for obsolete devices.

➀ Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf developed innovative flotation and liquid-liquid extraction methods to recycle critical metals (e.g., platinum, iridium, rare earths) from electrolyzers, achieving up to 90% recovery rates;

➁ The recycled materials are essential for sustainable hydrogen production, supporting Germany’s national hydrogen strategy targeting 95–135 TWh of hydrogen demand by 2030;

➂ The project, part of the BMBF-funded H2Giga initiative, aims to enhance the economic and environmental viability of hydrogen electrolysis through scalable recycling processes and lifecycle assessments.

➀ The Fraunhofer IPMS is involved in a research project called InSeKT to develop new technological approaches for integrating AI at the edges of IT networks.

➁ The project aims to enable complex calculations directly where data is generated, improving data protection and real-time capabilities.

➂ Fraunhofer IPMS is working on sensor technology, including gas analysis using IMS, near-infrared photodetector evaluation, and adapted use of CMUTs for improved imaging.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Photonics Microsystems (IPMS) is involved in an interdisciplinary research project called 'InSeKT' (Development of Intelligent Sensor Edge Technologies). This project, carried out by the Technical University of Wildau, the Leibniz Institute for Innovative Microelectronics (IHP), and the Fraunhofer IPMS, aims to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) more effectively at the 'edges' of IT networks. The project focuses on miniaturized sensor structures and the integration of electronic components, with the goal of enabling complex calculations directly at the data source, such as at the sensor itself.

Current data processing with AI often occurs through central cloud computing solutions, leading to data transfer over large distances and potential data leaks. The project addresses this by promoting decentralized data processing for improved data security and real-time system capabilities.

The project covers various areas, including gas analysis using ion mobility spectrometers (IMS), data-supported evaluation of photodetectors for the near-infrared wavelength range, and the adapted use of capacitive microelectromechanical ultrasonic transducers (CMUTs) for improved imaging. The generated data will be used to train Edge-KI systems for fast and accurate data processing.

➀ Battery production is crucial for industrial and climate policy, with a growing demand for energy storage systems. Challenges include raw material dependence and supply chain fragility.

➁ Advanced laser technology offers solutions for efficient, precise, and sustainable battery production, addressing issues in material processing, electrode production, and recycling.

➂ Innovations in electrode production, cell assembly, and module/pack production are highlighted, along with the integration of AI for process optimization and predictive maintenance.

➀ The article discusses the increasing importance of sustainable and efficient battery production due to the growing demand for energy storage in electric mobility and stationary applications.

➁ It highlights the challenges posed by the reliance on raw materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel, as well as the vulnerability of supply chains.

➂ The article explores the role of laser technology and AI in enhancing efficiency, precision, and sustainability in battery production processes, including raw material processing, electrode manufacturing, cell assembly, and recycling.

➀ The IDcycLIB project, funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, has successfully concluded after three years, focusing on sustainable battery lifecycle development.

➁ A significant achievement was the transition of cathode production to an aqueous process, enhancing sustainability and economic viability of battery recycling.

➂ The project developed a digital battery passport system, enabling individualized data collection and tracking of battery cells throughout their lifecycle.

➀ The BMBF-funded battery project IDcycLIB has successfully concluded after three years. The project focused on sustainable battery production and recycling processes.

➁ Key achievements include the transition to a water-based cathode production process and economic evaluation of new recycling methods.

➂ The project also developed a battery pass system for traceability and efficient recycling.

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.

The Fraunhofer IZM, in collaboration with international partners, is working on a new injection molding process as part of the EU Horizon project MULTIMOLD. This process aims to produce environmentally friendly electronics products with maximum design freedom. The focus is on sustainability, including comprehensive life cycle assessments and optimizing resource use in the production process.

The project aims to improve the recyclability of products and reduce their ecological footprint, particularly by developing new methods for separating and reusing the individual layers of the components. The process is currently under development and is being continuously optimized for sustainable production without compromising the performance of electronic products.

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.