When the quantum computer arrives
How can we protect our critical infrastructure from attacks by quantum computers in the future? As part of the QUEST project, Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences is researching new methods—post-quantum cryptography—designed to withstand even the most sophisticated side-channel attacks.
read more...Digital twin in battery production
The battery factory of the future is increasingly working digitally: simulations accompany the development of new cells, and intelligent sensors monitor production in real time. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics ITWM are developing methods that virtually map manufacturing processes and measure important parameters during production. The experts will be presenting their solutions for more stable production processes and more powerful batteries at the Battery Show Europe 2026.
read more...Giving lightweight construction a profile
Pultrusion is developing from a niche process into a key process for lightweight construction and sustainable fiber composite structures. The Fraunhofer IWU shows applications from energy to mobility.
read more...Infineon Startup Challenge 2026
Infineon brings together young deep-tech companies worldwide to drive innovation in humanoid robotics. The focus is on hardware and system solutions from sensor technology to motor control. Applications are still possible until May 27, 2026.
read more...The student racing team at Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences is developing an autonomous driving system for the electric racing car "F26" with expertise in image processing and computer science.
read more...The Fraunhofer IAPT is researching AI-based closed-loop processes for industrial 3D printing with recycled plastics. The aim is to achieve less waste, greater process stability and profitable printer farms.
read more...The Chair of Production Systems at Ruhr University Bochum is working with the company Kilivations to develop a robot-based process for the restoration of windows potentially contaminated with asbestos in old and listed buildings. The aim is to make restoration more efficient and reduce exposure.
read more...Leadership determines whether production areas deliver stable results under pressure or remain in reaction mode. Clear management tasks, roles and routines ensure performance and turn deviations into results instead of crises.
read more...A start-up project at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) aims to fundamentally simplify the production of green hydrogen: Mass-produced photoreactor panels are to be used to produce hydrogen directly from sunlight and water - without electrolysers, without electricity consumption and without a grid connection.
read more...At Hannover Messe 2026, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft will be presenting solutions for a resilient industry: from AI and data rooms to hydrogen technologies and material and recycling innovations.
read more...From sensor handle to sensorless control
At the Hannover Messe, a research team led by Matthias Nienhaus from Saarland University will be demonstrating just how far intelligent drive wheels have come. The systems make it easier to maneuver a wide variety of loads and, depending on the application, can now manage with or even without a sensor handle.
read more...From microplastic detection to robotic e-waste sorters: at IFAT Munich, start-ups will be demonstrating how AI, sensor technology and biotechnology are making industrial processes more efficient, safer and more sustainable.
read more...The handling of flexible components poses a major challenge for conventional automation. By combining machine learning approaches with human demonstration of the actions to be performed, it was possible to develop a robot system for this handling.
read more...Photonic microchips with 3D connector
A research team from Heidelberg is developing a 3D-printed "connector" for photonic microchips. The solution promises a low-loss, standardized coupling of glass fibre and chip - and could fundamentally simplify the production of photonic integrated circuits.
read more...Development of self-adaptive industrial robots
The EU-funded "RoboSAPIENS" project aims to develop self-adaptive industrial robots for safe human-robot collaboration. Initial results from the Fraunhofer IFF show successful tests with digital twins in real production environments.
read more...The demands on Ethernet networks in automotive, industrial and safety-critical applications are increasing rapidly. The Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS is responding to this with a new 10G TSN endpoint IP core that enables deterministic real-time communication with data rates of up to 10 Gbit/s.
read more...The research and development of semiconductor technologies is increasingly taking place outside Europe, particularly in Asia. This is shown by evaluations of semiconductor patents by EconPol Europe.
read more...Imitation learning in robotics
Imitation learning makes possible what classic robotics has not been able to achieve so far: fast learning of new processes even without robotics expertise and improved robustness in the face of process variants.
read more...Scientific Society for Production Engineering
Prof. Jürgen Fleischer, Head of the Institute of Production Engineering (wbk) at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), is the new President of the WGP (Scientific Society for Production Engineering). His goal for his two-year term of office is to work with his colleagues at the WGP to strengthen the competitiveness of the German manufacturing industry.
read more...The Industry 4.0 Research Advisory Board has appointed Klaus Bauer (Trumpf Werkzeugmaschinen) as the new spokesperson for industry. He moves up from the position of deputy spokesperson for industry. He is succeeded in this position by Björn Sautter (Festo).
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