Solar modules to contribute for aesthetically pleasing energy-plus buildings

Photovoltaic and solar thermal systems are not always considered aesthetically enhancing to a building. The coloured modules, however, being developed at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE are refreshingly challenging this perspective. Inspired by the phenomen that causes the shimmerings shades of blue or green of the wings of the morpho butterfly, the Read more about Solar modules to contribute for aesthetically pleasing energy-plus buildings[…]

Track & Trace fingerprint is a new solution for tracing mass components

Highly interconnected manufacturing chains, cost issues and technical feasibility make it difficult to trace individual components in mass production. Efficient “track & trace“ solutions are, however, an important prerequisite for production and process optimization — especially in the context of digitized manufacturing. With its “Track & Trace Fingerprint“ solution, the Fraunhofer-Institute for Physical Measurement Techniques Read more about Track & Trace fingerprint is a new solution for tracing mass components[…]

MIRPHAB – custom sensor solutions

Every chemical substance absorbs a very individual fraction of infrared light. Like a human fingerprint, this absorption can be used with optical methods for identifying substances. Such methods are used in the chemical industry, for example, but also in the health sector or in criminal investigation. If a company plans a new project, it often Read more about MIRPHAB – custom sensor solutions[…]

Electrochromic glass darkens automatically when the sun shines and keeps the heat out

In winter, when the sun sets earlier in the afternoon, people are happy to catch every last sunbeam. On hot summer days, however, office workers are keen to do without extra heat from the sun. Electrochromic glass offers a solution: When it’s gloomy outside, the glass remains transparent and lets through light and heat. But Read more about Electrochromic glass darkens automatically when the sun shines and keeps the heat out[…]

New Biomaterials for Cell Cultures and Regenerative Medicine

The extracellular matrix (ECM) regulates all important cell functions and is an interesting biomaterial for scientists. Fraunhofer has developed an ECM that contains artificial chemical groups which supports natural cell behaviour outside the body. It can be applied as a stable coating on implants or be used in cell culture dishes. Biologists, chemists and physicians Read more about New Biomaterials for Cell Cultures and Regenerative Medicine[…]

Data glasses mirror information to the eye without interfering with the wearer‘s vision

Fraunhofer researchers have developed an energy-saving display that reduces the power consumption to a fraction. Via a small display, data glasses present the eye with information or images which are received using a radio link from the frame of the glasses. The big advantage: With the data glasses, the wearer’s hands are free – in Read more about Data glasses mirror information to the eye without interfering with the wearer‘s vision[…]

A new robotic assistant requires just five minutes to position the needle

Finding the ideal position for interventional needles – as used in biopsies, for instance – is a difficult and time-consuming process. This can now be performed automatically, using a robotic arm to place a needle guide for the doctor at the optimal insertion point. With robotic assistance, doctors need five minutes to position the needle, Read more about A new robotic assistant requires just five minutes to position the needle[…]

3D Human Body Reconstruction

Scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute for Telecommunications, Heinrich Hertz Institute, HHI in Berlin have developed a method by which the realistic image of a person can be transmitted in a virtual world; and just like in science fiction movies, the image appears full sized and three dimensional. The image can be viewed from different directions Read more about 3D Human Body Reconstruction[…]

Virtual Blood Vessel Testing

Children with congenital heart defects often undergo a battery of strenuous examinations and interventions. In the EU CARDIOPROOF project, Fraunhofer researchers have developed software to simulate certain interventions in advance. Preliminary results point to a reduced need to perform numerous interventions. It can come as a shock to parents: when coarctation of the aorta affects Read more about Virtual Blood Vessel Testing[…]

Industry 4.0 approaches can improve the development and manufacture of glass optics

The glass blank that Holger Kreilkamp from the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT inserts into the precision glass molding machine is no larger than a European twenty-cent coin. At the press of a button, the process chamber closes, a vacuum pump hums, and the forming process has begun inside the machine. For the first Read more about Industry 4.0 approaches can improve the development and manufacture of glass optics[…]

Satellite communication of the future

In disasters, rescuers usually communicate via satellite if phone and mobile telecommunication is out. But that has drawbacks: Once the data lines are overloaded, the connection disconnects. In addition, there barely are systems available yet for moving vehicles. Fraunhofer researchers have developed a new antenna system which reliably transmits data via satellite with a high-bandwidth Read more about Satellite communication of the future[…]

3D Printing: Fraunhofer thrills US moviemakers

The features of 3D printing are significant for the movie industry. The US animation studio LAIKA, relies on using the cutting edge software and 3D printing hardware to make its films. A new collaboration with Fraunhofer and Stratasys now adds the ability to print thousands of precise colors and subtle gradients in plastic, achieving color Read more about 3D Printing: Fraunhofer thrills US moviemakers[…]