Reference projects of the Fraunhofer IST

Human stem cells are a major source of hope for modern medicine, e.g. in regenerative medicine or as a cell model for pharmaceutical development, as human pluripotent stem cells can form all cells present in the human body. As part of the Fraunhofer-internal project “LabBag®, the three participating Fraunhofer institutes set themselves the goal of developing a closed surface-based “laboratory in a bag” for the cultivation of stem cells.

Aluminum surfaces are rapidly gaining in popularity. Also on materials of different types, such as plastics or other metals. Unfortunately, galvanic processes such as those used for copper, nickel or gold cannot be used for aluminum. In the “GALACTIF” project, funded by the BMBF, a process has been developed for the galvanic deposition of aluminum from so-called ionic liquids. For the first time ever, the process has been successfully transferred from the protective glove box to an open system which can be further developed on an industrial scale.

The partners in the project “Accelerating digital transformation in Europe by Intelligent NETwork automation – Automation of Network edge Infrastructure & Applications with aRtificiAl intelligence (AI-NET-ANIARA)” have set themselves the goal of developing solutions for automated, intelligent and cross-locational data exchange on the basis of concrete application scenarios from the field of sensors and manufacturing.

For the Mars2020 mission, bandpass filters were coated at 950 nm on the EOSS® using the MOCCA+® control software. The coating materials had to be stable against radiation and the filter had to withstand many cycles in the thermal vacuum test to simulate the days and years on Mars. They were coated onto quartz glass, which was cut to size and then bonded to the sensor.

For the redetermination of the Avogadro constant, an alternative, homogeneous SiO2 coating is being investigated in order to reduce measurement uncertainty and to be able to precisely determine the volume and mass of the sphere. With the aid of the atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique available at the Fraunhofer IST, it is possible to deposit stoichiometric SiO2 layers with a defined roughness and variable layer thickness whose properties meet the high requirements of the project. The SiO2 coatings developed at the Fraunhofer IST can be applied not only to spherical systems but also to surfaces of any complexity. Possible future fields of implementation range from optical applications, through semiconductors and electronics, and on to medical technology.

In the Demo-medVer project a mobile, decentralized system in modular configuration is being developed for the systemically integrated medical care of the population during a pandemic and in crisis and disaster situations. An essential component of decentralized care – and the focus of the work at the Fraunhofer IST – is the construction and testing of mobile systems to ensure an efficient and large-scale supply of disinfectants.

With the objective of reducing the energy consumption as well as CO2, noise, and brake-dust emissions when using vehicle trailers, an innovative electric propulsion and control system has been developed for vehicle trailers within the framework of the “ev(electric vehicle)Trailer” project funded by the BMWi. The outstanding feature is the manufacturer-independent autonomous mode of operation of the evTrailer, which functions with any conventional tractor unit.

Toxic cobalt, which is mined under inhumane and environmentally destructive conditions, has long been an essential component of high-performance tools used to machine composite materials and light metals for wind power and electric vehicles, amongst other applications. »Green« cutting tools made from cobalt-free carbides and novel robust diamond and hard-material coating systems are to be developed and made available for key German industries.

In the 16 sub-Saharan African countries, at least 40% of the population corresponding to more than 130 million people have no access to safe water. The aim of the project was to research and develop an autonomous and decentralized ˝Made in Africa˝ water treatment system for rural and periurban areas which is highly efficient in the degradation of harmful pollutants and which is accepted by the rural communities.

Through the description of the following reference project, we would like to provide you with the opportunity to obtain your own impression of the potential of the various diffusion treatments. In the process, you will gain an insight into the specific problem and the challenges encountered, the solutions pursued by the Fraunhofer IST, the findings obtained, and the consequent benefits resulting from and beyond the project.