The new T-shirt is nice and soft, it is comfortable to wear, and the fabric falls loosely. This usually meets the requirements in the field of fashion. The situation is different in the case of technical textiles. They have to meet different requirements. Compression bandages, for example, should put pressure on the human tissue, therefore…
Brilliant Colors from Environmentally Friendly Crystals
The landscape is breathtaking. Because it is so real, you forget for a moment that the eagle circling the sky is not outside your window, but is instead on your television. Such deceptively realistic images are not only a result of the high resolution displays available on modern devices; the colors play a role as…
Small & Discreet Data Glasses for Everyday Use
Data glasses tend to be chunky, unstylish objects, so it’s no wonder they haven’t caught on among general consumers. Fraunhofer researchers have now developed a technology that allows the “specs” to be made in small, unobtrusive designs. The new glasses also correct for farsightedness. Picturesque streets and winding lanes of one village enthrall tourists. They…
New Laser Process Custom Shapes Optical Fibers
Modern medicine relies on optical fibers to cauterize unhealthy veins in a minimally invasive way. Now, Fraunhofer researchers have developed a laser processing method that facilitates automated series manufacture of these fibers at a much finer quality than ever before. The scientists will present a fiber probe prototype manufactured using the new technique from May…
Pressure-Monitoring Stockings to Prevent Wounds in Diabetics
Diabetics often have little feeling in their feet and don’t perceive the body’s pressure or temperature signals there. This can result in unnoticed wounds that then develop into abscesses. Many diabetics have to have toes or feet amputated. Now, a novel kind of pressure stocking developed by Fraunhofer researchers is set to help protect against…
Wood-Polymer Material Resists Humidity & Has Low Flammability
Wood is a popular material in interior design, but its water absorbency limits its use in bathrooms, where natural wood easily becomes discolored or moldy. Fraunhofer scientists and partners have developed a wood-polymer composite material for furniture that is resistant to humidity and has low flammability. Resource-saving wood-polymer composites (WPCs) are the latest trend in…
Novel Foam Material Produced Entirely from Wood
Since most foam materials are made of petrochemical plastics, they aren’t very climate-friendly. But now an alternative is in sight – a novel foam material produced entirely from wood, which is not harmful to the environment and is also recyclable. In the long term, wood foam could replace conventional products used for thermal insulation, packaging…
Getting the Perfect Fit for Artificial Hips
When a patient receives a new hip, it is usually adjusted only approximately to leg length. Greater accuracy requires a more precise measuring process as well as adjustable implants. Now, a new type of measurement method coupled with a modular implant should allow orthopedic surgeons to precisely calibrate leg length after the operation so it…
Saving Energy with Smart Facades
Glass-fronted office buildings are some of the biggest energy consumers, and regulating their temperature is a big job. Now a façade element developed by Fraunhofer researchers and designers for glass fronts is to reduce energy consumption by harnessing solar thermal energy. A demonstrator version will be on display at Hannover Messe. In Germany, buildings account…
Measuring Components in 3D Underwater
Conveying systems for oil and gas, operated in the sea have many important underwater components. The maintenance of such components is elaborate and expensive, as measuring them is complicated. Fraunhofer researchers are presenting a compact 3D measurement system at the trade fair in Hannover. The maintenance of underwater technical systems is elaborate and expensive. Pipes,…
Produce More Flexibly with the Industry Cockpit
Customers expect products to be tailored to their needs. And not only that: they want to influence the way the product is manufactured as well. As a result, very flexible manufacturing and administrative processes are necessary. This is an enormous challenge for companies – because most processes are quite rigid. Now, with the help of…
Obtaining Live Images from Inside Materials
In medicine, X-rays provide high-resolution images of our insides to help doctors make a definitive diagnosis. Industry uses X-rays, too – as a reliable, non-destructive way of seeing what’s hidden on inside materials and components and to check for cracks or irregularities. However industry additionally draws upon different technologies that are not used in the…
Mobile Radio Passive Radar Makes Harbors Safer
Diagnosing Prostate Cancer Quickly & Safely
Distinguishing between benign and malignant prostate tissue is difficult. A new device facilitates the diagnosis for doctors: Through a visual analysis, they can reliably determine if they are dealing with carcinoma within a minute-and-a-half. Fraunhofer researchers will be presenting the prototype at the COMPAMED trade fair in Düsseldorf from November 12th to 14th. Is it…
Nano-Supercapacitors for Electric Cars
Innovative nano-material based supercapacitors are set to bring mass market appeal a good step closer to the lukewarm public interest in Germany. This movement is currently being motivated by the advancements in the state-of-the-art of this device. Electric cars are very much welcomed in Norway and they are a common sight on the roads of…
Collisions with Robots – without Risk of Injury
Teamwork between humans and robots will be the motto of the future. But robots may not injure humans at all. When does contact cause an injury, though? Researchers are exploring this for the first time in a study. Everybody has experienced this: You aren’t careful for just one moment and suddenly you run into the…
Production technology for more efficient jet engines
Aircrafts have to be more efficient – a crucial point when it comes to the design of jet engines. However, in the design of the components, the engineers also need to consider whether these can be economically produced. Yet, a new process chain provides more design freedom and allows a more efficient production as well…
Organic Photodiodes for Sensor Applications
Powerful, inexpensive and even flexible when they need to be, organic photodiodes are a promising alternative to silicon-based photodetectors. They are used to improve light sensitivity in cameras and to check displays for homogeneous color composition. We have Mother Nature and her ingenious brand of technology to thank for our ability to see – our…
Production Technology for More Efficient Jet Engines
Aircrafts have to be more efficient – a crucial point when it comes to the design of jet engines. However, in the design of the components, the engineers also need to consider whether these can be economically produced. Yet, a new process chain provides more design freedom and allows a more efficient production as well…
Making light work of orbit & altitude control
Microsatellites have to be very light – every gram counts. The same applies to the gyroscopes used to sense the satellite’s orientation when in orbit. A novel prototype is seven times lighter and significantly smaller than earlier systems. When you observe the sky on a clear night, the twinkling objects you see may not only…
Security Tools for Industry 4.0
An increasing number of unsecured, computer-guided production machinery and networks in production facilities are gradually evolving into gateways for data theft. New security technologies may directly shield the sensitive data that is kept there. You can hear the metallic buzz as the milling machine bores into the workpiece. Just a few last drill holes, and…
Weight Loss Program for Infrared Cameras
Infrared sensors can be employed in a wide range of applications, such as driver assistance systems for vehicles or thermography for buildings. A new camera is providing a test bed for development of new products that use these detectors. We want it cozy and warm in our homes when the thermometer outside gets down into…
Measuring Wind Turbines Remotely
The rotor and mast of a wind turbine can oscillate even in normal operation. The analysis of these oscillations plays an important role when the equipment is being developed and maintained. Up to now, this analysis has only been possible at discrete points located directly on equipment. The Fraunhofer Institute of Optronics, System Technologies and…
Ultra-Thin Tool Heating for Injection Molding
In future, thin-film heating will allow plastic parts to be produced with greatly improved surface quality. Researchers have also found a way to make the whole process more energy efficient. If you have ever tried to make waffles then you are bound to be familiar with the following problem: You only get good waffles if…
Better First Response Medical Care During Catastrophes
When large-scale emergencies occur, it often takes far too long before victims receive the care their injuries demand. Now a new electronic system has been designed to support helpers during the initial assessment of victims and to speed up patient care. When a major catastrophic event occurs, every second counts. During instances such as natural…