fraunhofer innovation clustsers...contents regional structures with a global effect – the concept...

Success built on cooperation –

Fraunhofer innovation clusters

Contents

Regional structures with a global effect –the concept of innovation clusters 2

Innovation clusterMechatronic Machine Systems, Chemnitz 4

Innovation clusterDigital Production, Stuttgart 5

Innovation clusterOptical Technologies, Jena Optical Innovations JOIN, Jena 6

Innovation clusterNano for Production, Dresden 7

Innovation clusterPersonal Health, Erlangen–Nürnberg–Fürth region 8

Innovation clusterDigital Commercial Vehicle Technology DNT, Kaiserslautern 9

Innovation clusterAutomotive Quality Saar AQS, Saarbrücken 10

Innovation clusterPolymer Technology, Halle, Leipzig 11

Innovation clusterVirtual Development, Engineering and Training VIDET, Magdeburg 12

Innovation clusterFuture Security BW, Freiburg 13

Innovation clusterTechnologies for hybrid lightweight construction KITe hyLITE,Karlsruhe 14

Innovation clusterAdaptronic Systems RheMa, Darmstadt 15

Innovation clusterMultifunctional Materials and Technologies MultiMaT, Bremen 16

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft – application-oriented research 17

Editorial notes 18

Information service 19

Globalization is connecting economic regions, markets and people.However, it is still of relevance where you work, research, invent, launchproducts, and develop markets. The specific characteristics of differenttowns and regions are actually becoming increasingly important for the global economy and the lives of individuals. Knowledge-basedindustries, in particular, develop successfully in regional clusters which enable knowledge to be exchanged and which possess a criticalmass of skills that complement one another. Such clusters creategeographically close networks between public research organizations,investors and industrial partners, bridging the gap between industry,research and resources, and thus accelerating the innovation process.

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is the largest provider of R&D services inEurope and as such strongly promotes this form of networking. In areasof technology with high innovation potential, companies and researchinstitutes are brought together to form innovation clusters, with thesupport of the federal ministry of education and research (BMBF).Fraunhofer’s political mandate for the sponsorship of regional clustersoriginates from the “Pact for Research and Innovation”, signed by the federal and state governments in collaboration with the majorresearch organizations in 2005. The aim of this agreement is to furtherstrengthen the competitive position of German research by moreefficiently tapping existing potential.

Within the innovation clusters, all relevant decision-making bodies inbusiness and industry, science and education, government and societywill cooperate in defined geographical locations with the aim ofoperating successfully in the commercial markets, thereby also helpingto create and secure jobs. It is hoped that the new infrastructures will act as a stimulus to strengthen the position of domestic industryvis-à-vis global competition.

With the concept of innovation clusters, we intend to contribute towardsimproving German innovation culture. This brochure introduces all thecurrent collaborations and their topics of focus.

We would be delighted if you wish to contact us, and will gladly provideyou with further information.

Sincerely,

Hans-Jörg BullingerPresident of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft

Networking for success

2 Fraunhofer innovation clusters

Linking skills improves performance

Linking skills and pooling resources are the right way to meet thechallenges posed by globalization and the increasing dynamism of struc-tural change. Knowledge-based industries, in particular, develop verysuccessfully in regional clusters, which facilitate knowledge exchangeand generate a critical mass of skills that complement one another.

Geographical proximity between research organizations, investors andcompanies can produce networks that lead to new business ideas andthe foundation of new enterprises. Regional innovation clusters bridgethe gap between industry and scientific research. Successful clusters canstimulate the competition on the market, and at the same time createfruitful collaborations which ultimately benefit everyone involved.

Impetus for regional development

A key element of the German government’s high-tech strategy is there-fore to promote cluster initiatives. In the “Pact for Research and Inno-vation”, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft has assumed the task of conceivingand implementing innovation clusters. Such collaborative ventures setthemselves clear goals and define milestones for their development. Thepurpose of innovation clusters is to pool the strengths of a region andactivate them to solve demanding tasks. In addition to industry and uni-versities, the networks include local nonuniversity research institutes that can make important contributions in relevant thematic areas.

Through this initiative, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is providing impetusfor the further development of regional centers of excellence, and issupporting the regions’ skills and expertise. Innovation clusters will primarilyserve as an instrument to help develop existing strengths. The collab-orations will generally be restricted to within one federal state. Anotherimportant factor is how much money the industrial partners and thestate are willing to invest in new projects within a region in addition tocurrent expenditure.

Shared objectives lead to fruitful collaborations

Collaboration within the clusters should extend beyond that of a merecommunication network. The clusters are built on mutual respect for oneanother’s strengths and are prepared to take on specific tasks in an end-to-end chain from the invention to the final product. It is important towork together towards a shared objective, which can best be achievedthrough concrete projects. That is why the Fraunhofer innovation clustersare, first and foremost, project clusters. This means that the funds pro-vided are used for particularly attractive projects that can only be imple-mented within a given network.

Regional structures with a global effect – the concept of innovation clusters

Fraunhofer innovation cluster 3

The distribution of tasks within each innovation landscape is maintained.While the public establishments create the basis for new products andservices, the funds provided by industry are used to implement and mar-ket these innovations. This promotes collaboration in the development of concrete products. The positive effects of jointly achieved success onfurther cooperation are invaluable.

Joint, harmonized research and development at Fraunhofer Institutes,universities and in industry not only provides stimulation and helps toforge links within a cluster, but also has a financial leverage effect.Being able to mobilize equal funding from the regions and the industryinvolved is a prerequisite for setting up an innovation cluster, andensures commitment on the part of all those concerned.

Ten innovation clusters have been founded to date, three more havebeen approved, and several others are currently in the planning stage.The initiated collaborations have already generated numerous inno-vative projects and products. The concept of intensive regional coopera-tion between research and industry is thus already proving attractive and successful today.

Virtual Development, Engineering and Training

Nano for Production

Multifunctional Materials and Technologies

Polymer Technology

Jena Optical Innovations Mechatronic

Machine Systems

Personal Health

Digital Production

Future Security

Automotive Quality Saar

Technologies for hybrid lightweight construction

Digital Commercial Vehicle Technology

Adaptronic Systems


The business and applied research communities in Saxony are estab-lishing centers of excellence for mechatronic machine systems in con-junction with the region’s universities. It is hoped that by encouragingstrong partnerships between research and industry it will be possible to raise the efficiency of their development work.

Mechatronics represents the intersection of three disciplines: mechanicalengineering, electrical /electronic engineering, and computer science.Interdisciplinary research in this combined field, coupled with scientificexcellence, holds great promise of top-class product and processinnovations. The purpose of the innovation cluster is to concentrate theavailable technical and organizational resources and make them avail-able to all parties involved.

The aim of the cluster is to develop manufacturing tools based onmechatronics that will help companies to design processes and manu-facture products to exceedingly high standards. A typical example of this R&D approach is the project in which researchers and businessesin Saxony are jointly developing high-precision assembly plant formechatronic products and hybrid spark erosion technologies for preci-sion components used in piezoelectric injection molding.

Thematic areas

– Mechatronics in the development of production systems andtechnologies

– Development of mechatronic and adaptronic components for machineconstruction, automotive engineering and medical engineering

– Simulation tools for product and process development in mechatronics

Innovation clusterMechatronic Machine Systems, Chemnitz

Research partners

Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools andForming Technology IWUChemnitz University of Technology, Institute forMachine Tools and Production Processes,Department of Machine Tools and Departmentof Micromanufacturing

Industrial partners

A3 alaun GmbHATB Arbeit, Technik und Bildung GmbHSIEMENS VDO Automotive AG SITEC Industrietechnologie GmbHVolkswagen AGXENON Automatisierungstechnik GmbHUSK Karl Utz Sondermaschinen GmbHITI Gesellschaft für ingenieurtechnische Informationsverarbeitung mbHdigades GmbH

Contacts

Dr. Welf-Guntram DrosselPhone +49 371 5397-1304Fax +49 371 5397-1123drossel�iwu.fraunhofer.de Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools andForming Technology IWUReichenhainer Strasse 8809126 Chemnitzwww.iwu.fraunhofer.de

Dr.-Ing. Hans-Joachim KoriathPhone +49 371 5397-1485Fax +49 371 5397-1488hans-joachim.koriath�iwu.fraunhofer.de Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools andForming Technology IWUReichenhainer Strasse 8809126 Chemnitzwww.iwu.fraunhofer.de


Modern information technology is becoming an increasingly prominentfeature of the modern production environment. Digital planning,control and monitoring are already standard practice, most particularlyin the factories of automobile firms and in the networks that link themwith their major suppliers. Small and medium-sized enterprises areaware of the significance of digital production methods, but don’t yetemploy them to any great extent.

The basic objective of the innovation cluster Digital Production is towiden the access to the benefits inherent in these technologies by intensifying cooperation between science, research and industry.A further objective is to provide comprehensive information to manu-facturing firms and to help them with the introduction of suitableinformation technology. Experience shows that a well-trained work-force is just as crucial a factor when introducing and implementingconcepts for digital production as the functionality of the technologyitself – particular attention is therefore devoted to this aspect.

The importance of the innovation cluster Digital Production to scienceand industry is underlined by the participation of well-known compa-nies and research institutions and the support provided by national andregional government as well as the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft.

Thematic areas

– Intelligent products; assistance and production systems for made-to-order products

– Manufacturing aspects of digital production; adaptive technologies foroptimized quality and performance in manufacturing and assembly

– Evolvable enterprise networks; intelligent business processes for col-laborative development and production

– Information technology as the foundation stone for digital produc-tion; support systems and technologies for implementing the digitalfactory

– Management of digital production operations; strategies, methodsand routes to best-in-class production

Research partners

Fraunhofer Institutes for– Industrial Engineering IAO (coordinator)– Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPAInstitute for Human Factors and Technology Management (IAT) at the University of StuttgartInstitute of Industrial Manufacturing and Man-agement (IFF) at the University of Stuttgart

Industrial partners

The work of the innovation cluster is based oncollaboration with numerous companies of allsizes in a variety of industrial sectors, including:ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co.KGC.& E. Fein GmbHCarl Zeiss AGDaimler AGFESTO AG & Co.KGINA Schaeffler KGMARQUARDT GmbHVoith AG and many others

Contacts

Joachim LentesPhone +49 711 970-2285 Fax +49 711 970-2102joachim.lentes�iao.fraunhofer.de Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAONobelstrasse 1270569 Stuttgartwww.iao.fraunhofer.de

Dipl.-Ing. Hans-Friedrich JacobiPhone +49 711 970-1231Fax +49 711 970-1012hans-friedrich.jacobi�ipa.fraunhofer.deFraunhofer Institute for ManufacturingEngineering and Automation IPANobelstrasse 1270569 Stuttgartwww.ipa.fraunhofer.de

Innovation clusterDigital Production, Stuttgart


Prominent figures in research, industry and society have been fre-quently heard proclaiming the “century of light”. Optical science hastaken on a key role as an enabling technology in many fields ofapplication, leading to new developments in industrial manufacturing,IT and medicine. Throughout the world, Jena is synonymous withadvanced optical technology. The cooperation between local compa-nies Zeiss, Schott and Abbe is seen as a model of the successfulsynthesis of scientific excellence and industrial performance. In order tomaintain this leading position, the region’s research and industryplayers have got together to form Jena Optical Innovations JOIN, theinnovation cluster for Optical Technologies. The partners intend to pool their expertise in the development of micro-optical systems as ameans of commercializing their research results and bringing newproducts to market faster.

The innovation cluster has chosen “Optical systems for digital infor-mation storage and reproduction for mass markets” as its thematicfocus. Its development projects aim to produce, for example, miniaturedigital projectors for universal applications, micro-optical sensor systems inspired by biological models, and measuring and test systems.

Thematic areas

– High-precision methods of inline mass production– Low-cost replication techniques – micro- and nanostructural

engineering– Technologies for manufacturing miniaturized hybrid optical systems– Development of suitable assembly and interconnection techniques– Combined diffractive and refractive optics– Harmonization of optics and optoelectronics, starting in the design

phase

Research partners

University of Applied Sciences JenaFraunhofer Institutes for – Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF

(technical coordinator)– Photonic Microsystems IPMSFriedrich Schiller University of JenaInstitute of Photonic Technology JenaIlmenau University of Technology

Network partner

OptoNet e.V.

Industrial partners

Carl Zeiss Jena GmbHFresnel Optics GmbHIVB GmbH JenaJena-Optronik GmbHJENOPTIK Laser, Optik, Systeme GmbHJENOPTIK Mikrotechnik GmbHJENOPTIK Polymer Systems GmbH MAZeT GmbHSypro Optics GmbHVistec Electron Beam GmbHand others

Contact

Dr. Brigitte WeberPhone +49 3641 807-440Fax +49 3641 807-600brigitte.weber�iof.fraunhofer.deFraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics andPrecision Engineering IOF Albert-Einstein-Strasse 707745 Jenawww.iof.fraunhofer.de

Innovation clusterOptical Technologies, Jena Optical Innovations JOIN, Jena


Nanotechnology has already found its way into a large number ofeveryday products. A well-known example are magnetic hard disks,whose enormous increase in storage density is due mainly to theprotective layer of carbon, now only a few nanometers thick, on theirstorage surface. Because of its highly interdisciplinary nature, nano-technology demands particularly close and intensive collaborationbetween all those involved in the innovation process.

In this area of materials science, accurately adjusting structures smallerthan 100 nanometers and using them in industrial applications con-stitutes a major challenge. An important basis for their commercial usehas been formed in Dresden and throughout Saxony over the past few years, through outstanding work in the field.

Thematic areas

– Nanofilms for surface finishing – Nanoparticles (e.g. carbon nanotubes) – Nanostructuring of surfaces

Research partners

Forschungszentrum Dresden-Rossendorf e.V. (FZD)Fraunhofer Institutes for– Electron Beam and Plasma Technology FEP– Manufacturing Engineering and Applied

Materials Research IFAM– Ceramic Technologies and Systems IKTS– Photonic Microsystems IPMS– Material and Beam Technology IWS– Non-Destructive Testing IZFPLeibniz Institutes for – Solid State and Materials Research, Dresden

(IFW) – Polymer Research, Dresden (IPF)Dresden University of Technology

Industrial partners

ALOtec GmbHAXO DRESDEN GmbHcentrotherm Elektrische Anlagen GmbH +Co.KG Deutsche Solar AG FHR Anlagenbau GmbH H.C. Starck GmbH Koenig & Bauer AGQ-CELLS AGRoth & Rau AGVON ARDENNE Anlagentechnik GmbH

Contacts

Dr.rer.nat.Andreas LesonPhone +49 351 2583-317Fax +49 351 2583-314andreas.leson�iws.fraunhofer.deFraunhofer Institute for Material and BeamTechnology IWSWinterbergstrasse 2801277 Dresdenwww.iws.fraunhofer.de

Dr.-Ing.Otmar ZimmerPhone +49 351 2583-257Fax +49 351 2583-300otmar.zimmer�iws.fraunhofer.deFraunhofer Institute for Material and BeamTechnology IWSWinterbergstrasse 2801277 Dresdenwww.iws.fraunhofer.de

Innovation clusterNano for Production, Dresden

8

The region around Erlangen, Nürnberg and Fürth unites excellent skillsin the field of medicine, medical engineering and pharmacy. Next tonumerous innovative companies, what stands out in particular is theclinical and medical research carried out by Erlangen University Hospitaland the Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, alongwith the region’s excellent healthcare network.

The Personal Health innovation cluster aims to combine the researchskills present in Erlangen with expertise in clinical out-patient applica-tions, and with a network of ambitious industrial partners, in a quest todetermine medical and patients’ needs and rapidly implement appro-priate product solutions. One important aspect will be the accompany-ing support provided to patients during individual preventive care and aftertreatment. The ultimate goal is to cover the entire supply andvalue chain in this area.

An obvious starting point is the interface between the clinic and theout-patient at home – an area with high innovation potential thatneeds to be tapped.Miniaturized sensor systems worn close to the bodymake it possible to discharge high-risk patients home much earlier.For this to work, the patients have to be familiarized with wirelessmonitoring technology. To promote development in this area, and alsoto forge close links between clinical and medical engineering research,the cluster intends to set up a facility called the Medical TechnologyTest and Demonstration Center (METEAN).

Thematic areas

– Monitoring of patients with cardiovascular diseases (e.g. hyperten-sion, heart failure)

– Outpatient monitoring and treatment of sleep-related breathingdisorders

– Treatment and preventive care for overweight children– “FitForAge” – solutions for efficient healthcare despite demographic

changes– Systems for computer-assisted diagnosis

Research partners

Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IISand other Fraunhofer Institutes Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-NurembergErlangen University Hospital

Industrial partners

BIOTRONIK GmbH & Co.KGDr.Hein GmbHRobert Bosch GmbH

Other cooperation partners

SBK (Siemens-Betriebskrankenkasse)Techniker Krankenkasse

Contact

Dipl.-Ing.Robert CouronnéPhone +49 9131 776-7300Fax +49 9131 776-7310robert.couronne�iis.fraunhofer.de Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IISAm Wolfsmantel 3391058 Erlangenwww.iis.fraunhofer.de

Innovation clusterPersonal Health, Erlangen–Nürnberg–Fürth region


The Rhineland-Palatinate and its bordering regions in Germany, France,Belgium and Luxembourg are home to a number of international com-panies in the commercial vehicle sector. By setting up the Fraunhoferinnovation cluster Digital Commercial Vehicle Technology, the FraunhoferInstitutes for Industrial Mathematics ITWM and for Experimental Soft-ware Engineering IESE have succeeded in pooling and further expandingthe region’s existing economic potential in this industry. The productsoffered by the cluster’s partners range from trucks and trailers to agri-cultural machines, tractors and construction machinery. Several well-known automotive supply companies, too, belong to the network. Thepurpose of this cluster is to investigate and further develop trendset-ting product ideas to do with the high-tech interior of today’s advancedmotorized heavyweights. The main focus is on vehicle-related soft-ware and the simulation and prediction of operational loads, up to andincluding full vehicle simulations.

The Digital Commercial Vehicle Technology innovation cluster devel-ops simulation tools for assessing the reliability, failure tolerance androbustness of system components under realistic operational loads,and tools for the online monitoring of system statuses. Another of thecluster’s central aims is to develop methods and tools for the develop-ment of reliable vehicle-specific software.

Thematic areas

– Operational loads – Full vehicle simulation – Real-time algorithms – Functional software security and reliability – Software product lines – Software testing

Research partners

Fraunhofer Institutes for – Experimental Software Engineering IESE– Industrial Mathematics ITWM

Industrial partners

Daimler AG John Deere GE Transportation Systems GM Powertrain Haldex Brake Products GmbHKeiper GmbH & Co.KGMB-technology GmbH Robert Bosch GmbH Schmitz Cargobull AG Volvo Construction Equipment

Contacts

Dr.Klaus DreßlerPhone +49 631 31600-4466Fax +49 631 31600-5466klaus.dressler�itwm.fraunhofer.deFraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics ITWMFraunhofer-Platz 167663 Kaiserslauternwww.itwm.fraunhofer.de

Dipl.-Inf. Ralf KalmarPhone +49 631 6800-1603Fax +49 631 6800-1399ralf.kalmar�iese.fraunhofer.deFraunhofer Institute for Experimental SoftwareEngineering IESEFraunhofer-Platz 167663 Kaiserslauternwww.iese.fraunhofer.de

Innovation clusterDigital Commercial Vehicle Technology DNT, Kaiserslautern

10

The automotive industry is an important pillar of the European econ-omy. Over the last fifteen years, the Saar region has developed into oneof the largest sites in the automotive supplier sector. This is due notleast to its geographical position at the epicenter of Europe’s majorautomotive locations in Germany, France and Belgium.

In the Automotive Quality Saar innovation cluster, cooperation partnersfrom research and development, industry and professional associationshave pooled their skills in a technology development center. The centeris based at the Fraunhofer Institute for Non-Destructive Testing IZFP in Saarbrücken. It offers one-stop solutions for quality assurance in themanufacture and processing of automotive materials and compo-nents, and for quality-assured and reliable application of componentsand assemblies, particularly in the main modules:– Engines and generators,– Drive trains, chassis frames, steering assemblies, – Bodywork: structural components and external parts.The center has a shared resource facility, in which state-of-the-art non-destructive testing technologies are made available, developedand enhanced, and qualified in an accredited testing laboratory.A further point of focus is technology qualification through extra-occupational training and further education programs in engineering.

Thematic areas

– Non-destructive testing and measurement– In-process and production-related quality control /error testing

(zero-defect strategy) – Quality assurance and non-destructive material and component

testing for– new materials and construction methods – innovative joining and connecting techniques– processing and manufacturing techniques– production and process engineering – safety, reliability and durability

Research partners at the IZFP

Fraunhofer Institutes for – Structural Durability and System Reliability LBF– Manufacturing Engineering and Applied

Materials Research IFAM– Material Flow and Logistics IMLBerufsakademie SaarlandFraunhofer Traffic and Transportation AllianceUniversity of Applied Sciences of the Saarland(HTW) Leibniz Institute of New Materials, Saarbrücken(INM)University of KaiserslauternSaarland University

Industrial partners

Carlsson Autotechnik GmbH FORGIS – Institut für Fahrzeug- und Umwelt-technik gGmbH Halberg Guss GmbHNedschroef GmbH Nemak/Hydro Aluminium Alucast GmbH automotive.saarland networkRobert Bosch GmbHSchweißtechnische Lehr- und VersuchsanstaltSLV im Saarland Tec4U Ingenieurgesellschaft mbHThyssenKrupp Drauz Nothelfer GmbHTÜV Saarland e.V.and others

Contacts

Dipl.-Ing.Siegfried KrausPhone +49 681 9302-3811Fax +49 681 9302-11-3811siegfried.kraus�izfp.fraunhofer.de Fraunhofer Institute for Non-Destructive Testing IZFPCampus E3 166123 Saarbrückenwww.izfp.fraunhofer.de

Dr.-Ing.Bernd ValeskePhone +49 681 9302-3989Fax +49 681 9302-11-3989bernd.valeske�izfp.fraunhofer.deFraunhofer Institute for Non-DestructiveTesting IZFPCampus E3 166123 Saarbrückenwww.izfp.fraunhofer.de

Innovation clusterAutomotive Quality Saar AQS, Saarbrücken


Plastics such as polymers, rubber and natural fiber composites havebecome indispensable to everyday life. The Polymer Technology innova-tion cluster in Halle and Leipzig aims to develop innovative synthesisand processing technologies, and to bring novel plastics to marketmore quickly.

One innovation in the field of polymer synthesis is the use of nano-particles in polymers. These particles are a hundred to a thousand timessmaller than the diameter of a human hair. The use of nano fillermaterials can improve the polymers’ flame resistance, for example. Inthis case, the particles form a barrier layer which prevents gas frombeing exchanged, thus extinguishing any fire.

In the Polymer Technology innovation cluster, large and medium-sizedcompanies and research institutions in the Halle and Leipzig area haveset themselves the objective of bringing such innovations in the field ofpolymer synthesis and processing to market more quickly.

Thematic areas

– Polymer nanoparticle blends– New types of rubber– Biopolymers and natural fiber composites

Research partners

Fraunhofer Institutes for – Applied Polymer Research IAP– Mechanics of Materials IWM Fraunhofer Pilot Plant Center for PolymerSynthesis and Processing PAZMerseburg University of Applied SciencesMartin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg

Industrial partners

Dow Olefinverbund GmbHFennel GmbH & Co.KGKrauss-Maffei AGPolykum e.V.Schüco International KGand many others

Contact

Dr.-Ing.Michael BartkePhone +49 3461 2598-120Fax +49 3461 2598-105michael.bartke�iap.fraunhofer.deFraunhofer Pilot Plant Center for PolymerSynthesis and Processing PAZValuePark A7406258 Schkopauwww.polymer-pilotanlagen.de

Innovation clusterPolymer Technology, Halle, Leipzig


Virtual reality speeds up and simplifies the process of developing newproducts. The innovation cluster Virtual Development, Engineering andTraining intends to make this technology more widely available tocompanies in the mechanical engineering and plant construction sectorin Saxony-Anhalt. The project is being coordinated by the FraunhoferInstitute for Factory Operation and Automation IFF.

More and more new products first take shape on a computer. They are designed, constructed, tested and optimized in digital form. Com-puter models enable engineers to test a new machine without havingto build expensive prototypes. Interactive 3-D models can be used toexperiment with different production sequences, detect possible errorsand weak points, and even train machine operators. All this is madepossible by new methods and technologies such as virtual engineeringand virtual reality. The aim is now to encourage more companies in the mechanical engineering and plant construction sector in the Saxony-Anhalt region to adopt these technologies. The innovation clusterVirtual Development, Engineering and Training hopes to leverage theexisting business potential of the region’s mechanical engineering and plant construction sector as a means of promoting the industry’sgrowth, generating ideas for new products and securing jobs.

Thematic areas

– Virtual engineering (VE) – Virtual reality (VR) – Basic and vocational training for local companies specializing in the

manufacture of industrial plant and machines– Product development: virtual engineering, virtual prototypes,

virtual commissioning– Digital factory and process configuration– Training and qualification: qualification solutions based on virtual,

augmented and mixed reality, qualification and worker assistance on demand

Research partners

Research Organisation for Technical Mechanics FEMCOS – Engineering Consultants Ltd.Fraunhofer Institute for Factory Operation andAutomation IFFInstitut für Automation und Kommunikation e.V.Institut für Fertigteiltechnik und Fertigbau Weimar e.V.Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of ComplexTechnical SystemsOtto von Guericke University of MagdeburgSchweißtechnische Lehr- und VersuchsanstaltHalle GmbH

Industrial partners

AEM – Anhaltische Elektromotorenwerk DessauGmbHAMB Anlagen Maschinen Bau GmbHCimbria Sket GmbHDEBA Systemtechnik GmbHengelke engineering art GmbH FAM Magdeburger Förderanlagen und Bau-maschinen GmbH IGS Development GmbHIVW Ingenieurbüro für Verkehrs- und Wasser-wirtschaftsplanung GmbHKranbau Köthen GmbHprecis Maschinen Anlagen Service GmbHpro-beam AG & Co.KGaARed Parcel Post AGSCHIESS GmbHSYMACON Fertigungsautomatisierung GmbHand many others

Contact

Dr. sc. techn. Ulrich SchmuckerPhone +49 391 4090-201Fax +49 391 4090-250ulrich.schmucker�iff.fraunhofer.deFraunhofer Institute for Factory Operation andAutomation IFFSandtorstrasse 2239106 Magdeburgwww.iff.fraunhofer.dewww.vdtc.de

Innovation clusterVirtual Development, Engineering and Training VIDETMagdeburg


In the Future Security innovation cluster, six Fraunhofer Institutes,numerous companies specializing in different areas, and the Universi-ties of Freiburg, Karlsruhe, Stuttgart and Tübingen have pooled theirskills in the interdisciplinary field of security research. The project isbeing coordinated by the Fraunhofer Institute for High-Speed Dynamics,Ernst-Mach-Institut, EMI. The Fraunhofer Institutes involved in thecluster have set out to develop a number of innovative security tech-nologies in collaboration with their industrial partners.

The “Robust Sensing Walls” project is a good example of how theresults obtained by businesses, universities and Fraunhofer Institutescan flow together. Its objective is for sensor networks integrated in the walls of tunnels or buildings to indicate to firefighters and rescueworkers, on the basis of measured data, how stable a tunnel wall is and whether a subterranean section is safe to enter. The contactlessdetection of explosives to prevent terrorist attacks is a further centralissue in security research. However, no workable technical solution to this problem so far exists anywhere in the world. The possibility of“intelligently” integrating and merging information from heteroge-neous sources holds tremendous market potential in security tech-nology. The members of the cluster pool their expertise in the areas ofsensors, electronics, microsystems engineering, life sciences and civilengineering.

Thematic areas

– Protection of critical traffic infrastructures /Robust Sensing Walls – Detection and identification of explosives – Security & Society: acceptance and causal research – System integration

Research partners

Fraunhofer Institutes for – Applied Solid State Physics IAF– Chemical Technology ICT– Information and Data Processing IITB– High-Speed Dynamics, Ernst-Mach-Institut, EMI– Physical Measurement Techniques IPM– Systems and Innovation Research ISIDepartment of Microsystems Engineering,University of FreiburgMaterialprüfungs- und Forschungsanstalt,University of Karlsruhe (TH)Materialprüfungsanstalt Universität StuttgartMax Planck Institute for Foreign and Interna-tional Criminal Lawand many others

Industrial and application partners

Bruker Optik GmbHDiehl BGT Defence GmbH & Co.KGEADSEd. Züblin AGEnOcean GmbHInterior Ministry of Baden-WürttembergIonic Liquid Technologies GmbH & Co.KGJLM InnovationSecuriton GmbHand many others

Contacts

Tobias GeyerPhone +49 761 2714-486Fax +49 761 2714-1-486tobias.geyer�emi.fraunhofer.deFraunhofer Institute for High-Speed Dynamics,Ernst-Mach-Institut, EMIEckerstrasse 479104 Freiburgwww.emi.fraunhofer.de

Birgit BindnagelPhone +49 761 2714-366Fax +49 761 2714-1-366birgit.bindnagel�emi.fraunhofer.deFraunhofer Institute for High-Speed Dynamics,Ernst-Mach-Institut, EMIEckerstrasse 479104 Freiburgwww.emi.fraunhofer.de

Innovation clusterFuture Security BW, Freiburg


In the Karlsruhe-based innovation cluster KITe hyLITE, “Technologies for hybrid lightweight construction”, three Fraunhofer Institutes, theUniversity of Karlsruhe (CART – Center of Automotive Research) andseveral manufacturers and suppliers in the automotive sector are work-ing in close collaboration.

The members of the KITe hyLITE innovation cluster aim to exploitsynergy effects between complementary areas of science in a holisticapproach to research into fiber-composite materials and hybrid light-weight construction. Their work focuses on the development of com-posite materials, production technologies and methods of economicallyimplementing function-integrated lightweight-design solutions inindustrial production processes for the automotive sector. Through thecreation of the innovation cluster, the participating institutes of theFraunhofer-Gesellschaft and the University of Karlsruhe are expandingtheir existing network, which includes the collaborative research centerTransregio 10 and other research entities.

Thematic areas

– Development of composite materials and production technologies for the implementation of function-integrated lightweight-designsolutions

– Implementation of these solutions in economically viable industrialproduction processes for the automotive and machine tools sectors

Research partners

Fraunhofer Institutes for – Chemical Technology ICT– Mechanics of Materials IWM– Structural Durability and System Reliability LBFUniversity of Karlsruhe (TH)– Institute of Vehicle Science and Mobile

Machines (IFFMA) – Institute of Product Development (IPEK) – Institute of Machine Tools and Production

Science (wbk) – Institute of Materials Science and Engineering I

(iwk I)

Industrial partners

Daimler AGDr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AGAUDI AGand many others

Contact

Dr. Frank HenningPhone +49 721 4640-420Fax +49 721 4640-730frank.henning�ict.fraunhofer.deFraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology ICTJoseph-von-Fraunhofer-Strasse 776327 Pfinztal (Berghausen)www.ict.fraunhofer.de

Innovation clusterTechnologies for hybrid lightweight construction KITe hyLITE, Karlsruhe


Modern structure technologies are essential in optimizing technicalproducts. Increasingly stringent requirements in product optimizationare currently leading to a conflict of goals with regard to aspects such as lightweight construction, vibration, deformation, noise andperformance. The issue of climate protection in traffic engineering, forexample, calls for lighter structures and new engine concepts. Theselead to more intense parasitic oscillations, which in turn cause strongerreactions in the ever lighter structures. The use of passive structuretechnologies can often no longer sufficiently resolve these conflicts.Active structure technologies, however, promise to be of help. Adap-tronics, for instance, enables direct synthetic modifications to themechanical properties of structures. In this way, mechanical disturbancesand their effects can be actively counteracted, thus enabling lighterstructures to be developed.

The Adaptronic Systems innovation cluster based in Darmstadt isdeveloping new adaptronic structure concepts for product optimizationwith regard to vibration insulation, noise reduction, shape control,lightweight construction and reliability. Partners from industry, researchand professional associations are collaborating to provide solutions forthe automotive, automation, mechanical engineering and plant con-struction industries. In addition to scientific projects, their work focuseson qualifying scientific and technological staff for research and indus-try, and providing laboratory and analysis technology and equipment.

Thematic areas

– Development of active components for vibration and noise control – Development of monitoring concepts– Design and simulation techniques – Concepts for system integration– Actuators, sensors and components– System evaluation

Research partners

German Institute for Polymers (DKI)Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability andSystem Reliability LBFUniversity of Applied Sciences Darmstadt Materials Science Network Rhine Main (MatFoRM)Darmstadt University of TechnologyTÜV Technische Überwachung Hessen GmbH

Industrial partners

Adam Opel GmbH BASF SE Bayer MaterialScience AGContinental AGFaurecia Innenraum Systeme GmbHFludicon GmbHFreudenberg & Co.KGHarmonic Drive AGISYS Adaptive Solutions GmbHKSB AGMecatronix GmbHSchenck RoTec GmbHStress & Strength GmbHts3 the smart solution system GmbH

Contact

Dr.-Ing. Tobias MelzPhone +49 6151 705-252Fax +49 6151 705-214tobias.melz�lbf.fraunhofer.deFraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability andSystem Reliability LBF Bartningstrasse 4764289 Darmstadtwww.lbf.fraunhofer.de

Innovation clusterAdaptronic Systems RheMA, Darmstadt


The development of advanced material systems serves to improve theshape and mechanical characteristics of structures, and is increasinglybringing ‘smart materials’ to the fore. The integration of functions inmaterials and components calls for new manufacturing and assemblyprocesses. The innovation cluster Multifunctional Materials and Tech-nologies focuses on the concept of holistic manufacturing systems thatharmonize functional materials, joining and assembly technologies,and state-of-the-art surface protection concepts. Particular attention isgiven to the areas of sensor-equipped components, surface engineer-ing, and joining and assembly technologies.

The cluster’s strategic objective is to set up an internationally recog-nized center of excellence for science and technology in the field ofmultifunctional materials based on the latest research findings. Inaddition to an in-depth understanding of boundary layers in materialcombinations, this necessitates the development of manufacturingtechnologies that take into account the specific conditions and require-ments of different industries.

Thematic areas

– Application and integration of sensor systems – Miniaturized sensors – Long-term-stable functional surfaces– Joining of fiber composite structures

Research partners

Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and MarineResearch (AWI)Bremen Institute for Applied Beam Technology(BIAS)Faserinstitut Bremen e.V. (FIBRE)Fraunhofer Center for Wind Energy and MaritimeTechnologies CWMTFraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engi-neering and Applied Materials Research IFAMBremerhaven University of Applied SciencesIWT Foundation Institute of Materials Science University of Bremen

Industrial partners

Airbus Deutschland GmbHCeBeNetwork GmbHDaimler AGHella Fahrzeugtechnik GmbH Hottinger Baldwin Messtechnik GmbHOHB Technology AGOPTIMARE Sensorsysteme AGOptoPrecision GmbHThyssenKrupp Krause GmbHWeserWind GmbHand others

Contacts

Dr.-Ing. Frank PetzoldtPhone +49 421 2246-134Fax +49 421 2246-224frank.petzoldt�ifam.fraunhofer.deFraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engi-neering and Applied Materials Research IFAMWiener Strasse 1228359 Bremenwww.ifam.fraunhofer.de

Dr. Michael WolfPhone +49 2421 2246-640Fax +49 421 2246-77-640michael.wolf�ifam.fraunhofer.deFraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engi-neering and Applied Materials Research IFAMWiener Strasse 1228359 Bremenwww.ifam.fraunhofer.de

Innovation clusterMultifunctional Materials and Technologies MultiMaT, Bremen


The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft –application-oriented research

Research of practical utility lies at the heart of all activities pursued bythe Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft. Founded in 1949, the research organizationundertakes applied research that drives economic development andserves the wider benefit of society. Its services are solicited by customersand contractual partners in industry, the service sector and publicadministration. The organization also accepts commissions from Germanfederal and Länder ministries and government departments to partici-pate in future-oriented research projects with the aim of finding innova-tive solutions to issues concerning the industrial economy and society ingeneral.

Applied research has a knock-on effect that extends beyond the directbenefits perceived by the customer: Through their research and develop-ment work, the Fraunhofer Institutes help to reinforce the competitivestrength of the economy in their local region, and throughout Germanyand Europe. They do so by promoting innovation, accelerating techno-logical progress, improving the acceptance of new technologies, and notleast by disseminating their knowledge and helping to train the urgentlyneeded future generation of scientists and engineers.

As an employer, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft offers its staff the oppor-tunity to develop the professional and personal skills that will allowthem to take up positions of responsibility within their institute, in otherscientific domains, in industry and in society. Students working at theFraunhofer Institutes have excellent prospects of starting and develop-ing a career in industry by virtue of the practical training and experiencethey have acquired.

At present, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft maintains more than 80 researchunits, including 56 Fraunhofer Institutes, at 40 different locations inGermany. The majority of the 13,000 staff are qualified scientists andengineers, who work with an annual research budget of 1.3 billioneuros. Of this sum, more than 1 billion euros is generated through con-tract research. Two thirds of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft’s contractresearch revenue is derived from contracts with industry and from pub-licly financed research projects. Only one third is contributed by theGerman federal and Länder governments in the form of institutionalfunding, enabling the institutes to work ahead on solutions to problemsthat will not become acutely relevant to industry and society until fiveor ten years from now.

Affiliated research centers and representative offices in Europe, the USA and Asia provide contact with the regions of greatest importanceto present and future scientific progress and economic development.

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is a recognized non-profit organizationwhich takes its name from Joseph von Fraunhofer (1787–1826), theillustrious Munich researcher, inventor and entrepreneur.


Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.Hansastrasse 27c80686 MünchenPhone +49 89 1205-0Fax +49 89 1205-7531info�fraunhofer.dewww.fraunhofer.de

Executive BoardProf.Dr.-Ing.habil. Prof. e.h. mult.Dr.h.c. mult. Hans-Jörg Bullinger (President, Corporate Management)Prof.Dr. rer.nat.Ulrich Buller(Research Planning)Dr. rer.pol.Alfred Gossner(Finance, Controlling, IT)

Contact for corporate customersDr.Raoul KlingnerPhone +49 89 1205-1212Fax +49 89 1205-77-1212Hark Kemlein-SchillerPhone +49 89 1205-1213Fax +49 89 1205-77-1213Andrea VidalPhone +49 89 1205-1221Fax +49 89 1205-77-1221projektanfragen�fraunhofer.de

Press and Public RelationsFranz MillerPhone +49 89 1205-1301Fax +49 89 1205-7513presse�zv.fraunhofer.de

Editorial notes

Editorial teamDr. Martin Thum (editor in chief)Christa Schraivogel (picture editor)

ProductionMarie-Luise Keller-Winterstein

English editionBurton, Van Iersel & WhitneyGmbH, Munich

Photo acknowledgmentsAll photos: © Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft

Editorial addressFraunhofer-GesellschaftPress and Public RelationsDr. Martin ThumHansastrasse 27c80686 MünchenGermanyPhone +49 89 1205-1367martin.thum�zv.fraunhofer.de

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