From August 1, we are officially located at Georges-Köhler-Allee 301. Last construction work is in progress, but some colleagues have already moved into their workplaces in the new institute building. We look forward to seeing you there!
Multispectral laser scanners, pellistors for the detection of combustible gases, the efficient heat pipe-based cooling, or optical inspection systems for vehicle production: Our annual report gives you an insight into selected research projects and presents our new building. We hope you enjoy browsing through and discovering our innovations.
Note on cooperation in the face of the Corona pandemic
Dear customers and project partners,
The current situation presents us with serious restrictions in private and also in business life. We support the nationwide strategies to contain the virus and comply with the guidelines recommended by the authorities. In addition, we are taking numerous additional measures to protect the health of our employees and thus of society as a whole.
Despite the restrictions, the institute continues to operate: a large part of our staff works from home, but can still be reached by phone and e-mail as usual. Another part of our staff works in the institute's laboratories and workshops temporarily or in shifts. Since personal meetings are currently not allowed to take place, digital tools help us to relocate them into the virtual space. In this way, we will be able to remain productive during the weeks ahead, and we will be very happy to stay in touch with you!
We wish you, your relatives and friends health and all the best.
We analyze surfaces and 3D structures of components quickly and with micrometer precision. This means that 100 percent production control in real-time is possible.
We detect the three-dimensional shape and position of objects and large structures at high speed and with high precision. Measurements are taken predominantly from moving platforms.
We develop and manufacture measurement systems for gas and liquid analysis which feature high precision and reliability even under extreme conditions. The scope ranges from laser spectrometers for exhaust gas analysis to energy-efficient gas sensor for food quality monitoring.
We manufacture and optimize materials with special physical properties. These materials form the basis for systems for magnetic cooling or thermoelectric energy harvesting.
Digitization in the building pit: Georeferenced survey data via app
In most cases, network infrastructure operators still use analog methods to keep records where cables have been laid and lines have been drawn in the ground. This manual process is time-consuming and requires a lot of experience. Fraunhofer IPM has recently launched the »NEXT.TrenchLog« project in cooperation with Bayernwerk Netz GmbH, developing a digital solution for the documentation of underground infrastructure: Using artificial intelligence, the system automatically generates georeferenced 3D data of the components.
Multi-sensor system for the precise and efficient inspection of roads, railways and similar assets
Critical infrastructure such as transport networks are the lifelines of modern society. Extreme weather events may cause damage to railway tracks, roads, tunnels and bridges. The Fraunhofer Institute for Physical Measurement Techniques IPM has developed a novel 3D laser scanner that can be used to closely monitor transport infrastructure and plan maintenance work in a timely manner. The multispectral sensor system measures surface structures as well as the surface moisture on objects, all in a single inspection process.
Laser scanners to aid in detecting explosive ordnance on the seabed
World War II left its mark on the seas, with around 1.6 million tons of ammunition and explosive ordnance from this period remaining in German marine waters alone. As part of the LUXOR research project, Fraunhofer IPM is teaming up with international research partners to develop an automated, digital system that will facilitate the identification of explosive ordnance on the seabed and improve the safety and efficiency of its removal.
Fraunhofer starts development of refrigerant-free, energy-efficient electrocaloric heat pumps
Heat pumps play a decisive role in the energy transition: Sustainably generated electricity provides heat in winter and a good climate in summer. Nowadays, heat pumps work almost exclusively on the basis of compressor technology. Compressors require harmful refrigerants, the use of which will be restricted even more by law in the future. In the Fraunhofer ElKaWe lighthouse project, six Fraunhofer Institutes are developing highly efficient electrocaloric heat pumps, which do without harmful refrigerants.
Fraunhofer Institute for Physical Measurement Techniques IPM