Cables are fast disappearing from our daily lives. The computer mouse has already lost its tail, our telephones and headphones have become wireless – even electric toothbrushes and cellphones don’t need cables anymore. Information is transmitted wirelessly, and power needs can be met via an electromagnetic induction supply system. Researchers are in the process of develo...
Electric cars are very much welcomed in Norway and they are a common sight on the roads of the Scandinavian country – so much so that electric cars topped the list of new vehicle registrations for the second time. This poses a stark contrast to the situation in Germany, where electric vehicles claim only a small portion of the market. Of the 43 million cars on the roads ...
Lubricants are used in motors, axels, ventilators and manufacturing machines. Although lubricants are widely used, there have been almost no fundamental innovations for this product in the last twenty years. Together with a consortium, the Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials IWM in Freiburg has developed an entirely new class of substance that could change ev...
Airport congestion has reached staggering levels as some 2.2 billion people a year take to the skies for business or pleasure. As their numbers grow and more jets add to pollution in the atmosphere, the drawbacks to the popularity of flying become obvious. This has encouraged airlines, aircraft manufacturers and researchers to pull together to reduce airliners’ kerosene ...
According to forecasts, air traffic will continue to increase in the future. In order to avoid an excessive pollution aircrafts will have to fly with less fuel und less emissions. Their production should also save material and time resources. Completely free design In the design of engine components, the engineers previously had to be especially sure that new compo...
The Center for Lightweight Production Technology (ZLP) in the German Aerospace Center (DLR, Augsburg) is tasked with developing lightweight carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) structures and economic production methods tailored to industries including aerospace, wind energy and automotive. Researchers there seek automated processes utilizing robotics and other technol...
Simulations are an important development tool in the automobile and utility vehicle industries – they enable engineers to see into the future. The properties of vehicle components, such as how they respond in an accident, their reliability, or their energy efficiency can be investigated using simulations before the first component is manufactured. To continue to maintain...
The network of charging stations for electric vehicles is becoming more tightly meshed. In Germany, the ratio of electric cars to charging stations is currently two to one and utility companies are pushing forward expansion of charging opportunities, especially in cities and metropolitan areas. Over 2000 charging spots have already been installed nationwide and the count...
The robots move at walking speed along airplane components; in doing so, it applies a sealant against corrosion in equal measure. The mobile assistant is surrounded by technical workers who install, drill, and test. Admittedly this scenario is still a glimpse of the future – but in just a few years, it should be reality for the aerospace manufacturing industry. In the EU...
Much like in the U.S. city, the Schwaben region’s ties to the automotive industry became more and more apparent with each shop and manufacturer I visited in late spring while I was in Germany for a press tour hosted by turning machine producer Index/Traub. The highlight of the trip was going to the company’s anniversary celebration and open house. While in Esslingen, ...
Benecke-KalikoChina – The joint venture between Benecke-Kaliko and its Chinese partner, Jiangsu Changshun Group, plans to manufacture Acella Eco trim material at the upcoming facility. Benecke-Changshun ECO Trim says it has been seeing high demand from the Chinese automotive industry for what it calls “eco-optimised surface solutions”, which can help to meet strict air q...
What are the main factors under consideration when looking to transport parts along an automotive assembly line or move materials around a production plant? Speed, safety, reliability, flexibility, space and energy savings? Most probably, all of these and more besides. For this reason, many solutions are bespoke to fit the requirements of a specific application. With reg...
Nissan’s battery plant in Sunderland, north-east England, is unlike other automotive facilities. Parts of it have to be kept so clean that visitors must cover up like medics, and ballpoint pens are confiscated lest clicking them open discharges microscopic particles of plastic into the air. Nissan is incredibly secretive about the processes within. The facility opened la...
