Research and development - We shape the future

Robust, economical laser welding of metallic bipolar plates for the zero-defect production of fuel cells and electrolysers (RoWiLas)

Strong market growth in fuel cells and electrolysers requires new production solutions in terms of process time, cost and quality of bipolar plates to meet targeted production volumes. The complete contacting of the joining area of both bipolar plate halves during the laser welding process is crucial for the realisation of functional welded joints.

 

In order to reduce production times, increase process robustness and eliminate leak tests, the project will develop zero-defect production of fuel cells and electrolysers. The focus is on research into an adaptive, self-regulating clamping system to ensure a technical zero gap for a more robust welding process, and research into a technology to overcome process-specific process limits to achieve shorter process times.

 

Duration: 2024/05/15 to 2027/05/14

 

Scalable actuator platform for lightweight robotics and endoscopy (EndoSMART)

Actuating principles in surgery and endoscopy are currently either based on the muscle power of the user or use traditional electromechanical drives. This leads to fundamental limitations in terms of embedding in cyber-medical systems, cost structure and reusability. The aim of the project is to explore a scalable actuator platform for minimally invasive surgical instruments and endoscopes based on shape memory alloys. This actuator platform would lead to profound improvements in functionality, cost structure and recyclability.

 

The project will address research issues related to thermal stability, fatigue strength, operating concepts, control systems and basic manufacturability to lay the foundations for a universal instrument concept.

 

Duration: 2023/12/01 to 2026/11/30

 

Prospective software and service ecosystems for the digitalisation of SMEs (ProSECO-SME)

The project will research and implement as a functional model a viable platform for an SME software ecosystem that complies with the European data and legal space and is independent of international hyperscalers. Based on the concepts developed for an SME software ecosystem platform, SMEs should be able to develop new data- and service-driven business models.

 

In addition to the further development of the software architecture and technology, the sustainability of the platform is also at the forefront. Using the principles of green coding, future developers on the SME Software Ecosystem platform will be able to research and influence the energy consumption of future applications during the development process. This will make a significant contribution to achieving the EU's climate change targets.

 

Duration: 2023/08/01 to 2026/07/01

 

Micro-electronic hybrid systems in ultrasound (HYBRIDECHO)

This project will explore a new hybrid ultrasound technique. By combining highly sensitive MEMS-based ultrasonic transducers and powerful piezo transmitters in a single system for the first time, the bandwidth and sensitivity can be increased to the point where continuous transmission methods can be used. The project will therefore develop the necessary individual components for the realisation of continuous signal forms. Based on this fundamental research, a test platform will be created, which will develop a novel overall system based on the individual components. This setup should enable the operation of multiple synchronous transmitters with arbitrarily coded signals and demonstrate superior imaging by receiving their reflections via MEMS components. In the course of this setup, the new processing methods to be researched will be investigated with regard to their combination possibilities in order to develop concepts for a scalable, highly efficient process chain.

 

Overall, the content of the project offers the potential to drastically improve image quality, enabling novel medical applications such as transcranial ultrasound of cerebral haemorrhages or efficient tumour screening of the smallest lesions.

 

Duration: 2023/08/01 to 2026/07/01

 

Development of the production technology for the manufacture of profile rollers for the continuous production of bipolar plates (BiPA)

The overall objective of the project is to develop and implement manufacturing and processing technologies for the production of profile rollers using an innovative process combination of machining and laser ablation for the continuous production of bipolar plates. The aim is to ensure the component properties, i.e. contour accuracy, geometric precision and surface quality, by using the aforementioned process combination. In order to achieve this, it is necessary to use the processes in one workpiece clamping, i.e. in one machine. In order to achieve the required machining accuracy, it is also essential to monitor the contour during the process. The aim is also to increase reproducibility by digitising the manufacturing process and the component, and to transfer the technology to other applications. The aim is also to significantly increase productivity.

 

Duration: 2023/04/14 to 2026/04/13

 

Research into a laser beam-based, combined joining process chain for filigree NiTi-based shape memory actuators and sensors (FGLFüPro)

The project is investigating a joining process chain that enables flexible, economical and reliable contacting of actuator NiTi FGL wires and sensor thin films without the need for additional elements. To this end, a combination of plasma polishing and coating processes will be used as the basis for a subsequent high-precision laser joining process to join the NiTi workpieces in an energy-efficient and heat-reduced manner. This overall joining process enables the economical and reliable production of sometimes extremely delicate, wire-shaped products made of functional SMA NiTi alloys in the micro and macro range, and expands their use in sensor and actuator technology as well as in other market segments.

 

Duration: 2023/06/01 to 2025/11/30

 

Digital end-to-end infrastructure in smart medical consumables (SmartInfusions)

Sterile medical consumables are the backbone of modern medicine. However, in applications such as infusion, dialysis and ventilation, the intelligence of these consumables no longer matches the required clinical complexity: the consumables guide the medical fluid, but otherwise "know nothing" about their task. This is particularly evident in intravenous therapies, which are administered to millions of patients every day. Even today, infusion therapies are still controlled manually, which makes them prone to errors, very labour-intensive, unnecessarily stressful for patients, and the data from the therapy process is not used. The aim of the project is therefore to enable, for the first time, the end-to-end digitalisation of infusion, chemotherapy, dialysis and ventilation through the introduction of IP-protected, intelligent consumables. In this context, SITEC will research basic solutions and manufacturing concepts for highly scalable production and integrated testing of connectors, drug containers and lines equipped with connectivity and realise technology demonstrators.

 

Duration: 2023/11/01 to 2025/10/31