Automotive technology and mobility

Private transport, mass transportation and the transport and logistics industry are facing significant changes: On the one hand, the market must respond to the growing demands for safety, sustainability and efficiency and, on the other, to sales aspects such as autonomous driving, entertainment and design. Innovations, therefore, play a central role in the development of new products and new processes. In production technology, research and development is focusing on efficient production methods, new materials and digital solutions.

Current challenges in automotive technology and mobility

The main challenges include the development of environmentally friendly drive systems for vehicles, ships and trains as well as the digitalization of mobility. These encompass intelligent transportation systems that enable autonomous driving, for example. What also plays a crucial role in these developments: digitalization and data processing, lightweight construction and material innovations as well as the further development of battery technology. The framework for action is defined by ensuring that procuring raw materials is sustainable, taking global supply chains into account and following stricter regulatory requirements. Solutions require an approach that integrates all of these and where industry, science, society and economic policy cooperate closely.

Solutions from Fraunhofer ILT

Fraunhofer ILT has been working with partners from the automotive industry for decades. The institute develops manufacturing processes for lightweight construction, such as the welding of ultra-high-strength steels and composite materials, the laser-assisted local softening of cold-pressed steels to optimize forming technology, the cutting of CFRP components and the joining of dissimilar lightweight materials.

 

e-mobility

In this branch efficiency and performance can be improved with new laser concepts in process development and the design of production systems, power electronics, battery technology and the construction of drive systems.

 

Lightweight construction

Innovative laser technology in lightweight construction – for example, when processing fiber composites and combining different materials – helps increase efficiency and save energy in mobility and its production.

 

Lighting technology

Lighting has gained considerably in importance and scope in the field of automotive technology and mobility, both in terms of sensor technology, functional lighting and ambient lighting.

Contact person Competencies

Carlo Holly

Contact Press / Media

Univ.-Prof. Carlo Holly

Head of Department Data Science and Measurement Technology

Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT
Steinbachstr. 15
52074 Aachen

Phone +49 241 8906-142

Christian Vedder

Contact Press / Media

Dr. Christian Vedder

Head of Department Surface Technology and Ablation

Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT
Steinbachstr. 15
52074 Aachen

Phone +49 241 8906-378

Hans-Dieter Hoffmann

Contact Press / Media

Dipl.-Ing. Hans-Dieter Hoffmann

Head of Department Laser and Optical Systems

Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT
Steinbachstr. 15
52074 Aachen

Phone +49 241 8906-206

  • Send email
Alexander Olowinsky

Contact Press / Media

Dr.-Ing. Alexander Olowinsky

Head of Department Joining and Cutting

Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT
Steinbachstr. 15
52074 Aachen

Phone +49 241 8906-491

  • Send email
Tim Lantzsch

Contact Press / Media

Dr.-Ing. Tim Lantzsch

Head of Department Laser Powder Bed Fusion

Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT
Steinbachstr. 15
52074 Aachen

Phone +49 241 8906-193

Fax +49 241 8906-121

Thomas Schopphoven

Contact Press / Media

Dr.-Ing. Thomas Schopphoven

Head of department Laser Material Deposition

Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT
Steinbachstr. 15
52074 Aachen

Phone +49 241 8906-8107