Applied research for a sustainable economy and society

Sustainable hardware

Green ICT

As the energy consumption of information and communications technology continues to rise, we are investigating new computer architectures and zero power solutions. At the same time, it is vital that green ICT should have a long operating life and be energy-efficient and conserve resources in both production and use.

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Neuromorphic hardware

AI algorithms are extremely energy-hungry. This, however, runs counter to the goal of lowering CO₂ emissions. One possible solution is to use neuromorphic hardware, which is designed to emulate neural networks – a key part of AI systems – and their processing performance in a way that is as energy-efficient as possible. In addition, neuromorphic hardware makes it possible to run AI algorithms at the edge – i.e., locally and therefore in proximity to sensors. In turn, this reduces the consumption of energy otherwise required for data transmission to the cloud.

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Data capture and transmission 

mioty in agriculture

Developed by the joint research group FutureIOT along with Fraunhofer IIS, mioty solutions for agriculture enable the continuous, spatially resolved recording of soil parameters. This helps farmers monitor soil quality in an easy, time-saving, and cost-effective manner, while also enabling them to meet the reporting requirements of regulatory authorities. In turn, this cuts fertilizer use to the exact amount required, helps prevent nitrate pollution, and ensures that water is used intelligently and sparingly so as to conserve this increasingly scarce resource. 

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mioty – energy-efficient communications technology

This exceptionally efficient data-transmission technology helps ensure effective condition monitoring and predictive maintenance in many areas of the IoT, including Industry 4.0, smart cities, and smart buildings.   

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An enabling technology for autonomous driving

Only the across-the-board use of V2X communication will enable an efficient and appropriate control of traffic flows and prevent congestion. V2X technology is a keystone of autonomous driving, along with car sharing and other associated mobility concepts. It will not only enhance road safety but also help prevent accidents altogether.

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Energy-efficient communication networks

A key aim of the future 6G wireless communications standard is to reduce the amount of energy consumed by networks. AI algorithms are set to play an important role here, as is the development of efficient algorithms and transmission methods.

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Energy-efficient distribution of data in mobility applications

High-performance data links – both in the vehicle itself and between the vehicle and its surroundings – are a key technology for cars of the future. Whenever the same data has to be transferred to a large number of users, digital broadcasting remains the method of choice. Not only does it save energy and trim data volume, but it also makes sparing use of bandwidth, which is in short supply.

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Data analytics

Data analytics and new business models for a data-driven circular economy

Whenever products are reused, sustainability increases, since resources are conserved and energy consumption is often reduced. Data analytics and new business models such as smart product service systems (sPSS) can play a key role in increasing resource efficiency and closing material cycles. In order to improve ecological sustainability, it is vital to make purposeful use of product and process data. Our contribution here involves the use of methods from (1) forecasting for remanufacturing and (2) inventory control for manufacturing.

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Green transport logistics

The continuing strong growth of road freight is a major burden on infrastructure and the environment, and creates traffic problems as well. Placing transport logistics on a more sustainable footing calls for both a reduction in the currently roughly 151 million empty runs each year, by consolidating delivery orders and existing transport networks, and the transfer of freight to rail, by making handling more efficient in combined transport (CT) terminals.

Reference projects: 

• ReVeLa: Regional shipping platforms for the use of CT terminals in peripheral locations
• KITE: AI to reduce transport emissions
• Feasibility study for a future digital CT terminal

Phenotyping

Phenotyping is a method of identifying plants that will deliver a sufficient yield in conditions such as higher temperatures as a result of the climate crisis.

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Using X-ray technology to sort and recycle

Fraunhofer EZRT is investigating dual-energy methods as a means of reliably identifying and sorting raw materials. These methods make use of the different attenuation coefficients exhibited by different materials. 

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Using X-ray technology for the production monitoring of cast parts

We detect deviations from the optimal production process at an early stage and regulate the process in such a way that the specified component or product quality is always achieved, thus doing away with rejects. 

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Energy

Energy Control

Increasing diversification in the energy market poses fundamental challenges for grid operators as well as the state and society as a whole. To keep our energy infrastructure from being overloaded and ensure it is used efficiently, we are pursuing two lines of research. On the one hand, we are looking at ways of forecasting as accurately as possible the demand for power and heat in Germany on various levels and over different time horizons. On the other, we aim to use mathematical methods to optimize and efficiently control the use of different sources of energy in the industrial sector.

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Energy harvesting

Energy harvesting can eliminate the need to use power cables or recharge batteries in mobile devices. Instead, vibrations from equipment, machinery, and buildings – or, alternatively, the temperature gradient between pipes, radiators, and valves and their immediate surroundings – can be used to generate electricity to power small electronic systems.  

More about energy harvesting – a standalone energy supply

Social sustainability

An employee-centric culture for sustainable organizations

New, sustainable processes in companies, sparked by technological advances and revised organizational goals, will also initiate a change process for employees. We use data-based methods to analyze and optimize processes and the work environment from an employee-centric perspective, and in this way to bring about a sustainable shift to a green and social corporate culture. 

Reference projects:

• Motivating warehouse employees
• Future digital job skills
• Enterprise collaboration systems in SMEs