Basis for innovative technologies and products Our research projects
As a global technology leader, FFT is involved in a large number of national and international research projects, where it also takes the lead in the network. Together with industrial and academic project partners, the foundations for future innovative technologies and products are developed here. FFT's research and development department is represented at several locations throughout Germany. In addition to the FFT locations in Fulda, Bremen and Hamburg, FFT is also present in various technology centers, including the Center for Applied Aeronautical Research (ZAL) Hamburg, the Center for Eco-efficient Materials and Technologies (ECOMAT) Bremen, the Technology Center Nordenham (TZN), the Research Center CFK Nord Stade and the planned Innovation and Technology Center (ITZ) Nord for hydrogen technologies.
FFT's active research projects
MODUL4R
Flexible assembly of printed circuit boards through image processing support
The aim of this research project is to develop the automated component pick-up of small electronic components from a box for the assembly of printed circuit boards. The components are to be automatically subjected to 3D segmentation using machine learning. Corresponding sensors must be coordinated with the software solutions. An optimum grip position must be determined from the segmented components. These and other process steps are to be developed for the fragile electronic components. The aim of the overall project is to develop industrial manufacturing strategies for distributed control systems with a high level of reliability and responsive and reconfigurable supply chains.
Project sponsor/sponsor:
Project duration: 2023 to 2026
Project partners:
EKODA
Development of flexible assembly technologies for analyzing, reusing and dismantling batteries for sustainable use of resources
The overall objective of the EKODA cooperation project is to close material cycles through efficient and economical dismantling and remanufacturing processes for automotive components. Derived from the overall objective of the alliance, FFT's aim as a system integrator is to develop flexible (dis)assembly technologies for vehicle batteries. In addition to the economic factor, which is important for an industrial company, the main focus here is on the ecological impact and safety-relevant maturity of the technologies to be developed. Accordingly, there is a strong focus on analyzing the capacity and remaining service life of used automotive batteries as well as a certification process to be developed and subsequently established for guaranteed performance during recycling.
Project sponsor/sponsor:
Project duration: 2022 to 2025
Project partners:
ATON
Making metal fuselage technologies ecologically sustainable
The aim of the project is to develop ecologically sustainable metal technologies and new joining processes for the assembly of aircraft fuselage structures. To this end, digitalization solutions are to be integrated into the production and manufacturing process in a meaningful way. Among other things, this should reduce the use of resources. In addition, the bonding of metal structures is to be implemented with a high degree of automation while achieving a high level of technical maturity and cost-effectiveness. Furthermore, the weight of the structure is to be reduced, which has a direct influence on fuel consumption and thus also on the CO2 emissions of the aircraft.
Project sponsor/sponsor:
Project duration: 2019 to 2024
Project partner:
SeMoSys
Section assembly and system installation
The overall aim of the project is to develop automation solutions for the assembly of various aircraft fuselage sections. The focus of the developments is on a high production cadence as well as flexible and automated production technologies. Human-robot collaborations (HRC) for force-guided assembly operations are being tested for system pre-installation. Safety and ergonomic aspects are considered here. A digital system planning tool is also being developed for the planning of future production systems, which customers and suppliers can use to intuitively make adjustments to system planning. The new tool will also include a digital learning environment with a 3D environment for training workers.
Project sponsor/sponsor:
Project duration: 2021 to 2024
Project partners:
WISDOM
Development of a modular and hybrid integration platform for the analysis and validation of highly dynamic flight control systems
Within the joint project WISDOM, a validation platform is being developed and built with which future, highly dynamic and intelligent flight control systems for elongated wings can be examined in a hybrid test environment. Innovative and safety-critical functions such as active load reduction or flutter suppression will be implemented and analyzed. The aim of the project is to evaluate the new systems in terms of their interaction and performance and thus draw conclusions about the maturity of the technology.
Project sponsor/sponsor:
Project duration: 2022 to 2025
Project partners:
H2Giga - QT 4.2 FertiRob
Series production of hydrogen electrolyzers - QT 4.2 Production and robotics
The "H2Giga - QT 4.2 FertiRob" project is a research project spanning the FFT sites in Fulda, Bremen and Hamburg. The aim is to develop and prototype a modular production plant for hydrogen electrolysers in the gigawatt range. The cross-cutting topic QT 4.2 - FertiRob deals with automation solutions for the various sub-problems involved in the manufacture, assembly and disassembly of stacks and electrolysers. A modular automation system is being developed to ensure efficient and flexible applicability and simple scalability. The aim is to combine optimized manufacturing technologies and digital solutions into an overall system to ensure high-quality electrolyser production.
Project sponsor/sponsor:
Project duration: 2021 to 2025
Project partners:
From research project to standardized technology Further development
Research projects are a key driver for the development of new technologies and products. Innovative approaches and the combination of scientific findings result in solutions that not only overcome existing challenges, but also open up new opportunities. These advances contribute to the further development of industries and promote technological change in various areas.
Are you looking for a partner for a research project? We look forward to getting in touch with you:
Send us your concept idea, your research project or a description of your innovative process that we can support you with. We look forward to exchanging ideas and developing new solutions with you.
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