Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft

Fraunhofer research scientists are optimizing the manufacturing of 3D tissue models using a modular sensor platform and AI. Their solution enables continuous quality control in bioreactors and opens up new perspectives for the biotech and pharmaceutical industries – for more than just animal-free drug testing.

Polyurethanes (PUR) are found in many products, such as upholstered furniture, foam or insulation materials, flooring, paints and even medical catheter tubes. The production of these high-demand plastics, however, relies on toxic isocyanate. Fraunhofer researchers have now developed an alternative production process using harmless dicarbamate.

Children are usually examined using ultrasound to protect them from radiation exposure. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA are now working on a system to automatically document the spatial recording position of ultrasound scans relative to the patient's body.

Sustainability is an aspect that more and more consumers pay close attention to when buying furniture. As part of their research project titled Linum Tube, researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute for Wood Research, Wilhelm-Klauditz-Institut, WKI have created modern seating furniture that is easy to disassemble, adapt and transport, and is also highly recyclable. The modular systems are made of only two materials: fabric produced from natural fibers and steel tubes.