DLR at Hannover Messe 2024
- DLR will be showcasing current research projects under the motto 'Enabling transformation' at Hannover Messe (Hall 13, Stand D62).
- DLR's technologies, innovations and transfer projects are helping to address the challenges of industrial transformation.
- There will be two live podcasts to watch and listen to, as well as other events at the DLR stand.
- Focus: Energy, aeronautics, digitalisation, space, technology transfer, start-ups, decarbonisation, mobility of the future, hydrogen, quantum computing, robotics
Under the motto 'Enabling Transformation', the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) will be presenting technologies, innovations and transfer projects at Hannover Messe 2024. These will contribute to transforming the industry, energy and mobility sectors in an economically successful, future-proof and climate-friendly way. The DLR stand (Energy Solutions, Hall 13, Number D62) will focus on low carbon dioxide industrial processes and hydrogen technologies, robotics and automation for the Factory of the Future and quantum computing applications in industry.
"More than ever, technological leadership and innovation are the basis for Germany's success and for securing the country's future. At Hannover Messe 2024, we are showcasing current projects, ideas and solutions to address the technological challenges of industrial transformation. With its research in an increasingly complex environment, DLR is supporting the climate-friendly transformation of energy-intensive industrial processes," explains Anke Kaysser-Pyzalla, Chair of the DLR Executive Board. "From start-ups to SMEs and global players – with its expertise in the core areas of aerospace, energy, transport and security and the resulting interdisciplinary research approach, DLR is a sought-after advisor and partner for politics and civil society, as well as industry and authorities."
DLR will also have exhibits at the stands of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), Baden-Württemberg International (bw-i), the German Academy of Science and Engineering (acatech) and the Technical University of Berlin. All information on the exhibits and appearances can be found on DLR's dedicated Hannover Messe webpage.
Events at the DLR stand – live podcasts and a framework agreement with Deutsche Bahn
Explaining science in an understandable way and showing its benefits for society is the focus of podcaster Daniel Finger in the series 'From Earth to Space', produced in collaboration with DLR. On 23 April 2024, he will record two new episodes live at the DLR stand for all visitors to the Hannover Messe to watch and listen to. In conversation with DLR researchers, the presenter will take a look at the Factory of the Future, in which humans and machines work closely together (at 11:00). In the second podcast (at 14:00), he explores the question of how industrial processes can be supplied with energy in a climate-friendly yet reliable way in the future. Both podcast episodes will be available to listen to on all the usual platforms after the recording.
DLR and Deutsche Bahn (DB) will also be entering into a partnership for innovations in rail operations on 22 April 2024 at the DLR stand at Hannover Messe. The collaboration will focus on key areas such as data analysis, artificial intelligence, quantum computing and cybersecurity, as well as the use of digital twins. The aim is to make rail transport more efficient and environmentally friendly.
Power-to-heat technologies for industrial transformation
Organising energy-intensive industrial processes with as little carbon dioxide as possible is one of the key challenges faced in the sector. Power-to-heat technologies can play an important role in this. They utilise electricity from variable renewable sources such as sun and wind to provide process heat and steam in a climate-friendly, reliable and flexible way. In this context, DLR is presenting a latent heat storage system based on nitrate salts. It can provide low-cost heat for process steam for the food or paper industry, for example. DLR is also presenting a special high-temperature electrical heating system. It can reach temperatures of up to 1200 degrees Celsius and thus can heat gaseous heat media. Its core elements consist of induction-heated, electroconductive ceramics with large surfaces for heat transfer. This approach has the potential to cost-effectively replace natural gas-fired burners in the chemical, cement, ceramics and metal industries.
Hydrogen expertise for energy and mobility
In the field of hydrogen technologies, DLR is demonstrating its current research work on how this energy source can be best stored and transported. An important factor here is to ensure that the hydrogen has the highest quality possible. Also on display at the DLR stand is a fuel cell system with a hydrogen tank. It can be used as a mobile charging station for electric vehicles wherever a powerful grid connection is not possible or too expensive.
Shaping the Factory of the Future – robotics and automation
Intelligent, digitally networked robots are of crucial importance for the industrial production of the future. Visitors can experience a variable robotic workstation in action at the DLR stand. The centrepiece is a lightweight robotic arm. It can independently position components and devices in the workspace and select suitable tools. A special sensor and control system enables the robot system to learn by doing.
3D Input, a DLR spin-off, will also be presenting a miniaturised technology for innovative human-machine interfaces. With its help, continuous, simultaneous and sensitive input of 3D movements is possible. Due to its small size, the sensor unit required for this can also be integrated into mobile phones and tablets. This makes it possible to produce three-dimensional input devices that can control up to six degrees of freedom simultaneously and intuitively.
Virtual aircraft maintenance and technologies for the next generation of fighter aircraft
With its focus on aviation, DLR is using the Airbrake as an example to demonstrate the future possibility of maintaining aircraft using augmented reality, remote collaboration and a decentralised database (digital twin). The demonstration at the exhibition stand includes a structural integrity monitoring system for in-service inspection using ultrasonic waves. With a model of the Future Fighter Demonstrator (FFD), DLR will also provide an insight into its defence research.
Quantum computing applications in industry
The DLR Quantum Computing Initiative (DLR QCI) shows how companies can participate in the development of applications for quantum computing, define new applications and thus prepare themselves for the enormous potential of this technology.
Ready for your mission – jobs at DLR
For bright minds who want to research technologies for the world of tomorrow, DLR's personnel marketing team will also be providing information on jobs, training and career opportunities. The DLR_Startup Factory company building programme, which focuses on the deep tech sector, is also taking part this year. The programme promotes the establishment of spin-offs and opens up exciting jobs in the areas of technical management, business development, marketing and sales.
Hydrogen + Fuel Cell Europe exhibition – focus on hydrogen
A second DLR stand within the Hydrogen + Fuel Cells Europe exhibition area (Hall 13, B36) will provide a deeper insight into DLR's current hydrogen-related projects. The focus will be on the production and use of the energy carrier. DLR will be presenting its research work in the field of high-temperature electrolysis, among other things. This process occurs at more than 600 degrees Celsius and places high demands on materials and processes, but also enables very high efficiency levels. Fuel cells are a key technology for making heavy-duty transport more climate friendly. DLR is working on a generic fuel cell system with an output of 1.5 megawatts for use in the maritime sector and in rail, road and air transport.
Space for industry – DLR contributions in the supporting programme
DLR is represented in the supporting programme of the Hannover Messe with speakers from the field of space research and its industrial applications. At the Tech Transfer Conference Stage (Hall 2, Stand B02), Doris Klein from the German Remote Sensing Data Center (DFD) will moderate the session 'Space as a business model for industry' (23 April 2024, from 10:40 to 11:25). In this session, Karten Lemmer, DLR Executive Board Member for Innovation, Transfer and Research Infrastructure, will speak on the topic of 'Technology transfer from research: from spaceflight for spaceflight (23 April 2024, from 11:45 to 11:55).
As part of Hydrogen + Fuel Cells Europe (Hall 13, B40), DLR energy experts Asif Ansar and Andreas Friedrich will speak on the topic of 'Advancing the use of spaceflight technology for industry' (23 April 2024, from 11:45 to 11:55). Andreas Friedrich will speak on the topics of 'Advancing net-zero technologies for aviation & shipping' (23 April 2024, from 10:40 to 11:00 in Hall 13, D40) and 'Components for efficient water-electrolysis' (24 April 2024, from 15:30 to 15:45 in Hall 13, A30).
At the event 'FEMWORX – Career congress for women in industry' (Convention Center (CC), exhibition grounds), DLR researcher Cécile Deprez will talk about diversity and inclusion in the workshop 'LGBTQIA+ 101' (26 April 2024, from 15:00 to 15:45).