Fraunhofer USAAt Fraunhofer USA, our engineers and scientists work together to find solutions to problems that not only benefit from but also require a multi-disciplinary approach to generate optimal results. For this reason, our research centers are continually expanding and diversifying access to core competences through multi-disciplinary collaborations across Fraunhofer USA as well as the greater Fraunhofer Network around the globe. In addition, through close and hands-on collaborations with major university partners, we strive for scientific excellence in our research work. Scientific and engineering breakthroughs are often the result of fresh perspectives and novel approaches. By translating new technologies in these competence areas Fraunhofer USA is able to provide our customers the tools they need to create societal impact as they pursue their sustainability goals. Learn more about how Fraunhofer USA research projects enable long-term sustainability.
Competence Areas
Materials and Surfaces
Surface technology is of vital importance in the manufacture of optical and optoelectronic components and products. At the same time, laser technology is taking on an increasingly important role in manufacturing and metrology processes in the field of surface technology.
As technological progress gains momentum, these two key technologies are steadily being incorporated in a growing number of applications, including production systems, optical sensor systems, IC technology and biomedical engineering.
Fraunhofer USA Capabilities
- Carbon thin film coatings and surface treatments
- State-of-the-art diamond research facility
- Artificial intelligence applications to understand and predict material behavior
- Electrode development for sensing, environmental and harsh environment use
Production Technologies
A scarcity of raw materials, a shortage of qualified workers, competitive pressure – these are only a few of the challenges manufacturers face. Researchers are working on energy- and resource-efficient processes for tomorrow’s manufacturing. Our researchers work with our clients to custom automate manufacturing and laboratory operations .
Fraunhofer USA Capabilities
- Advanced laser processing for welding, cladding, cutting, and additive manufacturing
- Custom automated manufacturing and lab operations
- Supply chain traceability, transparency and risk assesment
Information and Communication
Information and communication technology is an overlapping area that covers almost all other research fields and sectors, from medicine and the media industry through to the manufacturing sector. Digital technologies open up many new ways to communicate. Personalized, interactive and mobile learning methods help prepare us for the work environment of the future.
Fraunhofer USA Capabilities
- Powerful software testing and verification strategies and tools
- State-of-the-art measurement and code analysis methods
- Application and testing of artificial intelligence based systems
- Innovative rapid prototyping and modeling
- Machine learning research and development
Energy and Climate Technologies
If we want heated homes, hot water for showers, and electricity to power our ovens, appliances and computers, we need energy. Until now it’s been mainly oil, coal and gas that have driven the economy and supplied our home comforts. The problem is that, slowly but surely, these finite resources are running out. It is imperative that we use raw materials more efficiently – and that includes using energy more efficiently, finding reliable ways to store it and redoubling efforts to tap renewables.
Fraunhofer USA Capabilities
- Field test energy-savings building and distributed energy technologies to accelerate the transition to a sustainable energy future
- Building Technologies: Development, prototyping, demonstration and field testing
- Distributed Energy Resource Integration: Solar PV, energy storage, flexible buildings and e-mobility
Health
In all areas of medical, environmental and nutrition research, Fraunhofer USA provides results that help keep people healthy and make healthcare more affordable. Smart assistance systems are an invaluable part of preventative healthcare, diagnostic medicine, treatment and care. Since nutrition, food technology and effective environmental protection also have a major impact on public health, they feature prominently in our research.
Fraunhofer USA Capabilities
- Vaccine engineering, formulation and scaling
- Microbial mining & antimicrobial discovery
- Pilot scale production under cGMP
- Cell cultures for secondary metabolites
- Electrode development for brain research