R&D News | March 2025

AI Model Identifies Sepsis with Simple Blood Test

A team of medical researchers from Koblenz University of Applied Sciences and Bonn University Hospital have developed an AI model for the individualized and optimized selection of antibiotics to treat sepsis. The AI model, created using data from historical sepsis cases, is the first AI model of its kind in the world according to the developers. Finding the right combination of drugs to treat sepsis can greatly increase the chances of recovery and eliminate the need for broad-spectrum drug treatments that can cause severe side effects. About 160 people die every day from the results of sepsis in Germany. 

Study Proves Effectiveness of Heart “Sticking Plaster” 

University Medical Center Göttingen researchers have published new evidence confirming the effectiveness of heart “sticking plasters” in treating heart failure. The heart plaster, made up of stem cell-produced heart muscle tissue is applied to the weakened heart muscle in order to strengthen the heart permanently. Heart plaster use measurably increased the cardiac output of a 46-year-old patient suffering from diabetes and high blood pressure. The results published in the renowned “Nature” scientific journal represent a milestone for the clinical application of heart tissue grown from stem cells in treating severe heart failure. The team at the University Medical Center Göttingen hope to be able to treat around 200,000 people currently suffering from heart failure in Germany. 

Techifab Developing “Brain” Chip

‍Dresden-based start-up Techifab is developing a technology that processes and stores data at the point of origin – in much the same way that the human brain processes information. Professor Doctor Heidemarie Krüger and her team are working on neuromorphic chips that make use of memristor-based components that they believe will set new standards in energy efficiency and computing power. Memristors function like synapses in the brain to simultaneously store and process information locally, thereby reducing power use and allowing fast and decentralized data analysis. “We’ve shown that these artificial synapses can efficiently handle complex computational tasks such as matrix multiplication,” Krüger says. Such calculations form the basis for training many AI applications and image processing algorithms. Potential areas of application include predictive machine maintenance to real-time analysis in safety critical areas including autonomous driving. The team is already testing the technology under real-life conditions in collaboration with the Technical University of Freiberg. 

German Bionic Launches Strongest Series Exoskeleton

German Bionic launched what is considered to be the strongest series produced AI exoskeleton in the world at CES 2025. The “Apogee Ultra” e-exoskeleton provides support for up to 36 kg of lifting compensation, allowing active suit-wearing workers to perform labor-intensive, manual handling tasks. Artificial intelligence technology is also used to adapt to the individual user’s own requirements. Workers that are required to be on their feet or cover considerable distances benefit from walking assistance that effectively makes walked distances seem shorter. Application scenarios foreseen for the AI exoskeleton include the logistics, construction, manufacturing, healthcare, and baggage handling sectors. 

Manufacturing Small Satellites Quickly and Cheaply

The Center for Telematics (ZfT) in Würzburg has developed technologies that facilitate the automated production of small very low earth orbit (VLEO) satellites. Together with three Fraunhofer Institutes, ZfT is conducting research into the cost-effective and fast production of versatile VLEOs. The Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs recently awarded funding of EUR 2 million to support the project. According to ZfT, small satellites will be produced along serial production lines like those in the automotive manufacturing sector. This will allow up to one completed satellite to be produced per day, compared to the current one month level. 

German Researchers Develop “Last Missing Piece” in Silicon Photonics Toolbox 

Scientists from Forschungszentrum Jülich FZJ, the University of Stuttgart and the Leibniz Institute for High Performance Microelectronics (IHP) and French partner CEA-Leti, have developed what they believe to be the “last missing piece” in the silicon photonics toolbox. Together, they have produced the first electrically pumped continuous-wave semiconductor laser made up exclusively of elements from the fourth group of chemical elements – the silicon group. The first of its kind directly grown on a silicon wager, the new laser opens up a vista of new on-chip integrated photonics possibilities. Optically active components on silicon chips have traditionally been made using III-V periodic elements that are both difficult and expensive to integrate with silicon. Electrically pumped lasers are typically more energy efficient thanks to electricity being directly converted into laser light. The laser is compatible with conventional CMOS technology for chip fabrication and suitable for seamless integration into existing silicon manufacturing processes. 

Max-Planck Society – US Applications Increase

The Max-Planck Society is recruiting an increasing number of academic researchers from the USA, with applications to head research groups doubling within a year. The society is seeking to provide additional funding to provide new perspective for the influx of researchers whose US departure has been ascribed to the new US government’s research policy.

Cylib Secures Two-Digit Million Euro Funding for Battery Recycling Plant

Cylib, a spin-off established by RWTH Aachen University IME alumni, has secured two-digit million euro grant funding from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy in North Rhine-Westphalia. The money will be used to establish a first-of-a-kind battery recycling plant in the state. The company has developed a process to recover all battery components from electric car batteries. The company’s proprietary end-to-end recycling technology was developed after years of research by the company founders at RWTH Aachen University. Critical raw materials – including lithium, graphite, nickel, cobalt, and manganese – are recovered from battery packs, black mass and production scraps in an efficient, resource- and climate friendly manner. The project will be implemented in the town of Dormagen and will recycle 10,000 tons of black mass (equivalent to 30,000 tons of used batteries) annually starting in 2027. Last year the company secured EUR 55 million in a financing round that was the largest to date in European battery recycling.