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Self-taught Robots (AIARA)
he aviation industry is increasingly relying on automation and manufacturing robots to address the increase in production rates as well as the shortage of skilled workers. In contrast to the automotive industry, production volumes in aircraft manufacturing are relatively low, so establishing rigid production lines would be inefficient. The AIARA research project, therefore, investigates the possibility of using manufacturing robots with minimal effort in different areas. AI-based approaches should enable them to independently acquire new tasks.
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Interview: Drones with Hydrogen Propulsion and Other High-Tech Research
Drones have a wide range of applications for transportation and surveillance tasks. A limiting factor in their operational times has so far been the battery electric drives. A new generation of revolutionary drones with fuel cells is currently being developed at the ZAL in Hamburg. The research location in focus. An interview by Oliver Schenk, Hydrogen Marketing Manager of the Renewable Energy Hamburg (EEHH) cluster, with Miriam Flügger, Head of Corporate Communications at ZAL Center for Applied Aviation Research.
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Behind the Scenes: Open Tech Lab at ZAL
From AI to Hydrogen: Last week, ZAL GmbH opened its laboratory doors to provide insights into current aviation research. The event was well attended and attracted numerous aviation enthusiasts.
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(10 partners) on the way to the cabin of the future
What will the cabin components of the future look like? In the research project LiBio (Lightweight Bionic Aircraft Interior), an international consortium, with partners from Germany, Austria, and Canada, delved into this exact question. Their goal: the development of a pioneering and functional cabin component. We spoke to Dr. Patrick Cordes and Dr. Jan-Ole Kühn from the ZAL Advanced Manufacturing Team to understand what this means.
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Enhancing Efficiency: Automated Testing in Decentralized, Intelligent Cabin Networks
In the joint research project VERDIKA (German acronym for: Vernetzte Digitale Kabine/Connected Digital Cabin, funded by BMWK), ZAL developed a new approach to reduce development time and the effort required for integration and testing. The focus here was on ...
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Flying Prototype
Together with the Hessian drone manufacturer Wingcopter, we successfully conducted the maiden flight of our jointly developed hydrogen-powered drone. What makes it special: the hydrogen-fueled prototype took off for the first time under real conditions from an airfield near Stade.
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All about AI
What role does AI play today and in the future in aviation? And to what extent are AI applications safe enough for the safety-conscious aviation industry? These questions were the focus of a week dedicated to AI at ZAL. In three events, experts presented insights into the current state of research, current use cases, and forecasts for future applications.
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iPREFER – Bringing Sustainability to Series Production
Fuel cells play a key role on the path to sustainable aviation. By the year 2035, the first commercially operated hydrogen-powered aircraft should be ready on the runways. However, there are still some challenges to overcome before reaching this point. Fuel cells (FC) are complex systems, and their design and production are quite demanding. To ensure that aircraft can take off in the future with these innovative propulsion systems, FC systems must be available in sufficient quantities and at appropriate production costs.
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Future-Ready Cabins: ZAL Endpoint Family
Cabin digitization has not advanced as much as passengers and airlines wish. There is a significant need for tools that facilitate the digital transformation of the cabin. To address this, we have developed the Endpoint family.
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ZAL Science Slam: About Cat Games and Hydrogen
This year's audience favorite was the slam by Sebastian Altmann. His contribution on hydrogen thoroughly dispelled common misconceptions about the dangers of hydrogen. Hydrogen is no more dangerous than the fuel gasoline, just "different." And a fact that may have been new to many: Hydrogen is a component of margarine.
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