In a joint research project the Technische Universität Hamburg (TUHH), the Dresden-based company IMA Materialforschung und Anwendungstechnik GmbH and the Technische Universität Dresden (TUD) are exploring suitable ways of integrating electronics and microsystems technology into lightweight components for aircraft cabins.

Managed by the Institute of Aircraft Cabin Systems at the TUHH the project called „Functional integrated sandwich structures for aircraft cabins as a prerequisite for Industry 4.0 and innovative business and MRO processes“, in short Bauteil 4.0, was launched on July 1st 2019. The project is supposed to further strengthen the important relation and multidisciplinary work between the microelectronics location in Saxony and the Airbus competence center for aircraft cabins in Hamburg. During the next 30 months, technologies and processes shall be developed to equip lightweight components of aircraft cabins with more functionality by integration of electronics, sensors and microsystems technology. „Intelligent production requires intelligent parts“, says Professor God, head of the TUHH Institute of Aircraft Cabin Systems and coordinator of the project. Besides an expected increase in passenger comfort the main goal is make components ready for innovative production, maintenance and business processes in the age of Industry 4.0. „Function-integration has a long history and is known as a solution in other industries, where compact, intelligent and lightweight components are a need“, explains Professor Zerna, who is head of the Center for Microelectronic Production at TUD. „This consortium combines competences in the design and production of cabin sandwich structures, in electronic packaging and joining technology and in the reliability assessment and qualification of components, modules and systems“, explains Dr. Silvio Nebel from the IMA Dresden, and „we are closely working together with our associated partners in the aviation and aircraft supplier industry.“

Bauteil 4.0 is sponsored by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy within the third call of the LuFo V research framework, based on a decision of the German Bundestag.

For further information please visit the website of the project coordinator:

Prof. Dr. Ralf God

TUHH – Hamburg University of Technology, Institute of Aircraft Cabin Systems