Mobility in the future will be sustainable, connected and autonomous. With our core competencies in lightweight construction, reliability design and digital engineering tools, we are shaping innovative vehicle concepts. In this context, we bundle the work of the other service areas with regard to their application in mobility solutions, e.g. cyber-physical methods for the development-accompanying validation of new mobility technologies, alternative drive concepts, component-integrated battery systems or novel ultra-lightweight construction solutions. One focus of the work is electromobility with both battery-electric and fuel cell systems.
Bundling of competencies for sustainable, networked and autonomous mobility.
Mobility is undergoing a sustainable transformation process. It is increasingly understood as a networked system of different mobility solutions and operator models. The demands on mobile resource efficiency have once again massively increased, not least due to criticism regarding increasing pressures in relation to climate change and the decarbonization required. They make it necessary to develop new drive technologies, lighter construction methods and alternative mobility concepts. The progressive electrification of mobile systems, the intermodality of modes of transport and the introduction of increasingly automated driving functions are an essential building block in the movement toward future mobility, from a technical and organizational perspective. The same applies to the increased use and development of new small and micro vehicles in the field of private transport, such as pedelecs, cargo bikes, e-scooters – or increasingly drones. The topic of shared mobility also offers technical challenges ranging from smart digital solutions, app developments, and distributed functions to material technology – especially because, in this context, it is necessary to master entirely new usage scenarios. New future mobility solutions whether on land, by road or rail; on water or in the air – must function safely and reliably, while, at the same time, being cost-effective and efficient to implement and operate. Yet they must also meet the ever-increasing requirements in terms of the number of mobility carriers, individualization and sustainability in the passenger vehicle, commercial vehicle and special vehicle sectors. The consistent focus on a thermoplastic and thermoplastics-based approach has led to questions being asked about suitable lightweight solutions, reliable system design, intelligent structural and monitoring functions, sustainable materials and even the use of biomaterials. In this context, the Future Mobility area of expertise at Fraunhofer LBF combines the work of the other areas of expertise in relation to their application in mobility solutions, e.g. cyber-physical methods for the validation of new mobility technologies that accompany the development of alternative drive concepts, component-integrated battery systems or innovative ultra-lightweight construction solutions. One focus of the work is electromobility, using both battery-electric and fuel cell systems.