Fraunhofer Presents Aerospace, Drone, and Medical Technology Advances

Fraunhofer research institutes are set to present a range of technological advancements at the international ILA Berlin aerospace trade fair, taking place from June 10-14, 2026.

Under the direction of Fraunhofer AVIATION & SPACE, researchers will demonstrate new solutions aimed at enhancing safety, competitiveness, and sustainability in the aerospace sector. Key areas of focus include the economical production of novel propulsion systems and advanced materials, alongside developments in satellite technology.

Researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits (IIS) are developing networking technology for controlling drone swarms. This decentralized approach offers improved resilience to interference and greater flexibility compared to existing centralized mobile communication methods. Such drone swarms have applications in monitoring large construction sites, inspecting remote offshore wind farms, and aiding in disaster recovery efforts.

Additionally, seven Fraunhofer institutes have collaborated on the RNAuto project to create an automated and digitally controlled production system for mRNA-based therapeutics and vaccines. This system promises faster, more flexible, and cost-effective manufacturing, thereby improving the availability of treatments for cancer, genetic disorders, and infections.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Telecommunications, Heinrich-Hertz-Institut (HHI), is also contributing with research in thermal management for aerospace. The team is utilizing femtosecond and nanosecond lasers to treat satellite component and rocket nozzle surfaces, enhancing heat dissipation in the vacuum of space. Their work demonstrates how structured metal surfaces with high emissivity can significantly improve cooling efficiency.