To achieve this, the institute combines its expertise in materials, structures, and systems with digital methods, artificial intelligence, and digital twins, as well as circularity strategies throughout the entire product lifecycle. In this way, Darmstadt researchers help industrial partners bring safe, efficient, and durable products to market faster and with more efficient use of resources.
Consolidated expertise, new structures: future viability for industry and research.
Starting in 2026, Fraunhofer LBF will consolidate its expertise in structural durability, intelligent structures, and plastics into a unified, interdisciplinary structure. The goal is to support clients even more efficiently and flexibly across the entire value chain, from materials development and component evaluation to systems integration.
At its core will be the Research and Development (R&D) division, with six research departments that systematically develop the institute's core scientific competencies and transform them into services geared toward technology transfer and practical application. Fraunhofer LBF strengthens its connection with the market and society through the Innovation, Transfer, and Cooperation (ITC) division, which monitors needs and trends, identifies opportunities, drives and coordinates interdisciplinary projects, and supports rapid technology transfer to industrial applications.
The Test Bench Design, Implementation and Operation (TIO) department concentrates the institute's testing infrastructure and ensures the efficient and professional execution of experimental tests and validation processes.
Comprehensive solutions for diverse requirements.
Organizational development goes hand in hand with a clear content focus: Fraunhofer LBF aligns its services and research offerings across six key areas: Digital Twins and Simulation, Dynamics and Vibration Engineering, Reliability Assessment and Life Prediction, Validation and Prototyping, Sustainability and Circularity, and Consulting and Training. The goal is to interconnect scientific methods, research capabilities, and transfer pathways so that companies can make reliable decisions in the early stages of product development and bring reliable and recyclable solutions to application more quickly.
By systematically combining expertise in materials, structures, and systems with digital methods, artificial intelligence, and circular strategies, Fraunhofer experts support product reliability, safety, and sustainability throughout their entire lifecycle: from material selection and product development and validation to in-service monitoring and recycling. Furthermore, the institute promotes knowledge transfer through consulting and training services.
Taken together, this new approach creates a dynamic, future-proof system that fosters innovation and strengthens the long-term competitiveness of its partners. Both large corporations and SMEs benefit from a comprehensive offering that combines traditional engineering disciplines with cutting-edge digital methods, regardless of the sector.
“Thanks to decades of experience and close practical collaboration, we offer solutions that enable our customers to increase efficiency and quality in product development, implement smart functions, and promote sustainability and recyclability in the design and use of their products,” explains the institute’s director, Prof. Dr. Tobias Melz.
