Welcome DLR institutes

Jan. 7, 2021
We welcome three DLR institutes as new members.

The German Aerospace Center (DLR) is the Federal Republic of Germany's research centre for aerospace. Its research and development work in the fields of aeronautics, space, energy, transport and security is incorporated into national and international collaborations. The DLR currently employs around 9000 employees in 54 institutes and facilities at 30 locations in Germany and at other locations worldwide.

DLR Institute of System Dynamics and Control

The Institute of System Dynamics and Control (SR) was founded in 2012 as part of the DLR Robotics and Mechatronics Center (RMC) in Oberpfaffenhofen near Munich. The research activities focus on the development and application of advanced modeling and control methods for mechatronic systems. Both model-based and artificial intelligence (AI)-based control methods are used for space, aeronautics and transport applications.

In the automotive area (Department of Vehicle Systems Dynamics) the institute researches inmultifaceted innovative approaches for mechatronic X-by-Wire chassis, aiming at the simultaneous improvement of energy efficiency, driving safety, and comfort.

These research activities are accompanied by the continuous development of modeling and simulation tools. Both, vehicle modeling and the development of integrated control strategies (including AI methods) are distinctive competencies of the department building on the advantages of the modeling language Modelica. The multi-physical models are used for the design, the simulation and the optimization of complex algorithms for chassis control and state estimation. The algorithms are implemented and validated in model, software and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) tests. Moreover, the algorithms have been shown in real vehicles in several internal DLR projects as well as in industrial cooperation projects.


DLR Institute of Transportation Systems

 

At the DLR Institute of Transportation Systems, around 200 scientists in Braunschweig and Berlin develop customer-oriented solutions for greater safety and efficiency of traffic on roads and railways. The work, organised in interdisciplinary teams, focuses on automotive and rail systems, intermodality and local public transport, as well as traffic management.

With its research, the Institute shapes future solutions for the mobility of people and the transport of goods. It conducts application-oriented research for the benefit of society and to strengthen Germany as a business location. The scientists implement integrated tool chains from simulations, laboratories and test fields and develop methods, technologies and system solutions for coordinated, cooperative transport.

The close cooperation within the DLR network enables the use of synergies with aerospace and energy technology. In addition, the Institute works together with partners from science and industry in an application-oriented manner and aligns its research with the requirements of politics and the public.

The Institute operates and develops a wide range of large-scale facilities for its research. With the Test Bed Lower Saxony, it offers a platform for testing highly automated and connected vehicles that is unique internationally. Several simulators enable efficient testing of driver assistance functions and research into user state detection. User-friendly design, operational optimisation of mobility services, generating acceptance and assessment as well as the development of simulation and evaluation tools are important cross-sectional pillars of the Institute, developed and tested in many research and application projects.

 


DLR Institute of Vehicle Concepts

The DLR Institute of Vehicle Concepts researches, develops and evaluates new vehicle concepts and technologies in light of future demands on the transportation system. As a systems institute, we develop and demonstrate innovative, application-based solutions for road and rail vehicles, thereby contributing to the design of a sustainable and cost-effective, user-oriented, secure and networked mobility concept. Our contributions range from design and planning to construction, calculation and simulation through to the manufacture of research demonstrations, components and vehicles.

We are developing our knowledge and expertise within the framework of collaborative partnerships and are contributing to the competitiveness of the industry through innovation transfers in the following fields:

  • New Road Vehicle
  • New Rail Vehicle
  • Disruptive Concepts
  • Vehicle-Drive and Energy
  • Vehicle-Architecture and –Material Engineering
  • Vehicle-System and Technology Assessment

The Institute’s guiding vision is one of successful scientific cooperation for efficient vehicle concepts where the fields of energy and transportation meet. The development of future technical systems based on regenerative energy carriers and energy conversion/storage in the vehicle of the future as well as progressive architectures and fuel technologies for road and rail vehicles is supported by a prospective, comprehensive vehicle system analysis and technology evaluation.

The integration of innovations in materials, processes and construction methods occurs within the network comprising the DLR, the Helmholtz Association (HGF) and international science partners.

Within the scope of the transportation research program, the Institute of Vehicle Concepts is working with the Institute of Transport Research and the Institute of Transportation Systems as well as around 20 other DLR institutes.

The Institute of Vehicle Concepts is integrated in the regional networks at the Stuttgart site and has branch offices in Berlin and Stuttgart-Vaihingen (STEP and ARENA2036).