ZEISS Innovation Hub at KIT

Micro- and nanofabrication enables the realization of many electronic and photonic components on a single chip or compact module. This not only reduces the size, cost and energy consumption of the systems, but also enables new functions that cannot be realized with discrete components. At the ZEISS Innovation Hub @ KIT, we are exploring the possibilities of this integrated optoelectronic approach, e.g. for compact sensor systems.

Which areas are we contributing to?

• PIC-based sensors
• Optoelectronic distance sensor technology
• Spectroscopy solutions
• Cavity metrology

What technologies are we using and developing?

• Integrated photonics and electronics
• Optoelectronic signal processing
• 3D microprinting
• Past and ongoing projects
• Frequency-based photonic sensors
• Multichannel spectroscopy

The future will not be livable unless we change the way we consume resources. We are working on a variety of ways to process materials in a circular economy – from forestry to plastic packaging to car batteries.

What areas are we contributing to?

• Solutions for end-of-life products (automatic disassembly, inspection, and reprocessing)
  
• Solutions for material characterization and waste sorting

What technologies are we using and developing?

• Multi-sensor detection (spectroscopy, camera vision, and chemical tracing)
• Intelligent process automation

Past and ongoing projects

• Sorting of separated polymer waste for high-purity recyclates
• Detection of unwanted materials (e.g. flame retardants in electrical scrap)
• Recycling of EV batteries
• Sustainable forestry
  

Inspired by the needs of surgeons – which have so far been inadequately met – the medical robotics team of the ZEISS Innovation Hub @ KIT is developing assistance functions and systems, especially for ophthalmology. These systems improve perception and precision during challenging surgical maneuvers, provide greater comfort and control during every procedure, and improve safety and refractive outcomes for patients. A strong network of clinical and academic partners supports us in exploring this new era of surgery.

What areas are we contributing to?

• PIC-based sensors
• Optoelectronic distance sensor technology
• Spectroscopy solutions
• Cavity metrology
• Computer- and robot-assisted surgery
• Smart surgical tools

What technologies are we using and developing?

• Integrated photonics and electronics
• Optoelectronic signal processing
• 3D microprinting

Past and ongoing projects

• Frequency-based photonic sensors
• Multichannel spectroscopy
  
• Observational learning and reinforcement learning for generating robot trajectories
• Sensory concepts and algorithms for the geometrically accurate reconstruction of geometries in the front and back segments of the eye
• Machine learning for segmenting tissue
• New robot-assisted surgical techniques for reducing tissue stress and trauma