Hannover Fair: LZH partnership gives insights into AI in photonics and AM

01 Apr 2025

While partnership with Jade University yields new take on hydrogen production.

At Hannover Messe, LZH is showcasing solutions for hydrogen production.

Laser Center Hannover (LZH) and the Institute for Sustainable Energy Supply (Institut für nachhaltige Energieversorgung/InEV) at Jade University of Applied Sciences, Wilhelmshaven, Germany, are this week presenting their research on hydrogen production at Hannover Messe at the joint stand of the state of Lower Saxony (Hall 2, Stand A10).

Meanwhile, in Hall 16, Stand F11, the LZH and German firm Niedersachsen Additiv are providing their latest joint insights into additive manufacturing and the use of AI in photonics.

From production on the North Sea coast of Lower Saxony (in north-western Germany) to transport inland and efficient combustion, the LZH and InEV are demonstrating their innovative approaches to the sustainable production and optimal utilisation of hydrogen.

By combining problem-specific knowledge and laser-based production processes, the partners say they are aiming “to address critical issues such as saltwater-based electrolysis and optimise existing solutions.”

The Institute for Electric Power Systems and the Institute for Turbomachinery and Fluid Dynamics at Leibniz Universität Hannover as well as the Clausthal Research Centre for Environmental Technology at Clausthal University of Technology are also partners.

Tailor-made: additive manufacturing optimises production processes.

Potential of AI in photonics

LZH states that artificial intelligence is creating “new possibilities for production optimisation, quality control and process automation in photonics and laser technology.” Scientists from the LZH will be presenting this potential in Hall 16 at Stand F11.

Examples of possible applications include component optimisation using synthetic data, training data management based on the “Human-in-the-Loop” model and optimised tool-path generation during laser processing. The goals are: efficient use of resources and reject-free production.

At the same stand (Hall 16, F11), Niedersachsen Additiv will be presenting best practice examples from small and medium-sized enterprises. For example, the firm will use a seating orthosis (support, pictured right) for children to demonstrate how 3D printing can optimise previously machined products to fit precisely, individually and in a material-saving manner.

Instead of manufacturing entire products at great expense, 3D printing can also be used to upgrade worn-out work equipment and make it ready for use again or to produce molds and spare parts at short notice. Niedersachsen Additiv, an initiative of the LZH and the Institute For Integrated Production, supports SMEs in Lower Saxony with various programs to help them use 3D printing profitably.