In Ulm, the birthplace of Albert Einstein, the German Aerospace Center (DLR) is developing and testing the key technologies of tomorrow. Its interdisciplinary research focuses on high-precision quantum sensors, quantum nanotechnologies, a quantum internet secure against eavesdropping, the safe development and application of artificial intelligence (AI) and extends to the digital design of specialist batteries. The technological applications span aeronautics and space, networked and climate-compatible mobility, and Earth observation.
The DLR Quantum Computing Initiative (DLR QCI) has established a strong ecosystem for sovereign and competitive quantum computing. At its innovation centres in Hamburg and Ulm, the first operational quantum computers and new applications for research, industry, and society are being developed.
The DLR Institute of Quantum Technologies is working with universities, research institutions and industry to develop quantum-based precision instruments, quantum sensors, and quantum nanosystems. These devices use quantum physical effects to achieve previously unattainable levels of measurement accuracy, reliability and security. Key application areas include high-precision satellite navigation and global time references to secure data transfer in advanced quantum networks. The goal is a quantum internet that will connect quantum computers, quantum sensors and quantum clocks.
Quantum computing holds enormous potential for the economy, society and research. The DLR Quantum Computing Initiative (DLR QCI) has therefore created an internationally leading ecosystem for quantum computing with its two innovation centres in Hamburg and Ulm. The DLR QCI consolidates technological infrastructure, expertise and resources to facilitate the efficient transfer of innovations and technologies to industry. Research, industry and innovative deep-tech startups are collaborating in hardware teams to develop quantum computers and manufacturing technologies. Together with businesses, industry and public stakeholders, the DLR QCI identifies new use cases to implement on the first quantum computers.
The DLR Institute for AI Safety and Security focuses on the fundamentals and practical developments in artificial intelligence, with a particular emphasis on the operational and attack security of safety-critical systems. The institute develops practical AI methods, technologies and applications. The holistic integration of AI and quantum computing opens up entirely new possibilities for automated, networked mobility and logistics, spanning the energy and Industry 4.0 sectors, through to aeronautics and space. The institute’s focus is on secure and standards-compliant AI in open data and service systems. Its unique selling point is the development of holistic, AI-based solutions with high cybersecurity requirements, providing protection against external attacks and manipulation (security) as well as operational reliability and safety (safety).
The DLR Institute of Engineering Thermodynamics in Ulm is researching future high-performance and specialist batteries. These include novel lithium-ion batteries, post-lithium batteries and solid-state batteries. Using high-performance computers , quantum computers and the latest AI methods, the institute is laying the groundwork for the digital design of battery cells and complete battery systems. Batteries for highly demanding specialist applications can thus be specifically optimised, and the development cycles for new battery technologies significantly shortened. The range of applications for particularly high-performance battery technologies extends from climate-compatible mobility to aeronautics and space.
DLR site Ulm
German Aerospace Center (DLR) Wilhelm-Runge-Straße 10
89081 Ulm Germany
DLR research in Ulm focuses on quantum technologies, AI security and next-generation batteries. Companies involved in the quantum computing initiative work in close proximity to the DLR institutes at the DLR Innovation Centre.
