Ready for takeoff – Drones, air taxis and rockets
In this issue of VDE dialog, we’re aiming high.
Flying has always been more than just a means of transportation, and progress in aviation has always been driven by technology. In this issue, we highlight these developments—always with an eye toward what our future will look like.
Experiments with unmanned aerial vehicles date back to the time of World War I. The progress made over the following 100 years is impressive. What began as remote-controlled drones has evolved into today’s autonomous aerial assistants: This new class of machines operates using systems that sense their surroundings, process data, and function autonomously within defined limits. The fact that it acts independently makes such a machine an aerial robot, with applications in the energy and agricultural sectors, as well as in environmental protection, security, and defense.
And there’s a lot going on in space, too. Under the banner of “New Space,” startups and companies—mostly working on government contracts—are actively developing space. Without this infrastructure above our heads, our modern society would be lost. Navigation, communication, and climate monitoring without satellites? Unthinkable!
Passenger air travel using electric propulsion—many have tried this in the past, and many have failed. The problem—that battery-powered aircraft were either too heavy or had too short a range—seemed impossible to solve time and again. But now it looks as though companies, with a pragmatic approach and a focus on feasibility, are getting passengers across Europe excited about regional routes. Let’s wait and see if electric aircraft will actually take off soon.
Also in this issue:
More Than Just a Gimmick – People learn faster and better when they’re having fun. Incorporating playful elements can help with this. But gamification is making its way not only into education, but also into science and industry.
Trust as a System – Conformity assessment is often viewed as a tedious, mandatory step prior to market launch. In reality, however, it is a central element of global markets: it builds trust, structures supply chains, and is becoming a strategic tool in the context of digitalization and the circular economy.
Opinion – Germany’s lead in innovation is shrinking, while complex technologies are becoming increasingly important. Anyone who wants to ensure technological sovereignty must therefore not only promote cutting-edge research but also empower more companies to innovate, says Armando García Schmidt of the Bertelsmann Foundation.
By founding a new chip design club, Munich student Steven Roch aims to inspire talented electrical engineering students and address the shortage of skilled workers in the semiconductor industry.
We hope you enjoy reading this.
Your editorial team
