Press Releases

When someone is buried by an avalanche, earthquake or other disaster, a rapid rescue can make the difference between life and death. The Fraunhofer Institute for High Frequency Physics and Radar Techniques FHR has developed a new kind of mobile radar device that can search hectare-sized areas quickly and thoroughly. The new technology combines greater mobility with accurate detection of vital signs.

To communicate the various new applications, which became possible with radar by the technological advancements of the last years, compactly and understandably to a broad public: This is the aim of "Radar in Action", the online lecture series of the Fraunhofer Institute for High Frequency Physics and Radar Techniques FHR, which was launched with great success in June 2020. Since in times of Corona a personal presentation of the research work at fairs and conferences is not possible, the institute developed a digital format for customers, partners and interested parties from industry, politics, science and society. In order to stay in contact with the international network, the events are now also offered in English.

Innovative development of antennas for improved safety in sea rescue services: Funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), the Fraunhofer Institute for High-Frequency Physics and Radar Technology FHR has joined forces with the Institute for Microwaves and Plasma Technology of the FH Aachen and Raytheon Anschütz GmbH to develop a harmonic radar system that can safely locate persons in the water. At the final presentation of the consortium partners, which also includes the company Kadematic Seenotrettungsgeräte GmbH as an associated partner, the experimental system was successfully tested in Eckernförde.

On May 17, 1904, a public experiment was conducted on Cologne’s Hohenzollern Bridge which would go down in history as a milestone of international engineering art. On this day, the inventor Christian Hülsmeyer was the first to succeed in detecting ships travelling on the Rhine River based on the reflections of high frequency electromagnetic waves: It was the birth of radar. On October 19, a ceremony with Cologne's Lord Mayor Henriette Reker has been held to unveil a plaque commemorating this important milestone of technological history.