Modern structure technologies are essential in optimizing technical products. Increasingly stringent requirements in product optimization are currently leading to a conflict of goals with regard to aspects such as lightweight construction, vibration, deformation, noise and performance. The issue of climate protection in traffic engineering, for example, calls for lighter structures and new engine concepts. These lead to more intense parasitic oscillations, which in turn cause stronger reactions in the ever lighter structures. The use of passive structure technologies can often no longer sufficiently resolve these conflicts. Active structure technologies, however, promise to be of help. Adaptronics, for instance, enables direct synthetic modifications to the mechanical properties of structures. In this way, mechanical disturbances and their effects can be actively counteracted, thus enabling lighter structures to be developed.

The Adaptronic Systems innovation cluster based in Darmstadt is developing new adaptronic structure concepts for product optimization with regard to vibration insulation, noise reduction, shape control, lightweight construction and reliability. Partners from industry, research and professional associations are collaborating to provide solutions for the automotive, automation, mechanical engineering and plant construction industries. In addition to scientific projects, their work focuses on qualifying scientific and technological staff for research and industry, and providing laboratory and analysis technology and equipment.