The Fraunhofer Institute is responsible for developing MP3 and H.264 technologies. Various innovations are still being developed by Fraunhofer and the latest through the Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Cognitive Internet Technologies, they are also developing smart screws.
Among the key issues after the structure is developed is the maintenance that needs to be done to ensure it remains safe. There have been several incidents of structural failure due to loose screws. The Fraunhofer -developed Smart Screw Connection system gives a warning when it detects it is starting to loosen.
The washer on the screw uses a layer of film that detects changes in electrical resistance when the screw begins to loosen. A signal will be given to the control station so that the screws are maintained immediately. Each screw can generate a thermoelectric supply of electricity. But in screen controls hidden from the sun, the solar system can be used as a power source.
The use of smart screws will save costs as each screw does not need to be inspected one by one by an engineer. Fraunhofer saw Smart Screw Connection systems could be used on bridges, wind power turbines and engines. The screw size offered is M18 with M20 and M36 screws to be offered in the near future.