GATE II
Green Aviation Technologies, 2nd Call
With the GATE funding program, Hamburg specifically supports aviation projects that contribute to making flying more sustainable. Designed and implemented primarily by small and medium-sized enterprises as well as research institutions, these five projects are making progress in a wide range of areas, from AI and hydrogen drones to additive manufacturing.
In this second phase of the GATE (Green Aviation Technologies, GATE II) funding program, a total of €3.9 million is provided by the City of Hamburg through IFB Hamburg. The program is actively supported by Hamburg Aviation.
DrumView: Automated Cabin Inspection with AI
ZAL GmbH, 3D.aero GmbH, TU Hamburg
The DrumView project brings artificial intelligence and robotics into the visual inspection of aircraft cabins. Using a mobile camera system that moves along the aircraft fuselage, all visible areas of the cabin are digitally captured. The images are analyzed by AI to automatically detect anomalies such as scratches, cracks, or dirt. A complete 3D model of the cabin is also generated, enabling precise documentation and even remote inspections.
DrumView makes maintenance processes not only faster and more efficient but also more sustainable. Through digital capture and automated evaluation, error sources can be reduced and resources conserved. The project impressively demonstrates how digitalization and AI can revolutionize aviation technology—with tangible benefits for airlines, maintenance providers, and passengers alike.
HYDRO-Bunny: Autonomous Hydrogen Supply for Drones
Teccon GmbH, mb+Partner, ZAL GmbH, TU Hamburg
HYDRO-Bunny is developing a mobile, energy-autonomous system for the automated refueling of drones with liquid hydrogen. The goal is to create a flexible and safe infrastructure that can operate independently of location—on test fields, in remote areas, or during temporary missions. The system includes a multifunctional take-off and landing platform, an adaptive coupling unit, and integrated hydrogen generation.
This project makes a significant contribution to zero-emission aviation on a small scale. It shows how hydrogen technology can be made usable beyond traditional airports—a crucial step toward scaling sustainable air mobility. HYDRO-Bunny is a prime example of the innovative strength of Hamburg’s small and medium-sized aviation enterprises.
OMCI: Additive Manufacturing for the Cabin of Tomorrow
ZAL GmbH, Lufthansa Technik AG
OMCI explores how large cabin components can be efficiently, sustainably, and certifiably produced using 3D printing. Robotic additive manufacturing methods are used to create complex, bionic-inspired structures that are lightweight, strong, and resource-efficient. The goal is to move additive manufacturing beyond prototyping and into the serial production of large-scale components.
The project addresses key challenges such as quality assurance, certification, and scalability. By combining design freedom, material efficiency, and digital process control, a new generation of cabin components is emerging—tailored for smaller fleets, VIP cabins, or sustainable series production. OMCI represents a major step forward in the industrial transformation of aircraft manufacturing.
FAIRcabin: Sustainability Meets Cabin Design
CompriseTec GmbH, BFGF GmbH & Co. KG, jetlite GmbH, HAW Hamburg, Diehl Aviation, Safran Innovation, Climatex AG
FAIRcabin reimagines aircraft cabins from the ground up: modular, circular, and ergonomic. Building on the textile lightweight seat from the previous FAIRcraft project, the new focus includes sustainable development of sidewalls, overhead bins, ceiling panels, and lighting systems. The goal is a consistent sustainability strategy that considers material circularity, ease of disassembly, and the well-being of both crew and passengers.
Particularly innovative is the integration of oxygen systems and lighting into modular components, as well as the development of chronobiologically controlled lighting to support passenger comfort. FAIRcabin demonstrates how disruptive design approaches can deliver ecological, functional, and aesthetic benefits. It’s a bold vision for the future of cabin interiors—made in Hamburg.
LiveScan: Intelligent Assistance for Aircraft Maintenance
Synergeticon GmbH, Lufthansa Technik AG, TU Hamburg
LiveScan brings artificial intelligence directly into the workshops of aviation technology. The system recognizes and analyzes maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) processes in real time and provides visual feedback on the current work status. The aim is to minimize human error, improve process quality, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements—such as those from EASA or the EU AI Act.
By integrating real-world MRO processes from Lufthansa Technik, a practical assistance system is being developed that significantly advances digital transformation in aircraft maintenance. LiveScan stands for greater transparency, safety, and efficiency—and shows how AI technology can directly contribute to the competitiveness and sustainability of aviation.
