Risk Management in Times of Climate Change

Climate change isn’t without consequences. Individuals, companies, and countries are called upon to take preventive action, but also to respond to immediate consequences.

Sustainability as an Imperative

In order to achieve the international climate targets that have been set – among other things, global warming must be limited to 1.5 degrees – almost all players in the automotive sector are stepping up their efforts to significantly reduce their carbon footprint with a wide range of measures.

Take a Look at the DEKRA solutions Magazine 1/2022

The COP26 world climate conference in Glasgow showed that global warming, extreme weather events, and the necessary countermeasures concern us all. Countries, businesses and individuals are called upon to act. The current issue of DEKRA solutions is dedicated to the fight against climate change and focuses on the consequences of climate change.

Supply Bottlenecks threaten Global Trade

Empty supermarket shelves in the UK, Europe-wide supply bottlenecks for everything from refrigerators to notebooks and PC components, delivery times of 10 to 18 months for new cars from German premium manufacturers or custom-made bicycles – global commodity trading has come to a standstill. For many reasons.

Visual Impairment: A New Take on Navigation

What if you simply closed your eyes, blindly opened Google Maps on your smartphone, and tried to navigate from A to B? Such an attempt would surely go wrong. But for blind and visually impaired people, such limitations are part of everyday life. Can digital technologies really support users with handicaps? Can AI replace seeing-eye dogs?

Qualify Staff for Vacancies

REWE, Germany's second-largest food retailer, works together with DEKRA Akademie to qualify people from different nations for the retail and logistics sectors.

Retrofitting: From Old to New

There are always options for achieving sustainability in vehicle fleets. Converting older diesel trucks to electric drives is like dipping them into the fountain of youth, and can save operators a lot of money. Suppliers of technological updates offer specialized electric kits that can be adapted to customers’ needs in terms of range and payload.

Design Product Synthetic Fuels

In regard to the efforts in making transportation more sustainable, e-fuels aren’t just a technical issue, but also a political one. Europe and European companies in particular are working on industrial-grade facilities.

Hydrogen: Gold of the Future

China wants to be climate-neutral by 2060, while the USA, Canada, and the EU are aiming for it as early as 2050. According to the plans of many governments worldwide, hydrogen will play an important role in this endeavor. For the greatest possible sustainability, however, the flammable gas needs to be “green” - i.e. produced from renewable energies such as the sun, water, or wind. DEKRA also sees a lot of potential in “H2”, as the chemical symbol for hydrogen is spelled, in terms of mobility, industry, and buildings.

Wind Energy – The Heavenly Resource

In fairy tales of old, wind is considered a heavenly child, but in times of climate change it’s becoming an indispensable resource. Europe, it has long been clear, needs more wind energy. But how can this potential best be harnessed? On land or at sea?DEKRA solutions has taken a closer look at current technologies and projects.

Occupational Safety: Focus on Health

Healthy, motivated employees are a guarantee of success for any company. However, there’s potential for improvement when it comes to occupational health and safety. The DEKRA Occupational Safety Report 2021 uncovers problem areas and issues in need of improvement. DEKRA expert Dr. Karin Müller also emphasizes what really matters.

Artificial Intelligence: Smart and Self-learning

Artificial intelligence does amazing things in many different areas – from quality control in manufacturing to diagnosing skin cancer. Testing and certification is an absolute prerequisite for low-risk operation of relevant systems. And a company like DEKRA plays a key role.

On the Safe Side with Snowchains

If you drive your car exclusively on flat ground during the cold season, you can get by on winter tires. In steeper terrain, a set of snow chains must be included in your winter gear to make sure the vehicle doesn’t get stuck on the road in snow and ice. We took a closer look […]

Race to the Data Cloud

In the future, will cars come from the cloud? The huge volume of data in production and operations require new solutions for data management. Internet giants like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google are standing at the ready with their services. Car manufacturers are racing to find the best positions in the data cloud.

Buying Used Cars: Digitization is Catching on

Buyers and potential buyers increasingly use online tools in their research. This was the result of a survey by DEKRA and Ipsos in Germany, China, the USA and France.

Acoustic Cameras: Noise Detectives in Action

Occupational safety, building acoustics, industry: When noise becomes a problem and conventional analysis methods fail, acoustic cameras can help.

Tire Technology: Running out of Air

The electric drive is challenging automotive certainties. Obviously, electric cars currently still run on round tires filled with air. But it’s becoming apparent that electric cars will need new footwear. And that they might even manage entirely without air. We asked DEKRA tire experts about the newest tire trends.

New Solutions for City Logistics

An impending delivery collapse is threatening many city centers in Europe. E-commerce is revving up at an ever-increasing rate, causing deliveries of parcels and groceries to shoot through the roof in some places. It’s high time for efficient solutions in city logistics. But which approaches could actually help?

Advancing into the Digital Age with Security

DEKRA isn’t just pushing ahead with internationalization but is also investing heavily in digitization and sustainability. In an interview with DEKRA solutions, the new DEKRA board members Ulrike Hetzel and Stan Zurkiewicz explain what will matter in the future.

Tuning – What is Possible?

For many car tuners, off-the-shelf car models are just the raw material they use to execute their technological and artistic visions. To do so, the accessories market offers a cornucopia of possibilities with spoilers, chassis, rims, and steering wheels. We asked DEKRA expert Carsten Debler what tuners must consider today.

High-Tech on the Fields

The agricultural industry is rushing into digitization with giant strides. Agricultural machinery manufacturers in particular are demonstrating an ingenuity with digital high-tech that even the automotive industry could learn from. DEKRA solutions took a closer look at the current trends in crop farming.

DEKRA solutions Magazine 2/2021

E-Mobility has arrived in many countries. It is estimated that nearly 11 million e-cars were already on the world`s roads in 2020. And the trend is steeply upwards. It seems that the great era of e-mobility is beginning. For DEKRA, e-mobility is a mission with a perspective: to be sustainable, environmentally friendly, and, above all, safe.

Charging E-Cars Worldwide

Electromobility is gaining momentum. The number of registrations is exploding on all continents as more charging options continue to emerge. As expected, China and the USA have the greatest number of electric vehicles cruising their roads. Only a closer look at the number of e-cars per million inhabitants reveals the true e-champion: Norway.

Elevators: Technical Showcase

Elevators make life easier, sometimes even more impressive or oppressive. But there’s one thing they all need to be: safe.

Road Traffic: A Lifetime of Safety

How can we keep senior populations safe in traffic? The DEKRA Road Safety Report 2021 shows the measures that make a different in regard to people, vehicle technology, and infrastructure.

Travel: We’re Taking to the Skies Again

Normality is still a long way off in the aviation sector. But demand for national and international connections is on the rise. Passengers have to keep a few things in mind.

Solar Energy: Floating Power Plants

In order to meet its emissions targets and make its energy supply more environmentally friendly overall, the city state of Singapore is relying on high-tech – such as a floating solar power plant. DEKRA is working hard to prepare the testing and certification of such plants.

Automated Driving: Between Wish and Reality

Behind the scenes, car manufacturers and suppliers are hard at work on algorithms for fully automated driving functions. However, only elaborate test programs can clarify how vehicles will behave when using said functions. The experts at the Lausitzring racetrack’s DEKRA Technology Center know all about the latest developments. We asked about the current state of the technology.

Sustainability: Soccer Sets an Example

More and more sports clubs are focusing on holistic sustainability and looking at economic as well as social and ecological issues. The sustainClub is a recognized sustainability standard that provides orientation in professional soccer. Six clubs can boast this award from DEKRA.

Cargo Ships – Giants of the Sea

Their size is measured in soccer fields, their carrying capacity commonly approaches 200,000 metric tons – it’s a constant head-to-head race to the top in the rankings of the world’s biggest container ships. We take a closer look at the largest cargo giants currently in service.

Hitting the Road in a Motorhome – an Epic Adventure

True motorhome enthusiasts love a tidy interior. After all, it only takes one sharp braking maneuver for everything that isn’t nailed to the floor to turn into dangerous projectiles. We asked DEKRA expert Peter Rücker how to mitigate risks when loading and securing loads.

Warehouse Logistics – Fancy a Game?

Digitization is considered a key driver for developments in warehouse logistics. More and more processes are being controlled by special software. So where do people fit in? Anyone who wants to keep pace in the warehouse needs a lot of new know-how. The DEKRA Akademie is breaking new ground in its training programs with digital […]

Electric Car: Funded and Demanded

For the transport revolution to be a success, the number of electric cars will have to surpass internal combustion engines on the road. Many countries and car manufacturers are therefore offering substantial subsidies for the purchase of an electric vehicle. And what about the buyers? They occasionally need a lot of patience when it comes to the daily use of their electric car – especially when paying at a charging station.

Electric Car: Always Charged to the Max?

Driving requires energy – and that applies to electric cars just as much as it does to combustion engines. However, different rules apply at the electric charging station than at the diesel or gasoline pump. What does “filling up” actually mean with regards to an electric car? Does it use alternating current or direct current? And when is the best time to pull the plug? We asked DEKRA experts.

Electric Car: The Power Comes from the Cell

Range is the holy grail of electromobility. It determines whether an electric car is perceived as a fully-fledged vehicle. In the competition for best energy source, the lithium-ion battery currently holds the best cards. Speaking in favor of this battery type is its good ratio between weight and range.

Electric Car: Efficient under the Hood

If it were just a matter of aesthetics, an e-motor could hardly compete against the elegance of a six-cylinder. Since it’s basically comprised of compact housing, magnets, copper wire, and a shaft – the potential for a grand spectacle is rather limited. E-motors have to impress with their inner values. And they have plenty of those.

Electric Car: Mission with Good Prospects

An electric car is just another car on four wheels. Yet it’s likely to replace the internal combustion engine in the long run. To what technologies do electric cars owe their success? And does the electric car truly have ecological potential? We take a look under the e-car hood in a short series. Follow us!

Superheroes in the Name of “Vision Zero”

They get bumped, hurled and hit - all in the name of safety. Dummies provide important insights in a wide array of crash-, sled-, and catapult facilities as well as test rigs at the DEKRA Crash Test Center in Neumünster and the DEKRA Automotive Test Center in Klettwitz.

Home Office – DEKRA Takes it Remote

When experts for occupational safety and learning media work together, it’s usually due to a new module for the DEKRA Safety Web. The latest software development is tailored to the needs of companies that want to let employees work remotely from home. A first systems check.

Car Cleaning – Foam Party at the Car Wash

In spring, it’s time for a thorough car wash. This requires the right care products, cleaning equipment, and a good washing area. However, it’s not a good idea to tackle the paintwork using household remedies. We asked DEKRA expert Thilo Kunst how to successfully spring clean a car.

Classic Car Check: Fit for the “H” License Plate?

Old cars need special attention to keep up in road traffic. The care requirement counts in particular for classic cars that are applying for the "H" license plate. However, the coveted "H" is only available with an expert’s certificate. We asked DEKRA expert Andreas Lahne how this classic car check can succeed.

Motorcycle Check: Safe Start into the Season

With those first rays of spring sunshine, there’s no stopping most bikers. Before the first ride with the motorcycle, however, a thorough equipment check is required. But the rider should also get in shape beforehand. Motorcycle expert Achim Kuppinger from DEKRA explains what’s important at the start of the season.

Bicycle Check: Do it Yourself

The first spring bike ride holds its own special charm. To ensure that both fun and safety don’t fall by the wayside, it’s worth checking the most important components before heading out. This requires a few tools and an hour of time. DEKRA expert Jochen Hof gives us the most important tips for cycling in spring.

Sustainability: New Approaches to Plastics Recycling

For some time now, car manufacturers have been using recycled PET, for example from bottles, in the production of seat covers or cockpit parts. However, the possible applications are limited and safety-relevant or highly resilient components still must be manufactured using mineral oil as a resource. A pilot project of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) shows new opportunities.

Spectacular Buildings: Worth a Second Look

Spectacular buildings can be landmarks and monuments, they can set standards for creativity and engineering achievements, for sustainability and the use of new materials. Above all, spectacular buildings can be found all over the world and even in space. Here’s our selection for you.

E-mobility: Port Wanted

At first glance, charging cables and plugs aren’t the central parameters for electric charging at wallboxes and charging stations. However, the right connection between vehicle and charging source is essential at both ends of the line for the current to flow into the battery. An overview of charging modes, cables, and plugs.

Clean Air for the World

Breathing clean air can’t be taken for granted. In many parts of the world, people breathe polluted air. Our health is at stake if, for example, particulate matter or nitrogen dioxide enters our lungs. A need for action exists in many places.

Cargo bikes – Lining Up for Transport

Cargo bikes with electric pedal assistance up to a speed of 25 kph and a rated continuous output of up to 250 watts are legally considered bicycles. But which bike is actually suitable for a job in city logistics? And what rules have to be observed for its operation? A DEKRA expert provides answers.

Rolling into the Future at 30 kph

Paris is planning a speed limit within the city – and many other metropolises want to follow suit. Traffic-calmed cities are expected to improve quality of life and reduce accidents and emissions.

Supercomputer – Chasing Records

Supercomputers teach autonomous cars to drive, calculate the optimal shape of wind turbine rotor blades, and accurately predict the weather. The new superstar of the scene bears the name Leonardo and is setting a breathtaking pace. But even this supercomputer wouldn’t stand a chance against a quantum computer.

Service Station – Charging Power from the Bakery?

The future of service stations probably no longer lies in the hands of mineral oil companies alone. Battery-electric drive systems in particular are bringing new players to the playing field. But what makes a service station fit for the future? We take a look at new trends and technologies for the service station of the future.

How Corona Changes the World

Nothing has changed the world more quickly or profoundly in recent decades than Corona. We provide an overview of short- and long-term changes.

Learning in Virtual Worlds

Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality are playing increasingly important roles in corporate training and education. This not only enables a more sustainable transfer of knowledge, these innovative technologies also make compelling arguments when it comes to cost.

Arriving Safely in Winter

Slippery roads, snow-covered cars, longer braking distances – if you want to reach your destination safely by car in winter, you need to know what to watch out for during the cold season.

Mobility: The New Normal

The Covid-19 pandemic is changing mobility. During the lockdown, public transport came to an almost complete standstill. At the same time, individual mobility has undergone a boom. This shift will likely last for some time and presents both risks and opportunities for climate and safety. 

World of Work: Into a New Era

The world of work is changing rapidly. Yet companies, managers and their employees can all adapt successfully and humanely, despite or even because of the coronavirus pandemic.

DEKRA solutions Magazine 1/2021

Whether at work or en-route – in many places we have been wearing respiratory masks since the corona pandemic. DEKRA takes a close look at them in the test laboratory. Not only wearing masks is now part of everyday life, but also video conferencing or online ordering. The current DEKRA solutions issue shows how the world of work and mobility behavior are changing rapidly.

New Work: “Actively tackling opportunities”

Immense changes are characterizing the world of work. Professor Heike Bruch talks agility and the courage to rethink.

Testing Respiratory Masks

The corona pandemic is keeping the world on tenterhooks. Respiratory masks offer protection against the corona virus. DEKRA takes a close look at them in Europe’s largest test laboratory for masks in Essen.

Bicycle: It Depends on the Braking Power

Show consideration, follow the rules and be attentive - this is how we avoid accidents. A bike in good technical condition also ensures greater safety. DEKRA carried out a brake test and tested various systems on wet and dry roads.

Accident Risk: Cyclists in Danger

Too many people still die in accidents involving two-wheeled vehicles. In some parts of the world, the number continues to rise. There is an urgent need for action. The DEKRA Road Safety Report 2020 provides facts and figures on all aspects of accidents involving motorcycles, bicycles etc.

Bicycles: Safely on Tour on Two Wheels

More and more road users are turning to the two-wheeler. There is now a huge selection of bicyles, e-bikes an co. that score with high tech. In addition, more and more cities are pushing cycling to promote climate protection. However, there ist still a need for action on raod safety for two-wheelers.

Work Securely from Home Office or en-route

Working from home, en-route on a train, or even in a cafe can easily become a gateway for cyber criminals. The responsibility for corporate data and IT security lies equally with the company’s IT department as well as with its employees.

Sensors: When the Car Sees Around the Corner

A new type of radar system makes it possible for vehicles to “see” around corners and thus recognize other road users in time. Sooner or later, it might also enable the optimization of traffic flow.

Radio Technology: Faster and Safer with 5G

For smartphone users, the advantages of 5G are still negligible. But industry, logistics, medicine, and many other sectors are already benefiting from the new radio technology.

Business Call: Successful Online Communication

From home office to “Zoom fatigue” - business communication has undergone rapid changes, and video conferencing has become part of everyday life. But the quality often leaves a lot to be desired. There’s optimization potential in more than just the technology.

Livable Cities – from Dortmund to Tokyo

The greenest, the most dynamic, the most bike-friendly – every year, different international institutions select cities for particularly life-worthy qualities. DEKRA solutions presents five of these locations.

Unusual Ideas for More Sustainability

Globally active corporations like to think big – in terms of corporate strategies, product campaigns, and public image. What few people know: Large corporations also support many environmental protection projects. Here’s an overview.

All-round Talent on the Apron

Perfect timing and absolute precision are required when handling aircraft. A new apron trainer enables ground staff to rehearse all situations in order to avoid damage and accidents.

Drive Batteries – Valuable to the Very End

Lithium-ion batteries in electric cars are powerhouses with a lot of power. If, after a few years, the power is no longer sufficient for the road, they are given a second life in stationary storage facilities. It’s at the very end that battery life becomes fully sustainable – the recyclable materials in the cells can be used to produce new batteries.

New Mobility: Out on the Town

With e-bikes, ridesharing, and last mile services, the way we move around in cities is changing rapidly. We provide insight into trends in private and public transport, and on the last mile.

Planned Cities: Metropolises from Scratch

Woven City is a planned city. In addition to the new metropolis at the foot of the Fuji-San, there are other exciting cities such as Brasilia, Bedford Park, Songdo City or Neom.

Crash Test: When the Worst Comes to the Worst

The DEKRA Crash Test Center in Neumünster is rarely open to the public. Most tests on behalf of the clients are often highly confidential. In addition to conventional passenger cars, vehicles with alternative drive systems are officially tested at this ultra-modern facility.

Technology as a Part of the Solution

When it comes to traffic concepts of the future, Professor Barbara Lenz looks at the big picture. For the Head of the Institute for Transport Research at the German Aerospace Center (DLR), multimodality and smart technology go hand-in-hand.

New Mobility: Evolution or Revolution?

Increasing urbanization, congested roads, air pollution, and ever stricter climate laws: When it comes to mobility of the future, we’re in need of a rethink.

DEKRA solutions Magazine 2/2020

According to a forecast by the United Nations, around 60 percent of the world’s population will live in cities by 2030. Due to increasing urbanization, congested streets, air pollution and ever stricter climate laws, we are already identifying that mobility needs to be steered in new directions. But how? The current DEKRA solutions issue presents current mobility concepts.

DEKRA Tag.it: Information and Education All in One

Whether it’s at the workplace or in workplace-specific hazardous areas – with DEKRA Media’s beacon content management system, information, educational content, or safety instructions can be accessed quickly and safely. Find out how it works here.

Shinkansen – fast, safe, and independent

Punctual, safe, super fast – the new Shinkansen high-speed train, which has been in service in Japan since July, is said to be superior to all its predecessors. But can the N700S keep up with other high-speed trains?

Smart Cruising in the City?

E-scooters have been part of our street picture for a year. For some a thorn in the side, for others a long-awaited traffic relief. Time to draw a balance.

Green Future – Building Cars, but Sustainably

The EU wants to be climate neutral by 2050. A contributor will be the smallest possible CO2 footprint of vehicles. Vehicle manufacturers are already applying the brakes in their production by reducing the CO2 balance. Škoda recently reached another milestone in its Green Future Strategy: the complete recycling of production waste.

Powerhouse Road

Photovoltaics on traffic routes have what it takes to turn streets into power plants. In doing so, you develop renewable energies and at the same time preserve the landscape. Yet this form of energy generation is still in its infancy.

Road Freight Transport: Which Drive Technology Will it Be?

Natural gas, electricity, hydrogen, or biofuel – which energy source will win the race? As long as this question remains unanswered, truck fleet operators will lack investment security. Leading associations in the transport industry are therefore demanding a binding roadmap from politicians. But what could that roadmap look like?

IoXt Alliance: More Security for Smart Speakers

Despite safety concerns, intelligent loudspeakers are spreading rapidly around the world – and the trend is rising. Verifiable cybersecurity is provided by the ioXt Alliance, which has now appointed a further test laboratory.

Smart Solutions for Sustainable Employee Mobility

When it comes to mobility for employees, many think of company cars and public transport tickets as the only options. But more and more companies are discovering sustainable solutions for their employees and are themselves benefiting from them.

Together for Green Energy

For a long time hydrogen was considered a niche technology. Now, new international alliances want to ensure a green future of energy supply in many industries.

Pharmalogistics – How Drugs Arrive Safely

In times of Corona, pharmaceutical logistics companies show impressive performance. The trends run towards more storage capacity and greater transport distances. In both cases, quality requirements are high. We spoke to the experts.

Alexa, say a Prayer!

Digital voice assistants are always ready for action. Amazon, Google and Co. are now well on course to expanding the use of the Internet. Are we heading towards an Internet of Voice?

Car Sharing – the Mobility of the Future?

Car sharing providers are looking to establish themselves in today’s new mobility mix. Numbers from the beginning of the year show that the market is growing steadily. One downer: the Corona pandemic has led to significant declines in the car sharing business.

We ride our bikes – safely!

Bikes are booming: Many cities have gotten the hang of things and score points with cyclists for good infrastructure and high safety standards. We show you an overview of which cities are ahead of the pack and have the best infrastructure.

7 Tips for more Sustainability on the Road

Never have so many means of transport stood still as in the times of Corona. Less traffic means less pollution with exhaust gases and fine dust. But it won't stay that way. Which is why we should keep an eye on sustainable transport – on the road, in the air, and on the water.

Woven City: Toyota builds City of the Future

The car manufacturer Toyota wants to test the city life of the future with the Woven City project at the foot of Fuji-San, Japan’s sacred mountain.

Corona and the Consequences for Start-ups

The economic crisis caused by coronavirus penetrates almost every industry. And for many new or young start-ups on the market, it quickly becomes a fight for existence. But there are also positive examples.

Corona Crisis: Making the Impossible Possible

Teamwork for supercomputers, production changeovers or accelerated testing processes: The Corona crisis brings out unusual ideas that wouldn’t have been conceivable in normal times.

Connective Toys on the Rise

Video games, app-connected toys, or programmable robots: the world of playful experience takes on a new, fascinating dimension through virtual expansion.

Logistics industry proves strength in the corona crisis

Challenges in times of crisis show just how systemically relevant the transport and logistics industry is: The industry is closing its ranks and proves strength during the corona pandemic.

7 Tips for More Sustainability at Home

Whether shopping, washing, or cleaning – there are many ways to live in an environmentally friendly manner at home. DEKRA solutions shows you seven tips on how to live a sustainable life.

Easy Parking

Be it a smartphone, car or street lamp, digital assistants in parking lot management aid drivers in finding a parking space simply and quickly.

Key Skill: Emotional Intelligence

The coronavirus pandemic challenges the world every day. Emotional intelligence is a decisive factor for employees and bosses in the current crisis situation. This includes flexible action, but also other important skills.

Corona Protection from the DEKRA Lab

A simplified test is intended to help cover the demand for corona protective masks more quickly. The DEKRA Testing & Certification laboratory in Essen will support manufacturers by providing the new mask flash test.

3D Printing: The Smart Way to the Product

Simply print out dental bridges, aircraft parts and sports shoes? This has long been anything but science fiction. 3D printing offers fantastic possibilities. It is one of the most exciting facets of digitization.

China: Largest Vehicle Testing Station

DEKRA, the world’s number one in vehicle testing, has opened its second testing station in China.

Immediate Support with Traumatic Experiences

Employees who suffer a traumatic experience at work should receive immediate support, demand DEKRA experts. In the context of the occupational health management, they recommend the establishment of an emergency psychological service.

Recycling: From the Old Comes the New

Contributing to a sustainable world is also the reuse of products. This is how the recycling of paper and plastics works.

Anyone Can Do It

Sustainability is increasingly coming into focus. Guidelines and legal requirements, but also image reasons, drive companies to act. How do they implement their sustainability strategies?

Greener Stadia

The topic of climate protection is present, no matter where you are on the planet. In soccer clubs around the globe, an increased consciousness for more sustainable handling of natural resources is developing.

AI with IQ

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are supposed to provide valuable assistance in our daily work routine. But they can also reinforce discrimination and prejudices. Anyone who uses them must therefore be aware of their weaknesses.

Sustainable Inventions – Power of the Elements

Created through careful observation, ingenuity or simply coincidence: These sustainable inventions have shaped the development of humanity itself.

Simply Saving the World

The United Nations have put together in the “Lazy Person’s Guide to Saving the World” what everyone can do for a sustainable development either from the comfort of their couch or in their neighborhood.

The App Coach for Everyone

Insa Klasing knows how to run a business. As the German Head of a large fast food chain, she was able to double the company’s turnover in five years. Now, she is going all-in on an app – having founded the coaching platform TheNextWe.

“Sustainability is not a buzzword, it’s business management”

Sustainability is more than a just tool to build a company’s image. It also brings tangible economic benefits. In our interview, Member of the Board of Management of DEKRA SE Wolfgang Linsenmaier explains the increasing importance of sustainability for each business.

DEKRA solutions Magazine 1/2020

Sustainability affects everyone - whether at home, on the road, or at work. In the current issue of DEKRA solutions you will learn more about the levels at which sustainability has an effect in the company, and how today's sustainable action determines the economic success of tomorrow. Read more about the possibilities on the way to a sustainable and safe world.

From a Change in Thinking to Self-Propelled Success

How sustainability strategies succeed and what companies that are on the verge of tackling sustainability should keep in mind.

Go Green

Reduce CO2 emissions, save resources: Environmental and climate protection goals such as these are more important than ever. The very beginning of the supply chain holds great potential in the creation of a sustainable end product. It is also the starting point for closer collaboration between suppliers and purchasers.

Digital Safety in Mobility

When it comes to the general inspection, data play an increasingly important role. DEKRA expert Frank Leimbach demands data trustees to guarantee an independent vehicle inspection in the future.

Live-Pitch at its Best

Three startups will present their innovations for security live at the DEKRA Award in Berlin. The audience chose the winner after the pitch.

Smart Comfort

Future Living®, a residential project in Berlin-Adlershof, uses smart home solutions to ensure a high quality of life in old age. Therefore, the DEKRA Award 2019 was awarded in the category "Safety at Home".

Signal Effect

Linde Material Handling wants to reduce the high number of accidents at work with an interactive warning vest for in-house traffic. For this invention, the company receives the DEKRA Award 2019 in the category "Safety at Work".

Braking Safer

E-bikes are trendy, but there are risks associated with incorrect braking behaviour. The Bosch eBike ABS helps pedelec riders to brake more safely. Therefore, Bosch wins the DEKRA Award 2019 in the category "Safety on the Road".

Safety for the Youngest Worldwide

Particularly in low and middle income countries, much remains to be done to improve road safety for children.

Colored Noise

An acoustic camera makes it possible to see loud sounds in color. DEKRA experts work with this highly innovative instrument to make noise sources visible, even in complex locations. The unwanted noises can then be specifically combated.

Moved by the People Mover

On the road with a driverless minibus: Since this summer, the People Mover has been rolling in public transport in Brandenburg. Getting on is very welcome.

Red Alert

Every day, more than 500 children and young people die in road traffic accidents around the world. The DEKRA Road Safety Report 2019 provides insight as to the causes, and measures to improve this horrific toll.

The E-Heroes

Cumulated sales figures reveal the top-ten most driven battery-electric vehicles. Where and what electric car models are most common, as well as other information can be found in the overview below.

Danger: High Voltage!

New technologies such as the electric car demand new skillsets. In the field of high-voltage technology, automotive manufacturers are upskilling their workers. Numerous suppliers, workshops and fleet managers rely on DEKRA’s expertise to train and qualify their employees as electricians.

Remapping the Globe

///together.connected.global is not just one of around 57 trillion addresses, but also the goal of British firm what3words: user-friendly navigation for everybody.

Who’s in the Race?

Comfortable, quick, flexible – and before all else sustainable – is how we envisage our future mobility. Which drive systems have what it takes to fulfil these demands? We provide an overview of alternative powertrain concepts.

In Case of Traffic Jam, Form Rescue Lane!

In 1963, 26-year-old police officer Karl-Heinz Kalow proposed rescue lane legislation to the German authorities. In 1971, the corresponding law entered force. We provide an overview of how the rescue lane works both in Germany and other countries around the world.

On the Way to General Inspection 4.0

Periodical vehicle checks of the future will be data driven. Even today, many processes are being digitized and automated. The best example of this is DEKRA’s inspection station in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen, opened in the spring of 2019.

DEKRA solutions 3/2019

How will we get around in the future? What drive concepts will prevail and is the e-scooter really the best means of transport for short distances? The current DEKRA solutions will explore these questions. We invite you to dive in with us in the world of mobility.

“Dare to Innovate”

Less debating over range, and more courage in innovation – this is how we should be laying the groundworks for a new approach to mobility, according to Prof. Dr. Günther Schuh.

Balancing Act

With e-scooters come new options for our mobility, as well as a number of new risks. We explore what users need to be aware of.

Highest Danger to the Life of the Youngest

Children need to be better secured in the vehicle. A crash test conducted by DEKRA makes this unmistakably clear.

Go with the Flow

James Cooke works as a Behavioural Leadership Coach in the middle of the North Sea, some 150 kilometres from the British coastline, on a platform producing hydrocarbons. For DEKRA, he reports on the perks and challenges of working in the waves.

Death in the Blind Spot

Every victim is one too many. According to figures published by German automobile club ADAC, 34 cyclists lost their lives last year in accidents involving trucks turning a corner.

For Money to the City Center

New York is planning to introduce it. London, Oslo and Stockholm have already done so and in Singapore it has been in use since 1975 – we are talking about the city toll. It is supposed to prevent traffic from getting stuck. Today, the fee is also a means to keep the air quality bearable.

Competitive Factor Climate

Losses of millions due to floods or low water: Even the economy is affected by the consequences of climate change. The world association TIC Council accompanies companies on the way to sustainability.

Particulate Matter – Does it Matter?

There has been a lot of talk about particulate matter and threshold limits. And as the debate surrounding diesel bans, particulates, and nitrogen oxides has become so heated, it’s time for an objective look at the facts. We spoke to DEKRA emissions expert Jürgen Bachmann.

The Human Element: Strongpoint or Weak Link?

Hackers are able to pinpoint every single weak spot when attacking the IT system of a company or other organization. Ingo Legler, an IT security expert at DEKRA, explains how organizations can protect themselves and what cybersecurity can achieve.

Up, Up, Up!

José Calvache (47) has been a crane inspector at the Lyon branch of DEKRA Industrial SAS for 15 years. He has experienced a great deal, but fortunately he never gets stuck in a rut in his dangerous job. Each and every inspection requires the utmost concentration and courage.

Living in the Water Pipe

Space is scarce on the ground, the square meter is expensive and the competition is fierce - the cities of the future are oriented upwards, above all. However, the most important maxim for new living is: less is more.

The Milkman Principle

Order food comfortably from the sofa in the evening, receive the delivery at the front door the next day: This is how the online food delivery service Picnic works.

Children in Danger

Just Roll with It!

Electromobility has also found its way into the so-called ‘last mile.’ Commuters, hipsters and urbanites are all jumping on their e-scooters, hoverboards and monowheels. Are these electric micro-vehicles the solution to urban traffic chaos?

Before the ­Paramedics Arrive

In an emergency, every second counts. First aid can be administered by every layman – through chest compressions, staunching a bleeding or recovery position. You can learn what to do to save a life through courses offered by emergency services personnel.

With the License to Swing

The DEKRA playground testers are once again doing their rounds. Each spring, they commence their tour of Germany’s playgrounds and test the apparatus’ safety.

Alexa, Siri and Co. – Enjoy it Smart

Wherever you will find a smart device nowadays, you can be sure that Alexa, Siri and co. aren’t far away. Their duty: listen, understand and perform ­commands. Those who use them should do this cognizantly, and understand the various functions.

Where hazardous materials lurk

Just a regular trip to the grocery store is enough to bring a great many potentially hazardous substances into the home: Glass cleaner, adhesives, dishwashing liquid, stain remover. At first glance harmless, belying the dangers within.

Play it Safe

Nowadays, parents keep a close watch on everything that may even come close to harming their children. But is one-hundred-percent safety even achievable? Educators and psychologists even call for ‘the right to risk.’ It’s part of ensuring childhood is adventurous, not boring.

Ingeniously Puzzled

What makes an invention successful? How do you develop innovative ideas and products that take the market by storm? A visit to the inventors’ workshop run by Dr. Björn Graßl and Matthias Gehrke in Nuremberg reveals some of the answers.

“WLTP? A Race Against Time!”

Wherever Erik Pellmann goes, you can usually smell smoke. He is the DEKRA expert on emissions technology. In this interview, he takes us behind the scenes of the turbulent launch of the WLTP emissions cycle.

DEKRA solutions 2/2019

Safety goes above and beyond everything - especially with children. Did you know that around two-thirds of accidents happen in the home or on the playground? The current DEKRA solutions shows where dangers lurk for children and beats a wide arc from the silent killers at home to the risks of artificial intelligence such as Alexa and Co. Be curious.

Technology Around the Globe

Traveling by rail across the country, observing the world from a satellite view, reaching new planets… In these museums in Asia, America and Australia, you can discover exciting parts of technological progress.

A Tour through the Technology Temples of Europe

From the first automobile to the horse-drawn railway to exceptional flying machines and submarines: Europe’s museums lure with a variety of technological achievements. We have compiled the most exciting technology temples for you.

High Voltage Guaranteed

Even for experienced workshop professionals, electric cars are often new territory. The right qualifications are required so that they can even touch them with their tools. DEKRA has set up various training courses.

Shine Smarter

Some inner cities would like to be really smart. But to do that they would have to get their traffic under control. Intelligent lighting systems could help here and there. They provide the digital infrastructure with which traffic jams can be better avoided in the future.

Save me, dear Algorithm!

Overtaking maneuvers, excessive braking or fatigue: more than 90 percent of all road traffic accidents are caused by human error. The digital subsidiary of DEKRA aims to achieve transparency about how people drive.

The Inspection App from the Arctic Circle

Innovations can happen anywhere – even on the edge of the Arctic Circle. In Lapland in Finland, DEKRA inspection engineer Tiina Vakkala is working on an application that could revolutionize the inspection of industrial plants.

Handling the Heat

Safety first! This phrase is decisive in the fire service. Rigorous training, perfectly maintained equipment and technological innovation all aid in improving safety on an emergency call-out.

Let’s Go Digital

Digital transformation has a huge influence on business’ future – five steps lead to success.

Seemingly Safe

Safety at the workplace has a high priority. At home, things look completely different: We do not follow a plan and risks are hardly considered here. Don Martin from DEKRA Organizational Safety & Reliability (OSR) keeps a close eye on this problem.

Nose in the Wind

If wind turbines keep their noses in the wind all year round, it's on their bones. In the EU project "Shearios", DEKRA subsidiary Visatec and its partners are developing a robotic vehicle that uses shearography technology.

Hackers in the Service of Security

Hardly any other sector offers as lucrative job opportunities as cybersecurity. Employees from the most varied of companies and industries provide astonishing insights into this intriguing sector

Human or Machine?

Humanoid robots, or machines in human form, are certainly fascinating. But do they have a future in a smart world?

A Question of Attitude

Efficient, cross-functional and innovative – the world of work is characterized by a dynamic which is forcing established businesses to adapt to and adopt the agility of start-ups. A decisive factor in this is corporate culture.

Wanted!

Work 4.0 is becoming ever more digital. Accordingly, the demand for well-qualified employees is very high – in the IT sector, for example. However, the shortfall of qualified staff is growing around the world.

High Voltage

At 60 meters up in the air and in close proximity to 380,000 Volts, work safety and carefully planned procedures take highest priority.

Don’t Kick up Dust

Clean air in the cities would be a great thing. In Stuttgart, researchers, technicians and inventors rigorously tackle fine dust. What is the best way to fight poor air quality?

Yes, You Can

"Only once every employee has the feeling of being part of something big can the company really hit its stride." Futurologist Ali Mahlodji examines in the 2019 Work Report the current transformation in the world of work and how people can unlock their full potential.

Always a Bit Closer

Industrial nations and global corporations drive the world economy. Who are the main global players in terms of turnover and headcount, and what does this mean for the individual?

Welcome to New Work

Working from the beach? Reachable wherever you are? Digitalization is changing the world of work dramatically. We report on the status quo of gainful employment.

DEKRA solutions 1/2019

In the new world of work, place, time and the working relationship dissolve more and more. What does this mean for the employee? And what exactly characterizes an agile corporate culture? DEKRA solutions presents the trends in the new world of work and points out chances and risks.

Suspended Procedure

you want to make public transport fit for the future, you have to consider solutions that abandon classic wheel-rail systems. One of these is the magnetic levitation train. A brief interim result.

A Stroll through Bad Homburg: Poets, Thinkers and the Mouse

Hölderlin, Dostojewski and the "Maus" know the Hessian city of Bad Homburg well. Situated at the gates of Frankfurt, it invites you to marvel and linger. It is not only beautiful here, but also safe.

Flashing, Please!

When travelling by car in traffic, you have to set the indicator – for example when turning off – clearly and in good time. But only around half of motorists in Germany adhere to all turn signal rules. This is the result of a traffic monitoring study by DEKRA Accident Research.

When the Music Comes

That music in the car improves the driver's performance sounds plausible. But which music is the right one at all? In the future, IT experts who want to help artificial intelligence in cars to make musical leaps should also be concerned with this question.

Rollin’ Justin Carries the Water

Robots are already sighted in hospitals and nursing homes. Their mission is to bring water or pills to the patients and to help with the memory training. But Rollin`Justice or Edan are far away from replacing the nursing staff.

A Bright Idea Scores

The light emitting platform edge of the SIUT GmbH is not only groundbreaking, it also serves to safety by warning passengers at train stations and thus helps minimizing hazards. For this idea, the jury awarded the DEKRA Award 2018 in the category "Safety on the road".

Soft Landing

The vest FALLBAG with integrated airbag offers the best possible protection against heavy falls at work. With this invention BORNACK GmbH & Co. KG wins the DEKRA Award 2018 in the category "Safety at work".

Safe Surfing

Children playfully learn to assess risks on the Web using the "Junait" software. With the computer game, planpolitik GbR wins the DEKRA Award 2018 in the category "home security".

Urban Goes Human

Cities around the globe are searching for solutions to their traffic issues. In doing so, the key objective is to find a solution that creates harmony between the population’s demands for mobility and living spaces.

The Trump Cards among the Electric Trucks

The race to secure a share of the electric truck market has begun. Around the globe, newcomers and established vehicle brands alike are developing the first generation of trucks with this drive technology to reach the market.

Leveling Up

Were vehicle manufacturers and original equipment suppliers legally able to do what they already can technologically, our roads would already be teeming with self-driving trucks and buses. But before this becomes reality, manufacturers must completely master each level of automation.

Logistics – Industry of Superlatives

Transport giants in shipping, a train weighing just under one hundred thousand tons, or traffic routes made of ice and snow: the logistics industry shines with spectacular innovations.

Joy through Safety

The city of Torrejón de Ardoz achieved an impressive road safety statistic with a series of simple yet effective measures. The city has not had a traffic fatality in seven years. To recognize this, the city has been awarded the DEKRA Vision Zero Award.

The Quantum Leaps in Logistics History

The Great Wall or Pyramids of Giza were systematically organized masterpieces. These origins of logistics go back more than a thousand years to the past. Since then, the industry has undergone revolution after revolution.

Assistance Systems – Lifesavers in Trucks

With increasing digitalization, the assistance systems in trucks have also developed enormously. In an emergency, they can save lives. There are considerable differences in truck safety standards worldwide.

Data: The New Gold of the Transport Industry

Data should be processed sensibly and securely, and trucks should be networked with one another: Clemens Klinke, Member of the Board of Management DEKRA SE, talks about the potential of increasing digitization in the transport industry.

Modern Trucks in the Data Network

A modern commercial vehicle is at the center of a multi-dimensional data stream that can increase safety and transport efficiency. Jürgen Bönninger, head of FSD Fahrzeugsystemdaten, explains who and how this data can be used.

Big Wheels – Big Data

Data reduces fuel consumption, enables precise forecasts on the vehicle, makes logistics more efficient and is absolutely necessary for automated driving. But how do you protect them and who do they actually belong to?

In the Balance

Clogged roads, unhealthy emissions, a lot of noise - Cities around the world are looking for solutions to urban chaos. A way out of the misery could be urban aerial cableways.

Register Now: DEKRA solutions Newsletter

What does the world look like tomorrow? What do we do to ensure safe traffic? In the DEKRA solutions newsletter you will receive exclusive reportages, background information and exciting stories around mobility, security and innovation. Click here for registration.

Anybody Aboard?

Artificial intelligence will soon be making a career in the maritime industry: Because specialist personnel and cargo space are scarce and transport costs are high, more and more ship owners are relying on ships with state-of-the-art assistance systems and autonomous driving functions.

DEKRA Solutions 3/2018

Yoghurt, wine and Co. are delivered by trucks. The world would grind to a halt without commercial vehicles. Furthermore, driver assistance systems provide a higher level of safety and networked vehicles provide a clever transport. DEKRA solutions presents most exceptional innovations and looks at the logistics sector of tomorrow.

Vehicle Check: Data Read-out Onboard and Offboard

More and more assistance systems are finding their way into modern vehicles, paving the way for automated driving. Dipl.-Ing. Frank Leimbach explains what that means for vehicle testing.

When the Zebra Suddenly Rears Up

From Great Britain to Japan: the zebra crossing has made it far. But not everywhere can a pedestrian rely on a vehicle really stopping.

Better Work Safety Thanks to Motion Capturing

Motion Capturing records movements digitally. This not only creates fantasy creatures or improves motion sequences, but also revolutionizes entire work systems and production lines.

Quantum Computers – Kissed by Physics

What would take a supercomputer a century - the quantum computer can do in just a few seconds. But the top computers of the future will not only deliver results for previously unsolvable tasks, they will also easily crack our passwords.

Old vs. New Truck: Which of them has Better Brakes?

Commercial vehicles are becoming safer - not only because of modern assistance systems. Also the braking performance has improved significantly in recent years. A test conducted by DEKRA Accident Research shows how much braking distance can be saved by new technologies.

Traffic Screening: Secret Weapon against Traffic Fatalities

Zero traffic fatalities - that's the goal of "Vision Zero". Baden-Württemberg wants to achieve this goal with traffic safety screening. Dipl.-Ing. Martin Pozybill explains what exactly this means.

Fleets in the Crosshairs of Cyber Criminals

Every day truck fleets carry valuable goods. Dr. Michael Müller, CEO of Magility GmbH, explains why logistics service providers and networked fleets are particularly in the crosshairs of cyber criminals.

Brazil: To School by Bus and Boat

Driving to school by boat or walking through rough terrain to the bus station is not unusual for Brazilian children in rural areas. The government has a special programme to ensure reliable transport.

Eldorado for Autonomous Driverless Systems

In the Hamuburg container terminal in Altenwerder the shuttles drive all by themselves – without a trace of the driver. It all takes place in a closed zone which is an ideal testing area for taking autonomous trucks forward.

Tracking the Damage

When damage has been done to the vehicle, it's usually about a lot of money. Now a professional report is necessary. In the DEKRA education center engineers and car masters are trained to become damage-professionals.

Bye-bye Searching for a Parking Space!

Without stress, without scratches and above all without loss of time: In the parking garage of the future, the car looks for its own parking space.

A New Hope?

Stinkers out of the cities - we drive electrically now. This could be the future credo of motorized private transport. But what does the eco-balance of electric cars really look like?

Hanging by a Thread

Higher, more spectacular, further. Aerial railways are constantly breaking new records and simultaneously hold the titel of safest form of transport bar none.

The Way We Travel

Which destination do we choose? How do we prefer to spend our holidays? Scientist Allison Hui explores the processes that affect our travels. Nicole Graaf met her for an interview.

Project Vacation

Those most valued days of the year are already being painstakingly planned by tourists on their smartphones. In the search for more adrenaline and endorphine highs, these devices will play an ever-lager role.

Me, Myself and I.T.

Smartwatches keep track of every step we take and measure heart rate as well as sleep patterns. The aim of the constant collection of data is to improve your fitness – but it can also be a burden for the psyche.

One Ticket To Space, Please

Fancy escaping Earth’s gravity and enjoying the view of the “blue sphere” from orbit? It’s already a possibility, albeit one with a hefty price tag.

Holidays aboard the Floating Town

Whether crossing the oceans in a cruise liner or exploring our planet’s island paradises in a sailing yacht, maritime wanderlust is gripping more and more of those seeking a break.

Roadtrip

Traffic jams, unsecured luggage and microsleep are the specters of a long drive. Only those who plan well, will arrive relaxed at their holiday destination.

Safely Through the Skies

Although passenger numbers continue to rise, the number of air traffic fatalities fell once again in 2017. How does aviation achieve such a high level of security?

Rail Traffic: The Journey is the Destination

Enjoy the beauty of magical landscapes from the safety and comfort of a train.

Mission Intermission

Staying contactable around the clock, checking emails every hour when on vacation – it’s impossible in the Spiti valley in the Indian Himalayas. Nicole Graaf undergoes a digital detox cure.

DEKRA solutions 2/2018

Does the VR glasses soon replace the beach vacation? Will we travel to Mars in the future? Digital technology already makes it possible to make your free time extraordinary. DEKRA solutions presents perspectives for the dream journeys of the future.

Attention, There is a Deer

A sound signals the driver "Wild is nearby". The app of the start-up Wuidi warns against wild boar and deer. We show how it works.

Fight for the Parking Lot

For motorists, finding a parking lot in the city is an ever growing issue. According to a study by INRIX, a company working on mobility solutions, we spend 41 hours per year searching for a parking. Networked parking concepts are expected to improve that situation. Different systems have been developed and tested over the years.

Rumpelfilz: Chemically Clean, Cool and Clever

Whether you are a manager, banker or truck driver - more and more adults are discovering the stuffed animal for themselves. Before moving into homes a chemical-physical-mechanical course must be passed, though. Rumpelfilz from Sigikid confronts the lab-test.

Era 4.0 – Supply Chain completely Networked

Industry 4.0, Production 4.0, Logistics 4.0 – the version number “4.0” is en vogue in the different industry segments. It stands for digitalization and networking. Which opportunities arise from it, but also which risks?

Accident Researchers: Lifesavers Behind the Scenes

DEKRA‘s accident researchers are working in the shadows - but they act as lifesavers. For 40 years now they commit to making sure there won’t be any more dead people in the streets. But in time their job changed a lot.

Smartglasses for the Virtual Workplace

Smartglasses are key to the digital evolution of Industry 4.0. With these intelligent glasses, handhelds, smart phones and scanners are likely to disappear from the digital toolbox.

What About the People?

Will the robots prevail soon and become a threat? For some people, the establishment of robots and smart systems in many areas of our everyday life is a risk. Others see them as helpers. Anyway - artificial intelligence is considered as the "key technology" of the future.

Rise of the Robots

What began in the world of IT researchers has entered everyday life: artificial intelligence (AI). We outline the milestones of the development and reveal the current fields of research activities.

Smartphones: Deadly Distraction

When Friedrich Meister is on the road, he has his smartphone with him. But in the summer of 2017, he became aware of the deadly consequences that can occur when he is distracted by his smartphone while driving.

Shopping Without Frontiers

Whether furniture, books or jelly babies - after a few clicks, the goods are on the way to you. But the annual increasing volume of parcels is not only putting deliverers under pressure.

Artificial Intelligence Against Cyber Crime

Artificial intelligence (AI) systems repel cyber attacks. But AI systems also attack. This has long since been used by criminals for their purposes. Does this mean a soon direct battle of AI defense against AI attack?

S-pedelec: Getting to Work at 45 kmh

Getting to work without traffic jams – the s-pedelec could be the solution. Our author carried out the self-experiment and switched from the car to an electrically driven e-bike of the fast-paced type.

New Work – Rethink Work

Digitization means much more than new technologies. It also means new working models. Prof. Dr. Antje Helpup re-thinks work and explains the magic formula Agile Working.

Digitization: revolutions entail unrest

75-Year old Detlef Wittig is a visionary. He provides both insights into mobility and perspectives on the world of work in an interview with students of the Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences.

New Data Protection Regulation to Come

Starting on May 25th 2018, the EU basic regulation for data protection (EU-DSGVO) will come into effect, in order to standardize the European data protection laws.

New Mobility: VW Meets Generation Y

What moves Generation Y, and more importantly, how are they moving? VW Group Board Member Jürgen Stackmann meets in a chat with a group of students that are also involved in the industry.

Rapid Prototyping – Spare Parts via 3D-Printing

Expensive warehousing and lack of spare parts could soon be a thing of the past – thanks to rapid prototyping. Many manufacturers already scope for this 3D technology based on CAD-models.

Evolution of Robotics

Robots are a contemporary innovation! People who think this way will be surprised. The first robot was built in the ancient world. In our gallery, we have compiled the evolution of robotics.

Robots – Our Tireless Helpers

They boldly go where no-one has gone before, explore places too dangerous or contaminated for humans, and their inexhaustible productivity drives our economies.

StreetScooter: Fine-dust-free driving

Emission-free vehicles are already driving around. But how does fine-dust-free driving work? Mann + Hummel demonstrate how, with a fine dust particle filter testing a “completely emission-free” vehicle with StreetScooter.

More Satisfaction, More Productivity

Finding and retaining good employees is as important as ever for businesses. Through corporate health management, companies can improve employee satisfaction and increase productivity.

DEKRA solutions 01/2018

Artificial intelligence (AI) is omnipresent – what’s behind it? Will human and robot work together side by side in the future or will robotics become a risk for mankind? DEKRA solutions takes a look at the history of artificial intelligence and dares a prediction.

Driver assistance systems in an overview

Driver Assistance systems are able to prevent accidents. We show the range of systems available and how they work.

New Traffic Regulations 2018

As every year, new provisions and regulations become effective. We have collected the changes for 2018 for you.

Preventing work-related accidents cleverly

Work-related accidents caused by human error can be avoided: The key to it lies within our brains. An interview concerning the topic with David Musgrave, DEKRA Insight.

Five Safety Tips for Unloading Containers

Severe accidents still happen frequently during the unloading of freight containers. These tips give advice how to play it safe.

E-Learning – Classroom of the Future

E-learning will become increasingly relevant as a tool for training and educating employees. In our time of Internet, apps and virtual worlds, new learning opportunities are emerging.

Fireworks: Great Fun and Bad Atmosphere

Around the world people are burning fireworks on New Year's Eve. Fireworks fascinates us - but they are also dangerous. Therefore fireworks are prohibited in some cities.

Winter Pleasure with Your Barbecue

Even in the midst of winter, it’s possible to hold proper barbecue parties. DEKRA expert Werner Leistner explains what grill masters need to pay attention to when handling their equipment.

Child Seats: Keeping Your Child Safe When Driving

A child seat massively increases the safety of younger passengers when driving. In Germany the use of safety belts is mandatory. We provide eight tips for buyers.

Trabant – The Icon, Rebooted

It’s decades since the last example rolled out of the factory, but they are still a presence on Germany’s roads. We are talking about that East German icon, the Trabant. Matthias Bähr specializes in conversions of this special kind.

eCall: Lifesaver with integrated data protection

eCall shall help reduce the number of people killed and gravely injured in traffic accidents through fast and efficiently activated rescue measures. The compliance to data protection regulations is important.

The Nation’s Punching Bags

They hit the wall at 80 km/h: tough crash test dummies put their “bones” on the line in the cause of safety, but they are also highly sensitive measuring instruments. A job portrait.

No More Blind Spots

The so-called blind spot remains a problem despite modern mirror- and camera technology. This will change through the turning assistent.

Smoothly in Roundabouts

One of the most famous ones goes around the Arc de Triomphe in Paris: Roundabouts make the traffic safer and lead to a free flow. They exist in different dimensions and in various designs.

Risk of Fire: When your Vehicle Catches Fire

In movies, cars regularly burst into flames after an accident. Is it a realistic scenario? We explain, when and why your car could start to burn.

Compare cars more effectively with the WLTP

The new emissions and consumption standard WLTP is sending its predecessor, the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), into early retirement. This usurper is much closer to real-world consumption values.

Pflasterpass Initiative: Playful First-Aid Teaching for Kids

Every 18 seconds in Germany, a child hurts itself so severely that it needs medical attention. The initiative Pflasterpass has brought a program to life that introduces kids between four and eight to the subject of first aid.

Caverion Improves Employee Awareness of Ladder Accidents

Ladder accidents are not uncommon in working life. Using a personalized mailing campaign, Caverion made its employees aware of the problem and informed them about how to prevent such accidents.

German Road Safety App: Better Road Safety for All

The multilingual app “German Road Safety” helps foreign-language road users to orient themselves on German roads.

Smartphones at the wheel: “An effect comparable with narcotics”

Some drivers are using their smartphones while driving. They put themselves and those around them in immense danger. Psychologist Volkmar Bertke from the DEKRA shows how high the risk of causing an accident is.

The Future on Two Wheels

Motorcycles and mopeds are currently regarded by many as too loud and dangerous. In the future, two-wheelers will represent an efficient, quieter and accident-free alternative.

Test Halls for Electric Cars

Electric cars are already an attractive alternative for many. The revolutionary drive technology raises new questions both for researchers and commuters alike.

Siemens presents “eHighway”

Just like trains and trams, hybrid trucks can also feed on electricity from aerial cables.­ Siemens’s eHighway concept demonstrates just how feasible this system is.

Nikola One: An Electric Semitrailer Offering Spectacular Performance

The U. S. transport sector is counting down to the launch of a very special truck. All eyes are on the Nikola One, an electric semitrailer offering spectacular performance.

DEKRA solutions 03/2017

The new mobility - tomorrow's traffic routes. The latest DEKRA solutions issue shows the dynamic mobility development.

Dubai: Escaping the Traffic Jam by Drones

Can’t get through, can’t go around, so why not go over the traffic in a drone? The old fantastical vision of the future looks to become reality in Dubai before the year is out. The desert metropolis wants to be the first city on Earth to send its commuters sky high.

Safer Driving with Assistance Systems

When people get injured or material damage is caused, the driver is responsible in most of the cases. In order to reduce the accidents, the car industry opts for driver assisstance systems.

On the Way to Mobile Network 5G

Mobile network operators, device manufacturers, automotive brands and many other industries are already preparing for the arrival of “5G.”

DEKRA Study: Street Cleaning Reduces Fine Dust Pollution

Intensive street cleaning can reduce the development of fine particulates on traffic-heavy thoroughfares in larger cities. This is the result of a five-week study carried out in Stuttgart in March and April 2017.

Mobility: How do We Travel in the Future?

Today the topic mobility continues to pose great challenges for all of us. What is the situation regarding safety, which technologies are used and how will we travel in the future? DEKRA solutions introduces different traffic models.

Risks on Country Roads

The improvement of road traffic safety remains a challenge. Around the world, 1.25 million people lose their lives on the road each year, and according to the World Health Organization, the downward trend of this number is stagnating.

Smartphones and Driving – a Hazardous Combination

More than half of all smartphone-owning drivers are guilty of regularly operating their gadgets while on the road. This is the result of a recent Forsa survey carried out on behalf of expert organization DEKRA.

Crash Test with Electric Cars

The experts at the DEKRA Crash Test Center in Neumünster test whether electric cars fulfill the legal requirements for high-voltage safety.

Motorbikes and Hoverboards Become Projectiles

At the DEKRA Safety Day in Bielefeld, DEKRA carried out three crash tests. Computer simulations are no substitute for real crashes, state the experts.

Safer and Faster with Mobile Network Standard 5G

In its telecommunications lab in Málaga, DEKRA is working hard to prepare for the advent of 5G. It will support manufacturers, network operators and other organizations in both the implementation and ongoing usage of the new standard in connectivity. Joaquín Torrecilla and José de la Plaza explain, what the new mobile network standard offers.

DEKRA’s Crash Tests with Drones: High Risk of Accident

There is a high risk of accident with drones when the small, guided flyers get out of control. This is the result of a test series of DEKRA’s experts performed with drones with a weight less than 2 kg,.

Hiab HiVision: The Timber Crane with a Digital Eye

The world’s first timber crane to be controlled by the HiVision VR system features a whole host of digital technology. DEKRA was on the scene for its market approval.

DEKRA Takes Ownership of the Lausitzring: Center for Automated and Networked Driving Created

Expert organization DEKRA will take ownership of the Lausitzring in Klettwitz in South Brandenburg on November 1, 2017.

Vison Zero: On the Way to Zero Fatalities

DEKRA presents the 2017 Road Safety Report with the motto “Best Practice”, suggesting steps for reaching the goal of zero fatalities.

Autonomous Driving: Germans Mistrust Technology Companies

Consumers have mixed feelings about autonomous driving. This is the result of a study of the research institute Inrix.

Natural Gas Engines: Safe and Clean

In order to fulfil future exhaust emission standards and fuel consumption regulations, Volkswagen focuses on natural gas engines. With the new technology, their tanks shall become safer.

DEKRA solutions 02/2017

Home in the Megacity. The latest issue of DEKRA solutions shows the metropolises that most of us will soon call home.

Performance Tests and Benchmarking Have Become Increasingly Important

Interview Fernando E. Hardasmal, Managing Director, DEKRA Testing & Certification, S.A.U., Málaga, Spain and Global Market and Sales Director, DEKRA Product Testing & Certification.

Happy Birthday Smartphone

It’s the tenth anniversary of the mass-market breakthrough for smartphones. It isn’t just technology that has seen rapid development since then ‑ both our private and working lives have been comprehensively and irreversibly changed since the dawn of the ‘pocket computer.’

At Home in the Megacity – São Paulo

Bruno Bergamo works as Marketing Manager at DEKRA Brasil in São Paulo. It is one of the dangerous places to live on earth.

Voice Control

A current trend within the ‘smart home’ megatrend is voice control. In addition to household appliances and alarm systems, lighting, entertainment and soon even networked health products will follow your every command.

Vintage Bikes

200 years after its invention, the bike is experiencing a boom. Vintage road bikes are now hot property, and the passion for cycling is catching on.

Interview: Re-Imagining Mobility

In Mexico City, traffic chaos is a part of daily life. Pioneers José Castillo and Monica Arzoz are investigating organizational improvements to urban traffic through their urban planning and architecture practice ‘a | 911.’

At Home in the Megacity – Mumbai

DEKRA Insight General Manager Ronjoy Rajkhowa lives in Mumbai. A city famous for chaotic traffic.

Q & A: Energy Transformation

Fossil fuels provide the backbone of the world’s energy supply. Energy from renewable sources is destined to take over this role in the future. Answering 5 pressing questions, DEKRA solutions provides insights into the direction of current trends, and how all of us can help shape the energy revolution.

At Home in the Megacity – Shanghai

Angela Jun Wang works as Sales Director at DEKRA China in Shanghai. A modern city with good public transport infrastructure.

At Home in the Megacity – Los Angeles

Jill Wiltfong works as Senior Vice President Global Marketing at DEKRA Insight in Los Angeles. A city with many commuters and daily traffic jam.

City Traffic: Cars Remain Important

Even if driving a car means a lot of stress to people, cars don't become less important. This is the result of a survey of the ACV.

Autonomous Driving: Research for Construction Sites

Autonomous driving is considered as the key technology for the next decade in the automobile sector. The Fraunhofer Institute explores technologies for construction sites.

Interview – “Our Path to Zero”

Greg Fox, retired EVP of Operations for BNSF Railway says the company is doing the following to revolutionize safety, and what you can learn from it.

“Teamwork is Often Undervalued”

Organizational Psychologist Dr. Susan L. Koen is an expert on human reliability, workplace fatigue and high-performing work systems.

Burnout – Psychological Stress at Work

Work absences due to psychological illness have risen by a disconcerting amount. What is it that sends both body and mind into a permanent state of emergency? And what are the consequences for workplace safety?

Revolution in the World of Work

New technologies are revolutionizing the world of work. The goals are higher efficiency and a competitive advantage. Safety also remains a core focus.

Electric Cars: Doubts Continue to Prevail

In a national survey on the topic of electric cars DEKRA reports that the surveyed car drivers especially have concerns regarding financial aspects. Over 90 per cent think that electric cars are too expensive.

Potholes: Ford Develops an Early Warning System

Europe-wide, potholes in the roads cause damages running into billions. Ford now plans to develop an early warning system.

German Government Decides Legal Basis for Autonomous Driving

Autonomous driving is said to be the key technology for the mobility of tomorrow. The new law creates the first legal basis for it.

Future Work Lab: Innovation Partnership of DEKRA and Fraunhofer Institutes

In the new Future Work Lab of the Fraunhofer Institute, DEKRA promotes innovative concepts for occupational safety in the age of Industry 4.0.

DEKRA solutions 01/2017

Risky Business: Computer, drones and robots are projected to relieve workers in dangerous and monotonous jobs. But will hazardous jobs simply be made safer, or perhaps replaced entirely?

Robots and Drones for Easy Working

Computers, drones and robots are projected to relieve workers in dangerous and monotonous jobs. But will hazardous jobs simply be made safer, or perhaps replaced entirely?

New Traffic Regulations for 2017

Every year, road users have to adapt to new traffic laws and regulations. These are the most important amendments in 2017.

X2Safe: ZF Develops a Networking Concept

The intelligent algorithm called X2Safe shall set a pathway for making the active integration of road traffic safer in future.

Wearables Facilitate Everyday Work

The so-called wearables are a further step in making daily work in the industries more efficient. Audi just tested the scanner gloves in a pilot project.

The Majority of Clients Mistrust Data Security in the Car

Data security doesn’t only concern the computer or smartphone; also modern cars meanwhile have become data collectors. According to a survey from DEKRA, the majority of drivers this issue as critical.

Gotthard Base Tunnel: Through the Heartland of the Alps

In summer 2016, the Gotthard Base Tunnel has been opened officially. To guarantee safety in the transport of goods, the Swiss Railway (SBB) Cargo AG has conducted test drives in January and April 2016, together with the DEKRA branch of Bielefeld.

Moving Road Works: Improving Safety with Autonomous Vehicles

Construction sites on motorways, especially moving road works carry a great potential risk, especially in regards to the securing of the site. Autonomous cars are supposed to improve the situation in future.

Lighting Technology: Intelligent Headlights

On the subject of lighting technology for cars, a new research project goes one step ahead with intelligent LED lighting.

Deeply Rooted

With more than 20,000 employees the company Voith GmbH from Heidenheim is one of Europe’s biggest family businesses – and an international role model in the matter of occupational safety.

Connectivity in traffic: Cloud-based navigation

The map creator HERE has developed a technology for the interconnection of cars in traffic. Real time data shall make traffic safer.

Batteries versus Burners

Motorists and car enthusiasts are currently watching the most exciting motoring renaissance in recent memory unfold before them – the development away from classic powertrains to new, alternative drive systems. But are these new alternatives more environmentally friendly? And will we really wave goodbye to the combustion engine?

Interview: “Coming on in Leaps and Bounds”

Dr. Wolfgang Bernhard discusses advances in electric goods vehicles and the corporation’s dedication to drive this technology forward.

Give and Take

Everybody wants their energy ‘green’ these days – ideally self-generated and ready to power their electric cars. The automobile industry has been listening.

Electrifying Racing

Alternative powertrains are gaining ground in motorsport. Formula 1 cars and the endurance machines used in the WEC now rely on hybrid technology, whilst Formula E forgoes the combustion engine entirely. We got the inside track.

Crude oil rules the world

Crude oil is the most valuable substance on earth. Without the black gold, civilization would be unrecognizable. We check how secure our oil supply really is in the midst of reports of dwindling reserves.

Platooning: connected trucks are saving fuels

Platooning describes the practise of linking trucks together, allowing them to safely drive in each others’ slipstreams to save fuel. The DEKRA Automobil Test Center investigates the fuel consumption with different distances.

Road heating system: getting through winter safely.

From 2017 on, a dynamic road heating system will be tested. The objective is to find out if it makes motorways safer during winter instead of just relying on road salt and snow ploughing services.

Accident rates: Stockholm is Europe’s safest capital.

In a long-term study, the Traffic Club Austria has checked Europe’s capitals for their traffic safety. The study takes account of the number of fatal accidents.

Smartphones: Seven tips for safe surfing abroad

Today, mobile phones are permanent companions. If you are on travel, some security measures should be taken. We tell you what you should think of.

Future transportation of goods: autonomous high-tech trucks

They are connected, eco-friendly and drive autonomously: Intelligent trucks may revolutionize the logistics sector.

Google car clears the way for rescuers automatically

Autonomous driving: Meanwhile, the sensors of self-driving prototypes are capable of detecting emergency lights and make the car pull over.

Future visions: life in 2030

Within the next 100 years, researchers from the Stanford University plan to present visions about life in future on a regular basis. The focus lies on the development of artificial intelligence.

Accident research: Most incidents happen at the beginning of the week.

Accident research: On Mondays, there are significantly more accidents happening than on the other weekdays. What is the reason?

Moving towards “Main Inspection 4.0”

Vehicle inspections are developing alongside vehicle technology. Around half of German cars can now be inspected using the device.

Being prepared for a standstill: what you shouldn’t do in case of a traffic jam.

Traffic jams happen regularly, but especially at the end of the holiday season. Be cautious: certain rules also apply for stationary traffic.

Autonomous driving: Ground radar keeps the track in bad weather

Researchers from the US have developed a radar technique that keeps autonomous cars on the track even in bad weather.

Autonomous driving: Google car reacts to hand signs of cyclists

The technology company states that its Google car is able to react with foresight to cyclists' behavior.

Autonomous cars: Drivers want to protect their own lives.

Autonomous cars can behave morally. However, most people would buy a car that would put their own lives ahead of the lives of others.

New driver assistance systems to prevent truck rear-end collisions

In the run-up to the IAA Commercial Vehicles the supplier ZF presents two driver assistance systems that could significantly improve safety on motorways.

E-cars in a worldwide comparison

By 2020, one million e-cars are supposed to drive on German streets. But how is the situation in other countries? Have look at our infographics.

Shining a Light on the Future

With more than 100 years of experience, and over 130,000 patents, Philips is one of the most innovative tech companies on the planet. DEKRA solutions casts a glance into the world of tomorrow.

Home of tomorrow

Robots that look after both children and pets, and intelligent furniture that knows our schedule and monitors our health – the digital revolution doesn’t stop at the front door.

„Smart Homes“: Interview with the architect Werner Sobek

It’s not just phones and cars that are getting more “intelligent” – homes too are getting a boost in IQ. Architect Werner Sobek has already built several such homes, and knows just how the concept of living will develop.

E-Bikes: Power to the Pedal!

The e-bike has rapidly developed into a staple of modern world mobility. DEKRA solutions investigates this success story.

Jaguar Classic Cars: Just Like Herding Cats

Rather British: The Düsseldorf warehouse of this former businessman boasts one of the best Jaguar collections in existence.

Infographics: The highest accident risks lurk in the home

Life is dangerous, but have you ever considered where the greatest dangers lurk? Here’s a hint: It’s not in a plane or the bustle of the city; the chance of falling victim to a plane crash or a terrorist attack is minuscule. The risk is far greater there, where we feel safest. Behind our own […]

Adhesive impact shield for better protection of pedestrians

Google wants to better protect pedestrians in case they collide with a car. The US company has a applied for a new patent for an adhesive impact shield.

DEKRA solutions 03/2016

Are we on the brink of an electric revolution? The latest issue of DEKRA solutions throws light on the interplay between energy and mobility. Interesting statements come from Dr. Wolfgang Bernhard, Head of Daimler Trucks. In our interview, he talks about advances in heavy goods transport.

Women’s Power: Referee meets Loss Adjuster

FIFA Referee of the Year Bibiana Steinhaus meets DEKRA Loss Adjuster Monique Kordes to discuss safety on the pitch and on the road, as well as fairness and expertise in a male-dominated environment.

Smartphone Usage: Smombies, beware!

Smartphone-obsessed pedestrians staring intently at their phones as they blunder through intersections and across footpaths are a danger both to themselves and other road users.

Saving lives through product testing

Bert Zoetbrood, Head of DEKRA Product Testing & Certification on safety at home and the networked society.

40 years of seat belt duty – first unloved, then natural

Fastening your seatbelt was first considered as a deprivation of liberty. Today, hardly anyone doubts the usefulness of seatbelts.

With autonomous driving, traffic lights could become needless

Scientists are working on intelligent control systems for the era of autonomous driving, in order to improve the traffic flow at crossings.

Augsburg is testing a traffic light for smartphones

Smartphones do not only distract car drivers from traffic but also pedestrians. For this reason, Augsburg is now testing a traffic light for smartphones.

DroneCatcher gets unwelcome drones under control

Drones are very popular, but they are not allowed to fly anywhere. In future, those who do not stick to the rules must be prepared to loose their multicopter.

How to prevent aquaplaning: 5 tips

When suddenly there is a lot of water on the road, tyres loose their grip and you risk to slip on the road. We tell you how to behave properly under aquaplaning.

DEKRA solutions 02/2016

Life is dangerous, but have you ever considered where the greatest dangers lurk? Here's a hint: It's not in a plane or the bustle of the city; the chance of falling victim to a plane crash or a terrorist attack is minuscule. The risk is far greater there, where wie feel safest. Behind our own front door.

What to do in case of an animal-vehicle crash?

These tips help you to avoid animal-vehicle crashes and tell you what to do in case of a collision with a stag or a deer.

Autonomous driving: Ford drives through the night without any light

A test in the US has shown that autonomous cars find their way even without cameras. A sophisticated sensor technique makes it possible.

Fast, faster, Tesla Model S Ludicrous Mode

All aboard: This is how it feels to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in three seconds – in an electric car. On top of that: Tesla can even do autonomous driving!

Signaling: Setting the indicators helps to avoid accidents.

Setting the indicator right increases road safety – for oneself and others. In this article, we explain when and where indicating is mandatory.

Visit to the school for self-driving cars

In the American federal state of Michigan a development centre for self-driving cars was created through the backdrop city Mcity.

Emergency corridor remains a mystery to car drivers

A survey reveals that car drivers are extremely uncertain, for example, when forming an emergency corridor. A lack of knowledge can have an adverse effect on road traffic safety.

Interview: What is the future of work?

According to Professor Irmgard Nübler, the future of work is being shaped to a large extent by new technologies and this represents a global challenge.

Digital revolution brings a large number of new tasks

Ivo Rauh, DEKRA SE board member, discusses the digital revolution and the new challenges it presents for the expert organization.

Staying up high with fall safety

Test dummies have to withstand countless falls to ensure that the products of the BORNACK Group provide fall safety for its climbing customers.

Building block for better radiotherapy

Radiotherapy is becoming an increasingly high-tech solution. The more precise the treatment, the greater its success. One important aspect is the patient positioner.

Industry 4.0: Everything talks

Industry 4.0. Even the words conjure images of networking. Of a revolution. Of the connection between production facilities and the Internet. It describes a far-reaching structural change, both for the economy and our working conditions. The term Industry 4.0 represents a fourth industrial revolution for Germany, one of a networked future; a future whose arrival […]

Exhaust gas measurement: an interview with Clemens Klinke (part 3/3)

Interview: Clemens Klinke, board member of DEKRA SE and responsible for DEKRA Automotive, speaks about manipulation, tests and challenges for car manufacturers.

Exhaust gas measurement of the future: aiming for a global standard (part 2/3)

The new WLTP is planned to be valid globally instead of just on European grounds. The test shall provide a realistic picture but still be reproducible.

Exhaust gas measurement of the future: ready to go! (part 1/3)

The EU decided to replace the actual test cycle. At a workshop, DEKRA shows how the tests are currently done and which criteria will be applied in future.

Aiming high for crane inspections

Cranes perform hard work at high frequency for many years. This is why the crane inspections by DEKRA are essential.

How safe are Connected Cars?

The car is becoming our networked assistant with numerous functions. But the technical upgrading is a mixed bag.

Autonomous Driving: Germans More Skeptical Than Other Drivers

Only 8% of Germans expect a breakthrough within the next ten years. Greatest amount of confidence in the USA.

DEKRA solutions 02/2015

The vision of accident free traffic – and how DEKRA is working to make it become reality. The latest issue of our customer magazine DEKRA Solutions is all about mobile security.

Assistance systems: Quo vadis, car?

Vehicle computers have been connected to the Internet for some time and the sensors in assistance systems are becoming more sensitive with each new generation of car. We take a look at driving in tomorrow’s world.

No fatalities: Vision Zero

Road accidents are responsible for more deaths worldwide than wars and epidemics. Technical advances in vehicle engineering could in future put a stop to these fatalities.

Dekra: Global partner for a safe world

In our founding charter, our mission is written clear as day: For the past 90 years, DEKRA has been committed to identifying risks and ensuring safety.

You haven’t reached your destination (yet)

German car manufacturers Daimler, Audi and BMW invest large sums in map services. With good reason: Without absolutely reliable maps there is no way to autonomous driving.

Fire protection in a historical building

In order to ensure the greatest possible level of safety for their huge engine testing area at the Augsburg plant, MAN Diesel and Turbo SE rely on the explosion and fire protection experts at DEKRA EXAM.