Hahn-Schickard-Gesellschaft für angewandte Forschung e. V. specializes in developing smart products based on microsystem technology, from the initial idea right through to production, in a way that fosters excellent collaborative business relations across a number of sectors. This enables it to create innovative products and technologies in the spheres of sensors and actuators, system integration, cyber-physical systems, lab-on-a-chip devices and analytics, microelectronics, integrated circuit packaging, microassembly and reliability. The society's services include manufacturing small and medium-sized batches and transitioning to mass production. At HANNOVER MESSE 2018, Hahn-Schickard is showcasing a whole host of its current projects, including a high-tech screwdriver with integrated miniaturized sensors for patients’ own use.

Nature's self-healing powers are quite amazing. Just about anyone who has suffered a broken bone will happily attest to this fact. The unique ability of bones to repair themselves lies at the heart of a mechanical process called distraction osteogenesis, used mainly in dentistry, to extend or build up bone. A leading medical engineering company recently commissioned the Hahn-Schickard Society's Institute for Micro and Information Technology to develop a high-tech patient screwdriver with integrated, miniaturized sensors for use in orthopedics. All of the data is captured, stored and communicated using optimized microcontroller electronics. An integrated battery, which has been specially adapted for the application, provides users with a convenient wireless distraction tool. Simple visual and acoustic signals are designed to make the device easy and foolproof for the patients to operate themselves, without the need for medical supervision.