Marcel Lewke Receives the 2026 Eugen Hartmann Prize
Marcel Lewke receives the 2026 Eugen Hartmann Prize for his work on automating a repair process using robot-guided cold gas spraying
The study focuses on the repair of high-value components made of titanium and titanium-aluminum alloys, such as those used in aircraft engines.
The focus is on a fully automated process that integrates sensor technology, robotics, and digital process planning. At the core of this approach is a sensor-based inspection of damaged component areas, followed by the automated removal of the defective material. Building on this, robot-assisted path planning is performed for material application, and control commands are transmitted directly to the system controller. Simulations and extensive laboratory experiments confirm the concept’s feasibility.
The reviewers particularly highlight the work’s solid technical foundation, clear structure, and methodological rigor. It demonstrates how cold gas spraying can be further developed through automation into a reproducible repair technology for high-performance components.
