Automation and Robotic for Aerospace and Industrial Coating
3D.aero is an innovative technology company based in Hamburg, developing advanced sensor, inspection, and automation solutions for the aerospace industry and industrial coating applications. Founded in 2017, the company has been a subsidiary of MTU Aero Engines since December 2024.
Our systems combine high-precision 3D sensor technology, intelligent data processing, and modern robotics into integrated solutions for industrial production environments. From large-part position detection to high-precision surface inspection with µm-level resolution, we digitalize and automate inspection and testing processes that were previously manual, time-consuming, or only partially reproducible. This enables increased process stability, quality, and productivity across the entire value chain.
The development and implementation of our sensor and automation solutions follow an ISO 9001 certified quality management system.
Based on deep industry expertise, technological know-how, and close collaboration with research and industry partners, we translate complex technical requirements into robust, practical systems. Our ambition is to deliver the technically best solution for every customer and to strengthen long-term competitiveness.
Mission
We develop automated, digitalized, and autonomous quality assurance processes for industrial applications. Our focus is on designing inspection and testing tasks in a way that ensures stable, long-term operation in production and maintenance environments.By combining sensing technologies, data processing, and automation, we create end-to-end systems that make quality measurable and processes transparent.
Purpose
Our ambition is to create future-proof value creation processes that meet increasing demands for quality, efficiency, and documentation.Through the targeted use of software and automation, we support companies in reducing manual effort, minimizing sources of error, and securing quality in the long term.
USP
Our software for advanced automation, inspection, and defect detection forms the core of our solutions. It enables intelligent analysis of measurement and sensor data and seamless integration into existing production and IT infrastructures.Founders and Management
3D.aero was founded in 2017 and has been led by its founding team ever since. The four founders form the company’s management and stand for continuity, technological excellence, and entrepreneurial responsibility. The founders of 3D.aero are:
Sönke Bahr, CEO and R&D Director,
Dr. Tomas Domaschke, Administration Director and Product Expert HP-X,
Michael Ernst, Sales & Marketing Director,
Tobias Flüh, Operations Director.
Together, the founding team transformed the results of a research project at the Institute of Aircraft Production Technology (IFPT) at TU Hamburg, developed in collaboration with Lufthansa Technik, from a scientific initiative into an established technology company. From the outset, the focus has been on sensor technology, automation, and software development for demanding industrial applications. Since December 2024, 3D.aero has been a subsidiary of MTU Aero Engines.
Today, 3D.aero employs more than 50 people and is active internationally, particularly in North America and Singapore. The founding team continues to shape the company’s strategic direction and personally stands for the quality, continuous development, and industrial applicability of 3D.aero’s solutions.
Founders and Management
From left to right: Dr. Tomas Domaschke, Sönke Bahr, Michael Ernst, Tobias Flüh
Research Network and Collaborations
3D.aero’s research and development activities are firmly embedded in an interdisciplinary network spanning industry, academia, and technology-driven clusters. As an active member of Hamburg Aviation, we are part of a strong aerospace ecosystem and maintain close exchange with companies, research institutes, and universities.
An important origin of our technological focus lies in the collaboration with the Institute of Aircraft Production Technology (IFPT) at Hamburg University of Technology (TU Hamburg), from whose research environment 3D.aero emerged. Beyond this, we collaborate on a project basis with various universities, such as HAW Hamburg, and research institutions and participate in selected research activities, including projects within the broader environment of the ZAL Center of Applied Aeronautical Research.
At the same time, we contribute our industrial perspective to ensure that new technologies are designed from the outset for industrial applicability, scalability, and practical use. This approach results in solutions that are both scientifically sound and viable for long-term industrial deployment.
Part of our development work is carried out within publicly funded research and development projects, providing a structured framework to test new methods and system concepts under realistic conditions and gradually transfer them into industrial solutions. The insights gained flow directly into our product and system development.
In addition, 3D.aero actively supports students working on Bachelor’s and Master’s theses in close collaboration with our team. In doing so, we promote knowledge transfer between academia and industry and contribute to the education of future engineers and specialists.
