PARIS, France – Testia, an Airbus company, is proud to announce that the Sauber 4.0 project has been honored with the 2026 JEC Innovation Award in the “Aerospace – Process” category. This prestigious international accolade recognizes the consortium’s pioneering work in developing “SMART & SUSTAINABLE RTM 4.0” technologies.
This award is the result of a massive collaborative effort led by Composite Technology Center (CTC GmbH – An Airbus Company). The Sauber 4.0 project represents a leap forward in the digitalization of composite manufacturing. By integrating high-tech sensors directly into the manufacturing floor, the project enables a fully digitalized, End-to-End (E2E) Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) production chain.
Innovation through real-time monitoring
Within the Sauber 4.0 framework, Testia contributed by developing dedicated process monitoring sensors and equipment that allow for real-time, in-line monitoring of flow fronts directly within the Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) tool. A key part of the innovation was to implement interfaces to make the data available in real time for a conclusive in-line monitoring and process control in combination with other sensor types.
By capturing live data from inside the tool, manufacturers can:
- Validate process simulations with accuracy.
- Enable online process control, significantly increasing manufacturing robustness.
- Boost efficiency and drastically reduce resource and energy consumption.
Shaping the future of aviation
As the aerospace industry moves toward the next generation of aircraft, the Sauber 4.0 technology acts as a critical enabler for sustainability and scalability. The project’s impact is defined by four key pillars:
- Scalability: Opens the door for RTM technology to be used for large, complex integral parts.
- Sustainability: Delivers significant energy savings compared to traditional production methods.
- Digitalization: Creates a seamless digital thread throughout the manufacturing process.
- Next-generation readiness: Provides a foundational technology for the development of future single-aisle aircraft.
A collaborative achievement
Testia is proud to have contributed alongside an elite consortium of industry and research leaders, including:
Airbus, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Faserinstitut Bremen, Fraunhofer IFAM, Fraunhofer IWU, FRIMO Innovative Technologies GmbH, Helmut-Schmidt-University, KraussMaffei, NAEXT GmbH, NETZSCH Group, Siemens, Stadler + Schaaf Mess- und Regeltechnik GmbH and Teijin Carbon.
Conclusion
The Sauber 4.0 project serves as a critical enabler for the next generation of aircraft. By delivering a scalable solution for complex integral parts and achieving significant energy savings compared to current production methods, this innovation establishes a sustainable, digitalized foundation for the future of aerospace composite manufacturing. Want to find out more about our monitoring solutions? Click here to discover our In-Line Infusion Monitoring System.