GiantEye: New Dimensions in Industrial Computed Tomography
Future-oriented industries such as electric mobility, aerospace, and additive manufacturing are benefiting
September 10, 2026
Authors: Dr. Laura Kuhlmann, Fraunhofer IIS
Non-destructive testing using computed tomography is now an established tool in research, development, and quality assurance. However, as technical systems grow in size and complexity, conventional systems are reaching their physical and design limits. That is why the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS is developing GiantEye, a new generation of industrial high-energy computed tomography.
The system currently under development at the Fürth site is expected to enable three-dimensional inspection of objects up to the size of a 20-foot container starting in early 2027. This technology thus opens up a range of applications that has so far been only partially accessible with existing industrial CT systems.
The innovative approach lies not only in the size of the system. While conventional high-energy CT systems often require test objects to be positioned upright or repositioned, with GiantEye they remain in their natural orientation. The X-ray source and detector move around the object, allowing even large assemblies, vehicles, or battery systems to be inspected without the need for time-consuming repositioning. This increases the reliability of the measurement data, as liquids, moving components, or load-dependent structures, for example, are captured in their original state.
This approach is particularly relevant for future-oriented industries such as electric mobility, aerospace, and additive manufacturing. Modern battery systems consist of highly integrated structures whose internal characteristics are difficult to access after assembly. GiantEye enables the comprehensive imaging of battery packs, the analysis of crash damage, and the examination of manufacturing quality and aging processes. It also supports the creation of realistic digital twins for development and simulation purposes.
Furthermore, the technology opens up new possibilities for data-driven development processes. The generated 3D volumetric data provides detailed insights into the geometry, material conditions, and internal structures of complex products. This allows development and testing processes to be more closely linked and innovation cycles to be accelerated.
“Fraunhofer IIS therefore views GiantEye as a key building block for the next generation of industrial product development and quality assurance,” said Prof. Dr.-Ing. Giovanni Del Galdo, Director of Fraunhofer IIS.
Insights into a New Generation of CT
Anyone interested in learning more about the technology and its potential applications will have the opportunity to do so in December: Fraunhofer IIS is hosting a preview event on December 3, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the X-ray Technology Development Center in Fürth. The program includes technical presentations on the technological fundamentals and potential applications of GiantEye, a tour of the facility, a guided tour of the X-ray Technology Development Center, and the chance to exchange ideas with the participating experts. The event will focus on the challenges and opportunities of high-energy computed tomography for large and complex structures.
