Much smaller than human red blood cells, the laser-driven microdrones contain several optical nanomotors addressed individually by circular polarization components of unfocused light fields and will enable independent steering of all six degrees of freedom in 3D. Potential applications range from life sciences to nanotechnology, such as transport and release of cargos, nanomanipulation, local probing and sensing, as well as experiments in fundamental quantum physics.

An innovative laser-filler wire welding process for welding aluminum-silicon coated press hardened steels has been developed and approved by Chinese car manufacturers. Press-hardening steels provide ultra-high strength and the capability of being formed into complex shapes, which enables the automotive industry to achieve excellent vehicle weight saving. The new process has huge potential to significantly reduce the manufacturing costs and its complexity.