On Monday, October 13, 2025, in Niedernhall, Germany, Würth Elektronik announced that it is a partner in the visionary EU project PROACTIF, funded under the EU Chips Joint Undertaking (Chips JU), as one of 42 partners from 13 countries. The project aims to strengthen Europe's technological sovereignty in electronic components and systems, with a particular focus on drone and robotics technologies for civilian applications.

At the heart of PROACTIF is the development of next-generation, secure, and eco-efficient unmanned vehicle systems (UxV) designed to safeguard critical infrastructure and enhance emergency response capabilities. The consortium's key priorities include interoperability, autonomy, and rapid deployability.

Leveraging its deep expertise in printed circuit board (PCB) technology, Würth Elektronik is collaborating with partners to develop intelligent drone systems for rescue and disaster operations. These autonomous aerial platforms integrate advanced sensors and radar modules capable of detecting temperature variations, hotspots, or people in distress in real time—even across difficult terrain. This enables precise situational awareness and supports emergency teams in efficiently coordinating firefighting and rescue missions.

Würth Elektronik's central contribution lies in the development of miniaturized, high-frequency PCBs with integrated components, engineered to deliver maximum reliability and signal integrity under extreme conditions. Through the use of innovative materials, flexible architectures, and optimized signal routing, these designs set new performance standards for unmanned systems.

By participating in PROACTIF, Würth Elektronik reinforces Europe's efforts to deploy intelligent, connected, and sustainable technologies that enhance civil security and disaster management capabilities.

About PROACTIF

PROACTIF is a European collaborative research project dedicated to advancing unmanned vehicle systems for civilian use. The three-year initiative, launched in June 2025, carries a total budget of €41.8 million, including €27.2 million in funding from the EU and participating Member States. Coordinated by the Fraunhofer Institute for Reliability and Microintegration (IZM) in Berlin, the project brings together 42 leading technology organizations from 13 European countries to redefine emergency response and infrastructure protection.

Funding Acknowledgment

Funded by the European Union's Chips Joint Undertaking (Chips JU) and supported by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space, Germany.