Science meets series production. Since 1998.
From the Fraunhofer Institute into industrial production halls – we are RTE.
From research to production.
RTE – a spin-off with a mission.
Founded in 1998 as a spin-off of the Fraunhofer Institute for Non-Destructive Testing (IZFP), we combine scientific precision with industrial pragmatism. From our Pfinztal site near Karlsruhe we develop, build and service test systems for customers worldwide.
Our mission: make acoustic test technology accessible, robust and economical enough that every part can be 100% tested.
- 1998 - Spun off from the Fraunhofer Institute
- 2005 - First inline system at a Tier-1 automotive supplier
- 2014 - Joined the European Powder Metallurgy Association (EPMA)
- 2020 - "Innovative through research" award
- 2024 - 180th inline system worldwide, new SonicTC.NVH release
Insights into our work.
Jörg Ritter, Founder & CEO.
From the Fraunhofer Institute to Mittelstand.
Jörg Ritter founded RTE in 1998 – with the vision of making the acoustic test methods developed at Fraunhofer IZFP production-ready. Today he leads a team of over 50 specialists.
"Every part tells a story – you just need to listen closely. Our technology makes these stories measurable, reproducible and automatable."
Innovative through research.
Innovative through Research
Awarded by the Stifterverband for outstanding R&D commitment.
Fraunhofer IZFP Spin-off
Direct research lineage to the Fraunhofer Institute for Non-Destructive Testing.
ZIM Funding
Funded by the Central Innovation Programme for SMEs (BMWK).
What we stand for.
Scientifically grounded
Fraunhofer roots. Every method is based on solid research. And we keep researching – every year.
Production-proven
Our systems run in production lines around the globe – three-shift operation, robust and reliable.
Partnership
Mid-sized company – flexible, fast, personal. No corporate overhead, no long decision chains.
RTE in metrics.
From workshop to the world.
Our partners & memberships.
Pfinztal near Karlsruhe.
In the heart of German Mittelstand.
Our HQ sits in the technology corridor Karlsruhe–Stuttgart. Own acoustic lab, mechanical workshop, software and hardware development under one roof – short paths, fast decisions.
International customers visit regularly for commissioning and training. Own subsidiary in India (RTE India) for the South Asian market.
- Gewerbestr. 26, 76327 Pfinztal · Germany
- +49 (0) 721 94650-0
- info@rte.de
- Approach: A8 exit Karlsbad, 8 km
With SonicTC we made the jump from sampling to 100% inline testing – without replacing our existing hardware.
Ready to experience acoustic test technology in your line?
Send us your part or schedule an online demo. First assessment within 24 hours.