Science meets series production. Since 1986.
From the Fraunhofer Institute into industrial production halls – we are RTE.
From research to production.
RTE – a spin-off with a mission.
Started in 1986 as a bold spin-off from the Fraunhofer Institute IITB in Karlsruhe, formally incorporated as a GmbH in 1998 – 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.
- 1986 - Spun off from the Fraunhofer Institute IITB
- 1996 - PRODIAS: first standardized test software
- 1998 - Founding of RTE Akustik + Prüftechnik GmbH
- 2005 - First inline system at a Tier-1 automotive supplier
- 2011 - Damping measurement with Daimler – pioneering project
- 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 1986 as a spin-off from Fraunhofer IITB – with the vision of making acoustic test methods industrial-grade. Today he leads over 50 specialists as Director.
"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
- +49 721 94650-0
- info@rte.de
- Approach: A8 exit Karlsbad, 8 km
Ready to experience acoustic test technology in your line?
Send us your part or schedule an online demo. First assessment within 24 hours.