Activities 2025

The Fraunhofer lead project ALBACOPTER® is setting new standards in aviation technology. As part of the project, an innovative "smart propeller" was developed that enables predictive condition monitoring of propulsion systems. The technology offers promising approaches for a wide range of industrial applications.

The intelligent propellers can be integrated into drone systems in a variety of ways. The use of drones offers enormous potential for various industries, including

• Agriculture: precise monitoring of fields and accurate application of crop protection products
• Search and rescue: Effective search for missing persons in rough terrain
• Delivery services: Safe and reliable delivery of parcels in all weather conditions

Contribution of the Fraunhofer IOSB

With its expertise from the Measurement, Control and Diagnostic Systems (MRD) and Interoperability and Assistance Systems (IAS) departments, Fraunhofer IOSB is particularly involved in the areas of flight monitoring, functional diagnostics, trajectory planning and remote control, as well as in the creation of a digital twin of the ALBACOPTER® for front loading based on a modular simulation platform.

Read the Fraunhofer IMS press release.

👉 A guest lecture by Klaus Neumann from Fraunhofer IOSB-INA / Bielefeld University.

On the topic: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are facing considerable challenges, such as a shortage of skilled workers. As a result, the need for simple, robust and cost-effective automation systems is becoming increasingly clear. Fortunately, some recent studies in the field of AI suggest that the long-standing dream of „programming by demonstration“ (PbD), or imitationlearning, could become a reality for industrial applications. In this presentation, the potentials and challenges of imitation learning for industrial automation were considered and of course discussed afterwards.

🤖 Invited by Janko Petereit Group Manager Autonomous Robotic Systems.

Read more about our research topic "Autonomous robot systems for hostile environments" on our website, see box on the right.

The 8th ML4CPS offers a platform for exchange between researchers and users from various fields. Cyber-physical systems have the ability to adapt to changing requirements. In conjunction with machine learning, various areas such as predictive maintenance, self-optimization and fault diagnosis are conceivable. An essential prerequisite for exploiting this potential is the accessibility of machine learning techniques for engineers.

It is hosted by the Fraunhofer Institute of Optronics, System Technologies and Image Exploitation IOSB, Helmut Schmidt University (HSU), Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH) and the Chair of Production Engineering of E-Mobility Components (PEM) at RWTH Aachen University.

We are co-organizers, on the committee and represented with a presentation: »A Hybrid Unsupervised Learning Strategy for Monitoring Soft-Kinematic Manipulators in Advanced Manufacturing«
Referent: Christian Frey

As the organizer of this conference, the Robotics Institute Germany (RIG) brings together leading researchers, industry professionals and academics to discuss the latest developments in robotics. The conference aims to promote collaboration and innovation within Germany while engaging with the international robotics community. The RIG is an initiative of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research.

🤖 As a RIG partner, we are represented with 2 interactive sessions: a poster "Multi-Sensor Calibration Toolbox for Large-Scale Offroad Robotics" and a video contribution "Field Tests of an Autonomous Excavator for Decontamination and Recovery Operations". Learn more about the advances in AI-assisted robotics and visit the 1st German Robotics Conference. 

Find out more about the advances in AI-supported robotics and visit the conference. Our contact persons are Janko Petereit and Christian Frey.

The Control Engineering Colloquium in Boppard is the annual meeting place for the control engineering community in German-speaking countries. Around 80 control engineering professors, numerous automation engineering professors, around 100 research assistants and a number of industry and association representatives regularly take part.

In contrast to specialist conferences, the Control Engineering Colloquium primarily has the character and function of a forum in which universities and research institutes in German-speaking countries present and discuss the latest results and innovative ideas from research and development in the field of measurement, control and automation technology.

Another aim of the colloquium is to bring together representatives from research and teaching with invited guests from industry for a mutually beneficial discussion on current issues and tasks in industrial practice and the applicability of new, efficient solution methods and concepts.

Visit us, your contact person is: Janko Petereit, Organizational management

Girls'Day aims to make technical, scientific, trade and IT professions in particular more attractive to girls and young women.

In addition to practical experience, female role models in STEM subjects are the key to encouraging girls to learn a profession in this field. The key message of the 2017 Microsoft study was that girls can be inspired to pursue STEM disciplines through female role models and more practical experience.

We are participating with 2 workshops:

👉 Become an AI expert for autonomous driving! 🚦 

"Simulierte Datensätze für Verkehrsschild-Erkennung" 
Supervisor: Anne Sielemann, Jens Ziehn & Masoud Roschani
Link to the event page (only in German): Home | Girls'Day

👉 Become an AI explorer!

Supervisor:  Thomas Bernard, Steffen Wallner & Mathias Ziebarth
Link to the event page (only in German) Home | Girls'Day

The 2nd “Safety Awareness Day” will have a special focus on safety in construction automation. Together with fischer Austria, fischer BauBot Services and industry leaders, state-of-the-art robotics, live demos and the latest safety technology for mobile machines and robotics will be presented.

🚜 MRD is also involved: Philipp Woock will give a presentation entitled “Autonomous construction machinery for practical use” on the future of construction with autonomous construction machinery. Mobile robots are enabled to drive autonomously by sensor fusion algorithms and control technology.

The EGU General Assembly 2025 brings together scientists from all over the world to one meeting covering all disciplines of the Earth, planetary, and space sciences. The EGU aims to provide a forum where scientists, especially early career researchers, can present their work and discuss their ideas with experts in all fields of science.

👉 MRD is included: Andreas Wunsch gives a lecture in the session: "Advancing Sustainable Energy Transitions: Integrated Modelling and Assessment of Renewable Energy Systems"

"Predictive Two-Level Energy Management for the Energetic Optimization of Multi-Family Houses and Districts"

In the “Smart Eco-Events” workshop, experts, event organizers, and interested parties worked together to develop innovative ideas and solutions for making events resource-efficient, environmentally friendly, and technologically intelligent. The workshop was documented in the form of project profiles based on the PAISE® methodology developed by Fraunhofer IOSB, the key content of which will subsequently be published as project exposés.

👉 MRD is participating: Andreas Wunsch with the topic track lead "Locality".

The Karlsruhe region has numerous venues for events of various types and sizes. How can the sustainability of these event locations be assessed and improved? Which aspects (e.g., energy efficiency, inclusion) are particularly relevant here? What optimizations are possible through the targeted use of AI?

🌍 A workshop of the "District heating network optimization" association
In order to achieve the climate targets, the heating networks are to be decarbonized by 2045. This will require around 100,000 new connections per year - the grid must be modernized and expanded. At the same time, the feed-in structure is changing drastically - from large power plants to decentralized feeders. Innovative grid management strategies and new asset management concepts are therefore essential in order to achieve these goals. As part of the event, the district heating association funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWK) will present new solutions and tools.

💡 Seven grid operators, AGFW | Der Energieeffizienzverband für Wärme, Kälte und KWK e.V., five companies and seven research institutes are involved in four projects.
💡 In addition to presentations, workshops and poster sessions will be held together with operators and service providers to discuss how obstacles can be removed and how the new solutions can be implemented on a broad scale.

👉 The presentations of the lectures are available here Link  (passwort „FW-Verbund“) only in German

👉 Together with the Fraunhofer IOSB-AST, the Fraunhofer IOSB is leading the organization.
Program management: Thomas Bernard

The Baden-Württemberg AI Alliance brings together companies, municipalities and AI experts to develop concrete solutions for more efficient use of resources, intelligent mobility concepts, a sustainable circular economy and virtual marketplaces. Solutions for practical applications with real added value are developed in interactive workshops.
👉 We are co-organizer and represented by our AI expert.

The four focus topics of the workshops:

🔹 Tourist visitor management: How many guests are where? Steering measures, e.g. forecasting, creating incentives, promoting resource-conserving and conscious behavior,
with Christian Kühnert.

🔹 Energy-efficient mobility: capacity utilization forecast for VAG vehicles, traffic flow management, interface with energy suppliers, charging management for e-vehicles, energy consumption of vehicles.,
with Andreas Wunsch.

🔹 Circular economy: resource consumption/material flows, integration of the recycling industry, waste management, plastics industry, construction industry.

🔹 Virtual marketplace: An AI-supported matching tool that connects solution seekers and providers from the SME sector, facilitates exchange and promotes regional value creation.

ICRA is the most important conference of the IEEE Robotics and Automation Society (RAS). It brings together researchers and industry professionals from around the world to share ideas and knowledge and advance robotics for the benefit of humanity. In times when technology is changing rapidly, it is more important than ever to participate in this event.

🤖 We have a total of two contributions for the ICRA25:

A presentation on our “GOOSE-EX” data set

We have developed a new data set for off-road robotics in collaboration with the University of the Federal Armed Forces in Munich. While the UniBW data was published last year, this year we are presenting our own data sets, which are unique due to the application.
Referent: Miguel Granero

Challenge on "Workshop on Field Robotics"

This is a competition for data segmentation based on the GOOSE dataset.

👉 In the organizing team of the competition: Miguel Granero and Raphael Hagmanns.

With this event, the Wupper Association and the Düsseldorf district government want to offer a water management forum to all water stakeholders such as municipalities, districts, authorities, supply and disposal companies, water associations, industry, fisheries, agriculture, research and environmental protection associations, etc. The Fraunhofer IOSB will be on site as a competent partner with various projects such as "Maritime Robotics" or "Water 4.0 - Monitoring and Operational Management of Water Infrastructures".

👉 We were represented with a presentation:

Surveying a section of the Ruhr using an autonomous watercraft: a field report

Referent: Philipp Woock   

The first event in the #Forschungs.Focaccia series starts at 19:00 at TRIANGEL in Karlsruhe. Regional mobility research projects - including those involving Fraunhofer IOSB - will present themselves in a relaxed atmosphere.
In addition to the eponymous focaccia, the event includes the presentation of three projects. Afterwards, there will be room for questions as well as the opportunity to discuss the projects in greater depth with the respective representatives in an open discussion.

👉 Fraunhofer IOSB is leading two of the projects presented, one of which is:

DAKIMO - Data and AI as enablers for sustainable, intermodal mobility

Launched in 2021, the "DAKIMO" research project aims to make sustainable and intermodal mobility more attractive and seamless using artificial intelligence (AI) methods. In addition to the project management by  Jens Ziehn, Fraunhofer IOSB is driving the development of AI methods to merge live environmental data such as weather, traffic conditions and mobility offers and to create preference and behaviour models for system optimization and standard-compliant connection to the mobility data space.

The partners of the innovation network met here for the first time with the aim of generating and jointly initiating new project ideas. It promotes innovative technologies for a climate-neutral heat supply and is therefore intended to make a significant contribution to implementing the heating transition and decarbonizing the heating sector. The network is funded by the BMWE.

The main topics:
➡️ Innovative solutions for the use of industrial waste heat
➡️ Development of digital and intelligent heating networks
➡️ Efficient integration of hydrogen for climate-neutral heat generation
➡️ Smart neighborhood solutions for a sustainable energy supply
➡️ Development of new components and systems for heating networks

We are involved in area 2 "Development of digital and intelligent heating networks".

Contact person is here Thomas Bernard, Group Manager Process Management and Data Analysis.

🌊 Düsseldorf district government and Fraunhofer IOSB measure the Ruhr in Essen with autonomous water drone

High-tech application delivers complete, high-resolution data from shallow and deep water areas for the first time.
 ️The Düsseldorf district government, together with the Fraunhofer Institute for Optronics, System Technologies and Image Exploitation IOSB in Karlsruhe, has carried out a pioneering pilot project to survey the river Ruhr. For the first time, an autonomous water drone developed by Fraunhofer IOSB was used to collect high-resolution data from both deep and shallow areas of the river over a six-kilometer stretch of the Ruhr near Essen.🚢

👉 Read the full IOSB press release here: Link

👉 Click here for the press release and a video from the Düsseldorf district government: Link only in German

Cars are still the number one mode of transportation in Germany, in spite of their high carbon emissions. To make ecofriendler alternatives more attractive, researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute of Optronics, System Technologies and Image Exploitation IOSB are working with partners in the DAKIMO project to develop intelligent, intermodal transportation. An AI for multimodal route planning is being developed to help get people to where they are going seamlessly, conveniently, and reliably — and all without privately owned cars.

👉 The DAKIMO project
Short for: DAKIMO — Data and AI as enablers for sustainable, intermodal mobility

👉 Read the full IOSB press release here: Link

👉 Would you like to find out more about the project? Then visit the project page, the link is in the box on the right.

The event invites you to highlight the development opportunities and problems in the district heating and cooling industry, present innovative research results and promote international technical exchange to achieve environmentally friendly, efficient and intelligent development of the global industry.

SimKI-Mop - Simulation tools and AI methods for multi-feeder optimization in district heating networks

One of the biggest challenges in further developing the operation of heating networks towards decarbonization is integrating and evaluating information from a wide variety of digital sources. Industry-specific ontologies - such as our MOP, which we will be presenting at the symposium - increase the interoperability of software in the heating network sector and bring innovations to the market more quickly.

Referent: Steffen Wallner

Get an overview with the poster contribution "Application and extension of 223P ontology for the district heating domain". Here is the link to the publication: POSTER 

We look forward to the exchange!

Discover the best ideas for the mobility of the future at the trade fair »IAA MOBILITY« in Munich. With research projects and results from the field of autonomous driving & connectivity, Fraunhofer IOSB presents AI-based solutions for the car of the future.

Our colleague Jens Ziehn will be on site for two days at the joint stand of the "KAMO: Karlsruhe Mobility High Performance Center" as head of the research field of digitization, which includes the DAKIMO project and the AVEAS project.

📅 September 11 to 12, 2025 

📍 Hall A2, Stand C10 at the Fraunhofer joint stand.

Would you like to find out more about the two projects mentioned? Then visit our website "Automotive" or come to our trade fair stand, we look forward to exchanging ideas with you.

Groundwater in transition − innovative methods and new substances

Groundwater is one of our most important natural resources - not only as a source of drinking water, but also for agriculture, industry and, in many places, ecosystems. However, the pressure on groundwater is constantly increasing. Climate change is altering the availability of water and affecting the amount of groundwater. The event is dedicated to the question of how to deal with the changing conditions and possibilities − scientifically and technically.

👉 MRD is on board: Andreas Wunsch will give a lecture at 3 pm :

»KI in der Hydrogeologie − Herausforderungen und Chancen«

He is part of the "Process Management and Data Analysis" research group and develops concepts and software solutions to monitor drinking water infrastructures (especially drinking water networks) and optimize operational management.

You can look forward to exciting presentations - from non-target screening and trace substances to the application of artificial intelligence - and join us in the discussion.

With the founding and registration of the non-profit ROBDEKON e. V., the competence center "Robots for Decontamination in Hostile Environments" is now standing on its own two feet. The establishment of the association will enable the center, which has been funded since 2018 by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, now the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space, to drive innovation and support industry partners in the long term. In addition to decontamination tasks, the focus is on similar technological challenges in areas such as civil security, agriculture, and construction. Interested companies, organizations, and individuals can now become members of the association.

According to its statutes, ROBDEKON® e.V. is a point of contact for questions relating to AI-based robot systems for decontamination tasks. It promotes research, science, and practical transfer, creates training opportunities, and provides a neutral platform for the exchange of information, opinions, and knowledge.

We are represented here by our colleagues on the board: Christian Frey and Janko Petereit, both deputy chairmen.

The new IAVVC conference series addresses topics in the field of automotive and vehicle communication and is expected to grow and evolve, with the 2025 edition representing an important milestone. IEEE IMS was the main organizer.

The conference comprises over 100 scientific papers and provides a platform for the exchange of current research, industrial developments, and regulatory frameworks in the field of connected, electrified, and automated mobility systems.

Anne Sielmann was there and presented the paper:

"Measuring the Effect of Background on Classification and Feature Importance in Deep Learning for AV Perception"

Digitalization, robotics and artificial intelligence for civil engineering and the remediation of landfills and contaminated sites: Fraunhofer IOSB Innovation Day in cooperation with the ROBDEKON competence center - robotic systems for decontamination in hostile environments.

Program preview

• Automation of construction and logistics
  From autonomous construction and work machines to autonomous transport vehicles: we give you an overview of the state of the art and offer you the opportunity to try out our systems live.
• Material evaluation and sorting
  Comprehensive processing of demolition waste can only be successful if the material is optimally evaluated and sorted accordingly. We will show you how this can be done in a highly automated and reliable manner.
• Digital product passport
  The digital product passport is the basis for the traceability of materials and effective reuse of raw materials in the recycling process. We will show you the details of how to implement this important digitalization module.
• Contributions from research and industry
  Find out about the latest research results at first hand and see our solutions in action.

Discuss the future of civil engineering with us and experts from industry and application!

Innovation forum shows concrete paths for companies in the Ostalb District

The KI-Werkstatt Mittelstand at Aalen University and the AI-Alliance Baden-Württemberg invite you to attend the Innovation Forum and the associated launch of the KI Challenge 2025 in the Ostalb district. How can small and medium-sized enterprises make practical use of artificial intelligence (AI) in their production processes? Learn how artificial intelligence can be used in production in a practical and effective way, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises.

👉 We are co-organizers and represented by our AI expert:

Christian Kühnert with the topic track lead: “Production planning and production quality.”

The focus is on real-world production issues: from optimizing production processes and sustainability in supply chains to the circular economy. Companies with AI needs and providers of digital solutions are brought together and given methodical support.

The KomDat research project, led by Fraunhofer IOSB, promotes communication and data exchange between district heating suppliers, building owners, and tenants. As part of the project, the Energy Efficiency Foundation is launching a campaign for clean and affordable district heating in Cologne. In a free initial check, tenants and building owners can find out about potential savings by optimizing their heating systems and reducing their connected load. 

👉 The Energy Efficiency Foundation originated from the implementation of solar and climate protection housing developments in Cologne. As a member of the Cologne Climate Council, it advocates for concrete measures, affordable and clean heating, and evidence-based controlling.

👉 Read the full report on the website, see link in the block on the right. Here is the link to: Aktionsflyer German only.

👉 KomDat: Communication and data exchange concept between district heating suppliers, building owners, and tenants. Find out more about our project by clicking on the link in the block on the right.

For those responsible for ventilation and air conditioning systems in commercial buildings.

We would like to present our project results and experiences to you and discuss them with you. Instead of a purely lecture-based event, the RLT-Opt workshop seeks to engage in dialogue with you and enable you to exchange ideas with each other. The focus will be on questions such as how these results can be used in practice and how savings can be achieved.

Try out our tools during the workshop – you are welcome to use your own laptop.

👉 Also present: Andreas Wunsch with a lecture:

“Monitoring, sensors, and data platform – experiences from four demonstrators”

and as workshop leader using the tools at one of the theme tables:

"Key numbers, dashboards, and reports".

AI potential along the value chain of future-oriented construction

Representatives from the construction industry and AI service providers will take part in a moderated discussion on how artificial intelligence can strengthen the circular economy and resource efficiency, accelerate building permits and construction processes, support craft businesses, and optimize prefabrication in serial and modular construction. In the workshop, project profiles will be developed jointly to identify concrete paths for the future of the construction industry in collaboration with the AI community.

👉 We are co-organizers and represented by:

Christian Kühnert with the topic track lead: “Serial and modular construction.”

How can prefabrication benefit from the serial and modular construction of AI systems?

Goal: Industrialization of construction through AI-supported planning and production.

InfOSB provides information about current successes, special projects, important events, and changes at Fraunhofer IOSB and its institutes.

👉 This time, one of our research topics:

DAKIMO lays the foundation for better intermodal route suggestions

Private cars continue to dominate as a means of transportation in Germany over more environmentally friendly alternatives such as public transportation and shared vehicles. To make these alternatives more attractive, researchers at Fraunhofer IOSB, together with partners in the DAKIMO project (Data and AI as Enablers for Sustainable, Intermodal Mobility), have developed AI for route planner apps that makes intermodal mobility, i.e., switching between different modes of transport, much easier.

👉  Read more about this topic on our project page and in the complete newsletter. The links can be found in the boxes on the right.