Fraunhofer Institute of Optronics, System Technologies and Image Exploitation IOSB 
Upgrade and optimize production processes
Using artificial intelligence and machine learning to optimize established production processes and upgrade immature processes - and thus gain tangible competitive advantages: This is the mission of the Karlsruher Forschungsfabrik (Karlsruhe Research Factory), which Fraunhofer IOSB operates together with the Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology ICT and the wbk Institute of Production Science at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). Companies can research and develop intelligent production in areas such as electromobility, lightweight construction and Industrie 4.0 in close cooperation with the research institutes.
Bringing AI-powered production solutions to implementation
The goal is to work with industry partners to quickly bring AI-powered production solutions from concept to implementation—solutions that are measurable, robust, and scalable. To this end, we have a realistic industrial environment where innovative research projects are developed, tested, and validated under real-world conditions. Here, we are already developing the smart production of tomorrow.
This is made possible by the targeted “over-instrumentation” of processes with sensors and actuators: data becomes available quickly and in high quality, while machine learning methods provide transparency and enable optimized regulation—even where processes are not yet fully understood. To this end, Fraunhofer IOSB utilizes AI Systems Engineering: a systematic, application-oriented approach that enables companies to integrate AI into their production safely, efficiently, and in a repeatable manner.
Current status
The Research Factory provides a modern environment for the successful implementation of innovative projects. It currently brings together projects such as SKaLEV, Smart Factory Web (SFW), and SafeInLoc, as well as a drone test field for indoor flight trials of drone swarms. In addition, it also houses a facility operated by the DFG Research Unit dedicated to translating immature processes into industrial applications.
The pilot project “The Cognitive Factory” is also creating an autonomously controllable factory that can be operated via natural language. A versatile presentation area provides space for events and project presentations.
