Project References

Working together with Düspohl, Fraunhofer IEM developed a novel grinding system incorporating AI-based software and, for the first time, automated a wholly manual production step at the mechanical engineering company. The robotic cell will autonomously learn how to grind the complex profile wrapping rollers. The RoboGrinder takes a hybrid approach to this challenge by combining powerful AI technologies with established control engineering methods. A machine learning module programmed specifically for the process also predicts any grinding errors. They are used to correct the basic control and enable the rubber-like rollers to be ground directly to size.

Together with the Forschungsvereinigung Antriebstechnik e.V. (FVA), the Fraunhofer IEM has investigated the requirements associated with the use of 5G in mechanical and plant engineering. The aim is to conduct a comprehensive study on the topic of 5G in industrial applications and to prepare the results transparently for SMEs.

The entire automotive industry is facing major challenges: In the course of technological change, new or expanded interfaces between a vehicle and the outside world are continuously evolving - for example, in communication with charging stations or digital services in the cloud. They also open up the potential for cyberattacks. The aim of the research project was to support developers with an automated analysis of the influences of safety and security.

The digital transformation is promoting the creation of large amounts of data in companies' value networks, the data analysis of which using artificial intelligence offers enormous potential for transparent and optimised supply chain management (SCM). The aim of the MOVE research project is to enable companies to utilise new data-driven SCM approaches. The focus is on developing methods and tools for rapid implementation.

The use of machine learning makes it possible: knowledge is gained from data and introduced at all levels of the company's processes in order to generate added value. This allows design processes to be improved, product weaknesses to be identified and developments to be accelerated. The aim of the Machine Learning for Production and its Products (ML4Pro2) project is to make machine learning accessible to companies for intelligent products and production processes.

Predicting and even preventing machine downtime with data from production: This is the aim of the "BOOST 4.0 - Big Data for Factories" project, in which the Fraunhofer IEM and Benteler are setting up a pilot factory for industrial data analysis and utilization in the it's OWL cluster of excellence.

The introduction of automation solutions has not been appealing for the company so far due to low quantities, as these often require high investments. What is missing are efficient solutions that can also be used economically for batch sizes of 1. Fraunhofer IEM and MIT are demonstrating how Industry 4.0 in the form of flexible automation measures and collaborative robots (cobots) can also make its way into medium-sized companies in the TALENTED joint research project.

Arbeitswelt.Plus aims to develop and establish a regional competence centre for work research. By combining AI research and AI application as well as establishing transfer structures, the competence centre is intended to support companies in recognising and exploiting the potential of artificial intelligence for the world of work.

Ensuring IT security is a complex challenge for companies. The aim of the AppSecure.nrw project is therefore to develop a set of tools for secure software development and to evaluate them in practice. The preliminary work and research results from science are to be further developed and prepared in such a way that software developers can use them directly and easily themselves.

All safety requirements for software and hardware must be taken into account during the development and design of machines and systems and aligned with the entire life cycle. Manufacturers and companies often lack the necessary expertise for this. Fraunhofer IEM and Fraunhofer IOSB have therefore designed a seminar together with the Mechanical Engineering Institute in Frankfurt to build up the necessary expertise in mechanical and plant engineering companies.