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Manufacturing industry faces major changes. The biggest of these will be the introduction of autonomous systems to assist in the workplace. This will involve the use of data-based analytics and smart solution templates to support employees engaged in value-creating activities. At the International Open Lab Day, experts from Fraunhofer IAO and Fraunhofer IPA will be presenting to an international audience the benefits that artificial intelligence (AI) can bring in the manufacturing environment.

As a part of Cyber Valley, the AI Innovation Center “Learning Systems” operated by Fraunhofer IAO and Fraunhofer IPA supports companies in their efforts to exploit the economic potential of AI. Across a total of 44 projects, feasibility studies and solutions for practical applications have already been developed. With total funding of EUR 23 million, the “Cognitive Robotics” center at Fraunhofer IPA will expand the organisation’s service portfolio in this area from 01 March 2021.

Hyperloops and micro-scooters look to be among the most promising solutions for tomorrow’s sustainable transportation. But how do users feel about these modes of transport? The Fraunhofer IAO looked into the matter. Seeking to determine the chances of trending mobility tech attaining mainstream success, it conducted an international survey and wrote about user acceptance in “Mobility Trends”, a study carried out with the FutureCar innovation network.

Demand for affordable yet high-quality solutions is soaring. Fraunhofer IAO joined forces with manufacturing companies and other partners to determine what innovations would benefit society as a whole and bring the general public on board to develop frugal solutions. This initiative, an EU project that goes by the name of FRANCIS, aims to accomplish this end by posing two open innovation challenges.

How many cars park on a street at any one time? Are there enough spaces for all the cars that habitually park there? Or might it be an idea to create a residential parking zone? To answer these questions, municipalities have to invest a lot of time and effort in counting vehicles and investigating the situation on the ground. In a joint project with the City of Karlsruhe, Fraunhofer IAO is now exploring the use of AI to measure and manage the demand for parking space.

A strategic use of quantum computing in business opens up a host of opportunities – for commercial enterprises and in the IT and software industries. SEQUOIA is a joint project by Fraunhofer IAO and six partners. It aims to lay the foundations for a fast and applied use of quantum computers.

The working world is changing at an accelerating pace. Today more than ever, this world of the gainfully employed depends on projects and teamwork to help it adapt quickly to constant changes and dynamic processes. A study conducted by the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO as part of the joint OFFICE 21® research project has pinpointed the success factors for designing a team-oriented workplace.

Electric mobility and digitization are having a profound impact on both qualitative and quantitative employment requirements in the automotive industry. To ensure that the transformation process is successful from a financial, environmental and social perspective, the Volkswagen Group’s Sustainability Council, together with Fraunhofer IAO, initiated a study that provides a forecast and actionable recommendations. The results are now available and can also be applied to other stakeholders in the industry.

What use cases are out there for artificial intelligence (AI); what skills and data do companies need to put these applications into action? To answer these and other questions, the Fraunhofer IAO teamed up with partners to launch an industry network called “AI in Manufacturing”. Catering to manufacturing enterprises, it is to provide a 360-degree view of applications, entry points and opportunities to share experiences.

Waterborne pathogens can be particularly fatal for first responders in emergency situations. In order to better protect them and to better cope with emergency situations, Fraunhofer IAO is part of a consortium to develop technologies and processes that will enable better control and help minimize risks The PathoCERT project is funded by the European Union under the Horizon 2020 program.