Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT

Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT

White paper: Automation for stem cell therapies

Read our new white paper “Automation for Translation and Commercialization of Stem Cell-based Therapies” to learn how automated systems improve the production of stem cell and gene therapeutics to provide patients with more cost-effective treatment options.

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Coverbild des Studienberichts für 2024 von der ICNAP Community

Free download: ICNAP Report 2024

In 2024, our International Center for Networked Adaptive Production has again completed five projects on zero-trust architectures, Digital Twins, AI integration and generative AI, and “Dark Factories”. Download our report here for free!

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How to enter technology-driven markets fast

This white paper provides a blueprint for rapidly entering such markets. It offers a holistic approach that includes evaluating market potential, developing entry strategies, and establishing proactive measures to minimize risks and capitalize on the opportunities of dynamic technological changes.

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Ready for Take-off – Artificial Intelligence in Space Production

The use of artificial intelligence can improve efficiency in industrial production. As part of various research projects with European aerospace companies, the Fraunhofer IPT has identified six promising fields of application for the use of AI.

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Sustainability in production

Low-emission production processes and climate-friendly products will make an important contribution to a future worth living. Enabling companies to successfully shape this path is one of our most important goals at the Fraunhofer IPT.

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System solutions for the sustainable, resilient and digitalized production of tomorrow

The Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT develops system solutions for the sustainable, resilient and digitized production of resource-conserving products and the associated services.

We optimize new and existing methods, technologies and processes for efficient, crisis-proof and ecological production of the future, which includes climate protection and environmental compatibility in its calculations. As a partner of the manufacturing industry, we make significant contributions to the establishment of new manufacturing processes, production systems and business models through our research work.  

Let us take you along on the path to "Next Generation Production" - a more climate-, environmentally- and resource-friendly production!

Next Generation Production - go with us!

Our vision of "Next Generation Production" is sustainable, resilient and digitized production that secures prosperity in society while protecting valuable resources of our planet.

 

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Our focus: sustainability in production

Production is the enabler for making products sustainable – that's why we keep both in mind: ecological and economic criteria.

Sustainable production

Resilient into the future

Resilience is the ability to weather the storms of the business world as unscathed as possible. We are researching what companies can do to ensure that yours always finds a safe haven in projects with our industry partners.

Resilience

Digitalization: enabler of green production

The benefits of digitalization run through almost all value-adding processes. We use it as a toolbox for the green production of the future.

Our digitalization topics

Success through scientific excellence and technological expertise

Production technology thrives on its diversity: Together with companies from different industries, we research and develop strategic approaches, organizational structures, technological processes and complex products at the limits of what is technically feasible - always with a view to feasibility in industrial implementation. We see our employees as the mainstay of our institute: with a high level of professionalism and commitment, they create the basis for leading your ideas and tasks to success.

 

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Our offer for partners and customers

More than research and development: Find out what services you can expect from the Fraunhofer IPT for the strategic and organizational development of your company. We will be happy to inform you about how we can make your production scientifically sound and sustainably fit for the future!

 

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Industries in focus

Knowledge and experience for our partners:

 

© Fraunhofer IPT

Research and development for industry

Production lives through technology: The Fraunhofer IPT not only conducts research on almost all current production technologies and manufacturing processes, but is also considered a pioneer in the development of completely new production methods and digitized processes. Explore here which topics we are currently working on particularly intensively!

 

The recipe for success: Our employees

We regard the promotion and education of young scientists as one of our main tasks. 

Latest News

7.7.2025

Transforming personalized medicine with AI-driven CAR-T manufacturing: Automated CAR-T cell production platform is ready for production

The EU-funded project AIDPATH (AI powered, Decentralized Production for Advanced Therapies in the Hospital), a collaboration between twelve partners from seven countries, is aiming to increase patient’s access to CAR-T cell therapy, a promising treatment for blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma. After developing a platform for automated CAR T production, the first manufacturing part of the platform has been moved to its final location at the University Hospital Würzburg, where first tests have been already conducted. This unique platform will now undergo further rigorous testing to ensure that it meets the highest standards of precision, safety, and efficiency by utilizing AI technology to manufacture genetically engineered immune cells.
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4.6.2025

Precision at Scale: Fraunhofer IPT Showcases Industrial Optics Manufacturing Technologies at LASER World of PHOTONICS

At this year’s LASER World of PHOTONICS in Munich, Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT will present cutting-edge manufacturing technologies for next-generation optics production. Visitors will find the team in Hall B1, Booth 231. The exhibits are geared toward companies looking to manufacture high-precision glass components efficiently, scale micro- and nanostructures, or perform inline quality control of optical parts.
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26.2.2025

5G and virtual reality for decentralized process monitoring

Many laser-based production processes require strict safety measures to protect machine operators from radiation and harmful emissions. However, these measures make process monitoring more difficult. Together with project partners, the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT in Aachen has developed a digital solution that brings more safety, transparency and controllability to manufacturing: In its virtual reality environment, processed sensor data is displayed in near real time. The additive manufacturing process of laser metal deposition with wire (LMD-w) served as a model process.
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18.2.2025

Fraunhofer report: practical solutions for intelligent and safe production

Digitalization is a decisive competitive factor for industry - artificial intelligence (AI), digital twins and cyber security are considered the key technologies of the future. But how can manufacturing companies use these technologies specifically and effectively to make processes more efficient, sustainable and secure? The latest report from the International Center for Networked, Adaptive Production (ICNAP) provides practical answers: from zero-trust architectures and the integration of AI to the use of digital twins, the report offers solutions for Industry 4.0. It also presents an outlook on the future of autonomous production and highlights approaches for the so-called "dark factory" – a fully automated production facility.
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Fair | June 24 – 27, 2025 | Munich

Laser – World of Photonics

We will be presenting innovations in the production of plastic optics and high-precision glass optics, microstructuring of optics and state-of-the-art measurement technology.

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Fair | May 7 – 10, 2025 | New Orleans, USA

ISCT 2025

At the “ISCT 2025” conference for gene and cell therapy in New Orleans, we are presenting our solutions for laboratory automation together with our partner Harro Höfliger.

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Further events and dates

We offer interested parties from science and industry the opportunity to get to know us and our research work at trade fairs, conferences, seminars and workshops.

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30. - 31. July 2025, Campus-Boulevard 30

Hackathon #hackingforfuture

Creating the Next Generation Production!

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Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT

Steinbachstrasse 17
52074 Aachen, Germany

Phone +49 241 8904-0

Get in contact with us

Networks of Knowledge

On our front the "Networks of Knowledge" art symbolizes important aspects of cooperation with our partners in science and industrie.

Worldwide cooperations

Aachen ist leading center of excellence for production technology. We cooperate at many other locations all over the world.

Our Partners

How to find us

You will find our institute centrally located on the RWTH Aachen Campus - we look forward to your visit! 

How to find us

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