Projects at a glance – Research and Development for Industry

The “FL4AI” project aims to automatically measure tool wear in the cutting industry directly in the machine. The ideal time for a tool change is to be determined using a high-resolution camera system and artificial intelligence (AI) in order to reduce costs and quality defects. To do this, the AI model is trained decentrally using federated learning to ensure that the companies maintain data sovereignty.

In the “GREEN EPITAXY” research project, Fraunhofer IPT and its project partners are developing an innovative process chain for the production of WBG semiconductors. A core element is low-temperature epitaxy (LTE).

The project “Cyber Security for Flexible and Interconnected Industry (CSII)” aims to support industrial companies – in particular small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) – in complying with the NIS2 directive, the EU Machinery Directive or the CRA by developing an IT/OT test laboratory at the 5G-Industry Campus Europe in Aachen.

Production quality and control are increasingly being supported by AI systems in companies. To ensure that the benefits of AI can also be used in highly regulated markets such as the pharmaceutical industry, the “Qua²ntum” research project aims to enable the use of AI systems for quality assurance through a quality management system.

In the “FL.IN.NRW” project, we are developing a federated learning platform that enables companies to use the advantages of AI for their quality control in cutting while at the same time ensuring the data protection of their sensitive production data.

The BIZ4GREEN project creates the basis for transferability to other products in energy-intensive industries using standardized interfaces and proven methods for CO2 balancing. This creates a blueprint for ensuring that domestic, energy-intensive production can remain competitive in Germany in the future by using digital solutions.

In the “H2-StrukTank” research project, researchers are developing a new tape winding process for long, thin pressure tanks. The special geometry of the pressure tank is intended for use in aircraft and fulfills a dual function: In addition to storing hydrogen, the pressure tank is used as a load-bearing element in the aircraft wing. To test the manufacturing process for the new pressure tanks, the research team is building a winding machine at the Fraunhofer IPT.

Aerospace-X is a BMWK-funded project for the aerospace industry with 14 top-class partners from industry and research. The aim of the project is to create a collaborative ecosystem for sustainability and circular economy in the aerospace industry and to future-proof supply chains through digitalization and data sovereignty.

The networking of devices in the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) offers enormous potential for added value in production. Together with our partners, we at Fraunhofer IPT are developing a blockchain-based data and service marketplace that combines historical production, quality and usage data and makes it directly available to data scientists and industry experts. Users can submit data, develop models and perform quality forecasts to gain real-time insights into their machining operations.