Research Programs

Data and its intelligent interpretation for automating, optimizing, and facilitating agricultural processes is an essential element of the digital transformation in agriculture. Software-based innovations bring decisive competitive advantages in modern Farm Management Information Systems, but also for tractors and machinery. The same applies to the use of data in the food chain: Traceability and proof of sustainability are not possible without structured data management.

As part of the research program “Agriculture & Food”, Fraunhofer IESE is researching innovative technologies and solutions for agriculture & food and supports companies and the public sector in the digitalization of both agricultural processes and the food chain. One focus of the research is on the topic of interoperability of systems and the use of innovative digitalization solutions such as data space technologies to master the challenges of the future. To this end, Fraunhofer IESE is pooling the core competencies of its departments. The research program links IESE and its collaboration partners with other Fraunhofer institutes that are active in the field of agriculture and food, e.g., via the Fraunhofer Food Industry Alliance. 

Further information on Smart Farming

Autonomous systems have enormous potential to make a crucial contribution to solving the current ecological, social, and economic challenges. They have the potential to make road and rail transportation more ecological, safer, and more efficient. They can make work and production processes more resilient, more human-friendly, and more efficient. In agriculture and in the food industry, they can contribute to reducing the ecological footprint of increasing food demand. They can also counteract the current and expected ongoing shortage of skilled workers in many areas such as construction, freight and passenger transport, medicine, and nursing care.

In the research program “Autonomous Systems”, we are investigating solutions for use case-specific challenges in autonomization. One focus of our research is on the risk management of these systems. We are researching innovative safety concepts and validation solutions to ensure that the systems fulfill their mission dependably without causing damage. For example, we are investigating how systems can recognize hazardous situations early on and assess risks correctly. In this context, uncertainties in environment recognition and due to Machine Learning are taken into account in risk assessments.

Another research focus concerns systems-of-systems engineering and the embedding of autonomous systems into larger complex systems, such as the embedding of robo-taxis in a Smart City. The program takes autonomous systems from the lab to the road, to the field, into production halls, and wherever the state of the art in science and safety technology permit it. 

Further information on Autonomous Systems

Digital transformation in healthcare involves the integration of technologies to improve the efficiency, quality, and accessibility of healthcare services. This can include telemedicine, electronic patient records, AI-supported diagnoses, and networked healthcare devices, as well as innovative solution approaches for the pharmaceutical industry. These innovations can optimize patient care and facilitate communication between patients and providers.

The research program “Digital Healthcare” supports policymakers, the public healthcare sector, and the healthcare industry in the exploratory research of innovative concepts and software-based solutions aimed at promoting their digital transformation processes. To this end, the research program acquires publicly funded projects in the healthcare sector, also involving industry partners, and bundles the core competencies of IESE’s departments and of other Fraunhofer institutes. 

Further information on Digital Health