An industrial robot as artist? From March 6-10, 2012, researchers will be presenting what may at first seem to be a contradiction at CeBIT in Hanover, Germany (hall 26, booth E08). There, interested visitors can view the metal painter in action and can even have it sketch their own faces.

• more infoA robot sketches portraits

For companies, customer feedback is a matter of strategic importance. Smart apps for the semantic analysis of user opinions from the web help businesses keep an eye on feedback. Users benefit as well: With the „Eat and Drink“ app, the user can quickly learn all about the special features of restaurants, cafes and bars.

• more info

In the developing world, 96 percent of all households have no internet access. Even in Germany, many regions are still without broadband connectivity. But in future, a revolutionary new technology for wireless networks will allow the gaps in rural internet provision to be closed at significantly less cost.

• more info

Mobile robots have many uses. They serve as cleaners, carry out inspections and search for survivors of disasters. But often, there is no map to guide them through unknown territory. Researchers have now developed a mobile robot that can roam uncharted terrain and simultaneously map it – all thanks to an algorithm toolbox.

• more info

Games, e-mails and around-the-clock Internet access – smartphones are making the information culture an even more prominent part of everyday life. Businesses and employers are also increasingly relying on mobile companions with apps developed expressly for the task at hand. In the future, for instance, apps will help farmers in organizing harvest their crops or provide support for business travelers. Researchers will be presenting the new apps at CeBIT 2012 (March 6-10) in hall 26, booth E08.

• more infomore info

A publicly displayed object of art experiences a lot: dazzling light, unfavorable temperatures or too much moisture. With ‘Artguardian’ Fraunhofer researchers have developed a fully automated, intelligent monitoring system helping art lovers to optimally preserve their objects of art. Thanks to sensitive sensors they can be exhibited under the best conditions. The solution will be presented from 6th to 10th March at the CeBIT 2012 (hall 26, booth E08).

• more info

Firefighters often put their lives at risk during operations, so it is essential they have reliable tools to help them do their job. Now, a modular simulation kit is set to help develop new information and communication technologies – and ensure they are tailored to firefighters’ needs from the outset.

• more info