Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft

In the KIOptiPack innovation lab, researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging IVV are working with 51 partners from industry and the research sector to develop innovative AI-driven optimization tools and a data space that connects all of the stakeholders in the packaging industry and their data. The goal is to use AI tools to recycle plastic packaging in the future.

Fraunhofer researchers have succeeded in developing sustainable new seals that are free from environmentally harmful substances like PFAS and suitable for water-based lubricants. They will be presenting their solution at the joint Fraunhofer booth (Booth 431, Hall A3) at Laser World of Photonics 2025 from June 24 to 27.

Regular follow-up monitoring is crucial when it comes to treating cancer successfully. In the SPIRABENE project, Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Medicine MEVIS developed a deep learning-based software program which makes it possible to identify disease- and treatment-related changes in tumors in CT images with even greater speed and accuracy, thus improving the chances of recovery and making day-to-day clinical practice easier.

From manufacturing to medicine, from quantum technology to nuclear fusion — lasers are the basis for many critical applications. However, without rare-earth elements and crystals from third countries, it is becoming increasingly difficult to produce them. Not only are export restrictions, war and restrictive customs policies putting pressure on industry, but they are also threatening Germany's technological sovereignty. Fraunhofer is researching alternatives in crystal growing and processing as well as glass fiber development. They will be on display at the LASER trade show in Munich from June 24–27.