Fraunhofer Research News

Artificial intelligence, advanced sensor technologies and immersive simulation are opening new possibilities for law enforcement and public security agencies. From May 20 to 22, 2026, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft will present new internal security solutions at the GPEC General Police Equipment Exhibitions & Conference in Leipzig. These will include technologies for analyzing digital evidence, identifying threats at an early stage and training personnel in realistic environments. Under the theme “Internal Security Made by Fraunhofer—Forensics · Surveillance · Training,” four Fraunhofer institutes will demonstrate how their developments can be applied in practice at Hall 2, Booth J32.

High-quality athletic shoes are usually made from a complex combination of materials. This has consequences for both production and recycling. In the ZiProMat project, Fraunhofer researchers have found another way. A sole made of programmable monomaterial performs various functions and is also made of the same material as the upper. The concept combines high-tech, sustainability and recyclability.

Nitrous oxide is the third most significant greenhouse gas in terms of climate impact after carbon dioxide and methane. It is primarily generated as a result of nitrogen fertilization in agriculture. The Fraunhofer Institute for Physical Measurement Techniques IPM has developed a compact and cost-effective measurement system that detects nitrous oxide emissions from farmland directly in the field. The system will help make fertilization more efficient in the future.

Medical imaging devices such as endoscopes transmit their data via cables to monitors and hospital information systems. In collaboration with partners, Fraunhofer researchers in the OWIMED project are working to make data cables superfluous in the operating room of the future. The project team has developed a prototype for an endoscope that uses light to transmit the images from a laparoscopic procedure in the abdominal cavity.

While germinating, seeds must be supplied with sufficient water and protected from herbicides, as undisturbed crop development is key to ensuring stable and high yields. As part of the SeedPlus project, researchers from three Fraunhofer institutes have developed a biodegradable seed coating that features integrated water storage capacity and protection from herbicides to facilitate high germination rates.

Green hydrogen is a key area of opportunity in the energy transition. However, the use of pipelines to transport this energy source is associated with a degree of risk. Research scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute for High-Speed Dynamics, Ernst-Mach-Institut, EMI, are developing a hydraulic simulation tool to assist with the planning of a resilient hydrogen infrastructure designed to safeguard energy supply.

At Booth 115 in Hall B2 at IFAT Munich 2026, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft will showcase pioneering solutions for a sustainable water and raw materials management industry, ranging from the removal of heavy metals and rare metal recovery to recycling of wind turbines. In line with the motto Water, Energy, Circularity—Green Technology for a Resilient Future, eight Fraunhofer institutes will show how reusable materials can be extracted from wastewater, how key raw materials can be recovered from electronic waste and how linear processes can be turned into closed circles.

Seven key sectors, clear industrial policy priorities, and strategic recommendations for action: the Franco-German AI Dialogue sends a strong signal for sovereign, competitive, and trustworthy artificial intelligence in Europe. At the Franco-German Forum on Industrial AI, held at the French Ministry for the Economy and Finance, the final report was officially handed over to representatives of both governments. It demonstrates how Germany and France aim to jointly advance the development of a high-performing European AI ecosystem—in close collaboration with industry, research, and policymaking.

What can be done to maintain efficient, sustainable and adaptable industrial value creation in times of great global uncertainties? The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft will answer this question at Hannover Messe 2026. Under the motto “Innovations for our Future,” nine Fraunhofer institutes and groups as well as the Research Fab Microelectronics Germany (FMD) will present tangible solutions for promoting a resilient digitally networked industry from April 20 to 24. Journalists are very welcome to join the press tour (please see below for further details).

How can medical data be analyzed more effectively, documentation processes be handled more efficiently and how can the basis for clinical decision-making be improved? At DMEA 2026, which will be taking place in Berlin from April 21 to 23, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft will be presenting technologies for analyzing health-related data that are designed to reduce the burden on medical staff and facilitate data-based applications in research and care. Five institutes will be presenting their latest developments at the joint Fraunhofer booth (Booth D-109, Hall 2.2). These range from AI-assisted symptom analysis and data spaces that allow for health data to be securely shared to assistance systems for medical documentation, data-based decision-making support and solutions for training and evaluating AI models for medical data.

Present systems do not monitor large PV plants on the module level. Yet that is exactly where faults occur, which affect the connection of several solar modules in series, that is, the complete string. Research scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute for Factory Operation and Automation IFF are developing a sensor system together with partners, which provides a detailed view down to the module level, thus detecting all kinds of anomalies, soiling and defects early.

Overfertilization in agriculture weakens crops, endangers drinking water quality and harms the soil. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB are now developing an alternative fertilizer that is fully biodegradable and only supplies plants with the nutri-ents they actually need, thus preventing overfertilization.

The development of AI models in joint projects yields improved results because multiple companies contribute their data. The situation becomes critical, however, if a partner withdraws and requests the return of its data. With federated unlearning, Fraunhofer researchers and Fujitsu Research have developed a method for precisely removing data from decentralized AI models.

Lithium, cobalt and nickel are in high demand – and they are hard to obtain. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials IFAM are developing an electrochemical process to recover scarce raw materials in battery recycling. This new technology could also enable the extraction of rare earth elements from electronic waste in the future.

Women who have experienced a stroke or heart attack are at a higher risk of mortality than men. Fraunhofer researchers want to improve gender-specific aftercare with a customized assistance system – thus helping to prevent further heart disease.

The EPO Technology Dashboard 2025, released today, ranks the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft as Europe's leading research institution for patent applications. This ranking reaffirms the critical role of research and science for Germany's long-term competitiveness.

This year’s Hugo Geiger Prize for the best doctoral theses in applied research goes to three early-career researchers from Jena and Freiburg. Jointly awarded by the Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy (StMWi) and the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, the prize recognizes innovative solutions developed by doctoral researchers in close cooperation with a Fraunhofer institute.

AI plays a huge role in the semiconductor industry, both by facilitating more efficient development processes and as a target application in development work. This is why the Fraunhofer Heilbronn Research and Innovation Centers HNFIZ are adding the Chip AI research and innovation center for AI chip design to their service range. The center is funded via the Dieter Schwarz Foundation. The Chip AI research and innovation center relies on close cooperation with stakeholders of the Innovation Park Artificial Intelligence (IPAI).

How can we achieve intelligent teamwork between humans and robots in production? The Fraunhofer NeurOSmart technology platform combines sensor technology with AI-supported data processing and energy-efficient chips that mimic the way the human brain works.

Looking inside an object without having to change it by opening it or taking it apart: This is the goal of nondestructive testing (NDT). However, only items that fit in the testing device can be scanned. In the GiantEye project, the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS is developing an innovative new high-energy computed tomography system at its Development Center X-Ray Technology in Fürth. This system enables nondestructive testing and digitalization of large and complex objects at the highest level of detail.

Artificial intelligence is set to provide optimum learning support for soldiers and increase teaching quality. Fraunhofer researchers have conducted a study to determine which AI functions would be useful in this context and how this technology could be integrated into the existing system.

With the gammaSTAR software platform and the SpinIt project, researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Medicine MEVIS are facilitating the transfer of innovative imaging technologies into routine clinical use.

Paper packaging offers a number of advantages over its plastic counterparts: It has a high recycling rate, lower CO₂ emissions, and lower disposal costs. However, it cannot yet be sealed without adhesives or layers of plastic—a disadvantage for manufacturing and recycling processes. In the PAPURE project, four Fraunhofer institutes are developing a laser-based process that enables completely adhesive-free paper packaging.

High-profile representatives from government and the research sector gathered yesterday in Berlin for a festive kickoff event in honor of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft’s eponym, the researcher and entrepreneur Joseph von Fraunhofer. This event also focused on the importance of innovation for Germany's future competitiveness.

What does the future of industrial collaboration look like — and what role will the metaverse play? Fraunhofer experts invite you to an immersive expe-rience in new forms of engineering, service development and human-machine interaction. At the preview event for the Hannover Messe trade show on February 25, 2026, interested visitors will have a first look at photorealistic AI avatars, digital twins and immersive technologies.