Fraunhofer Institute for Transportation and Infrastructure Systems IVI
Fraunhofer Institute for Transportation and Infrastructure Systems IVI

Media Center

Autonomous Field Robot

Smart weed control with the CERES field robot

By networking robotics, sensor technology and cognitive services via a digital data platform – the »Agricultural Data Space« –, new services for farmers and manufacturers of agricultural machinery are created within the Fraunhofer lighthouse project COGNAC. Fraunhofer IVI's key topics are the development of a fully electrified field robot unit, including the development of an automated loading trailer, and path planning for the automation of processes. The video shows how the field robot CERES (Cognitive Electrical Robot Environment System) works using the example of smart weed control.

Towards Autonomous Yard Operation

The AEROFLEX Smart Power Dolly

Used in an EMS1 vehicle combination including a truck with internal combustion engine, the AEROFLEX Smart Power Dolly, a converter dolly with an electric drivetrain, creates a distributed hybrid drivetrain enabling reduction of fuel consumption and emissions.

Additionally, the opportunity of manual shunting of the trailer with the Smart Power Dolly constitutes a further step towards autonomous yard operation.

Assisted Driving with the Help of Infrastructure Sensors

Safe and efficient in complex traffic situations

Cooperation between infrastructure and vehicles is seen as a promising solution increasing the safety of automated driving functions in a complex environment. The Fraunhofer IVI has successfully realized the concept of automated assisted driving with the help of infrastructure sensors and local networking for the first time on a closed test site.

AutoTruck

Autonomous E-Truck for Logistics Centers

The fully automated operation of commercial vehicles in logistics centers and depots can make freight handling more safe and efficient. The project AutoTruck is dealing with these challenges.

Underbody Charging System

Automated Fast Charging for Public and Private Areas

In order to achieve a high range, large amounts of energy have to be transferred in short periods of time – similar to the standard refueling process.The Fraunhofer IVI has developed a fully automated, reliable and safe charging system for this application scenario that overcomes the performance restrictions of conventional plug-and-cable combinations.

Remote Battery Diagnosis with IVImon

Remote Diagnosis of Energy Storage Units

Operators in the emerging hybrid and electric vehicle market lack the option of assessing the disposability and state of their vehicles, most importantly that of the batteries. The IVImon system determines relevant state parameters of the battery storage unit and provides them in a user-friendly way.

helyOS – Online Control Center

Smart Control of Gated Areas

HelyOS (highly efficient online yard operating system) is a control center for gated areas and is based on up-to-date web technologies. It connects the autonomous vehicles and uses a browser-based user interface. 

autartec®

Autonomous Living on Water

The project deals with functional components for buildings and larger settlements with a lergely autonomous supply of electricity, heat and water. Existing technologies are modified and improved so that they can be integrated into the wall structure of buildings. This way, the living space is not encroached upon too much and synergies in terms of building physics are created.

Synchronized Mobility

Optimized Traffic Flows

The intelligent transport systems of the future will use various forms of synchronization in order to increase the traffic density in existing infrastructures and accelerate traffic flows.

AutoTram® ExtraGrand

High-Tech In-Between a Bus and a Tram

The AutoTram® Extra Grand combines the advantages of trmas with those of buses. It can carry over 250 passengers, can be driven fully electrically, is flexibly operable on diverse routes and costs less than a conventional tram. In addition, it contains a novel joint system and an electronic multi-axle steering system. Because of these features, the AutoTram® Extra Grand is especially well-suited for operation in areas with quickly growing transport demand.

EDDA-BUS: Fast-Charging Electric Bus

Fully Electric Public Transport

The fast-charging electric bus combines cutting-edge technology to make fully electric driving in regular operation possible. The bus is recharged in a matter of seconds during regular stops using an especially developed contact system. Highly efficient battery technology and control systems round off the overall system.

Octocopter HORUS

Flying Sensor Plattform

For the acquisition of measuring data and for taking pictures in areas that are difficult to access, an especially small and maneuverable flying technology carrier is needed that can be equipped with different cameras, sensors and measuring equipment. An autonomus aircraft of this kind can also be a cost-efficient alternative to manned flight campaigns. Based on this motivation, the octocopter HORUS was developed in cooperation with several partners.

MobiKat®

Mobile Information, Command and Strategy

The MobiKat® system supports the prevention and management of major crisis situations as well as everyday hazard prevention. A focus is put on ensuring mobility. The staff, operations managers and relief forces on site will receive valuable decision support for the efficient planning and execution of safety and rescue measures.

ELENA Multi-Axle Steering System

High Maneuverability Thanks to Steer-by-Wire Systems

The demand of very long vehicles with high transport capacity is steadily increasing. In order to ensure their maneuverability, these vehicles are often equipped with a multi-axle steering system. Very often, these systems are electronic steer-by-wire systems. Since 2002, the Fraunhofer IVI has been developing steer-by-wire multi-axle steering systems, the most recent cases being very long double articulated buses.