2025 Institute Magazine

Mobility is undergoing a transformation—one that is more complex and rapid than ever before. Rising energy prices, technological upheavals, and societal challenges make clear that tomorrow’s solutions do not emerge in isolation, but through the collaboration of many stakeholders. This is precisely where Fraunhofer IVI comes in.

For our institute, the past year was marked by strategic realignment. Through a participatory process, we refined our perspectives, developed new ideas, and launched concrete initiatives. This journey was characterized by open dialogue, extensive technical discussions, and a clear commitment to actively shaping change. We have consistently kept in mind the balance between strategic as well as professional issues and efficient administrative processes in order to create a stable foundation for the coming years. Thanks to the support of our employees, as well as the Fraunhofer Headquarters and our advisory board, we have succeeded in this endeavor. We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved.

What particularly sets us apart as a Fraunhofer institute is that we combine scientific excellence with market-driven application. Our goal is to develop intelligent and sustainable mobility solutions that meet both the requirements of industry and the needs of society. In this way, Fraunhofer IVI positions itself as a reliable driving force at the intersection of research, business, and the public sector.

Current developments underscore the relevance of this work. The dynamics of the energy markets have recently demonstrated impressively how strongly mobility is influenced by external conditions—and how great the need is for resilient, efficient solutions.

E-mobility is increasingly coming into focus, but at the same time raises new questions, such as the need for highperformance charging infrastructure solutions suitable for everyday use. We are making concrete contributions in this area with practical approaches such as our underbody charging system.

The combination of technological expertise and comprehensive domain knowledge forms the backbone of our applied research ranging from solutions for civil security to innovations in public transport ticketing and autonomous shuttle systems. We have strategically expanded our portfolio by establishing a new research group on swarm technologies and by launching initiatives to support small and medium-sized enterprises in implementing AI-based processes. Our work on accident prevention among children and adolescents received special recognition: The Fraunhofer IVI Accident Prevention School (FAPS) was featured in the ZDF Plan b series and honored with the DVR Vision Zero Award.

This magazine is aimed at our partners in academia, business, and politics, as well as anyone interested in the future of mobility. It provides insights into our current research topics, highlights technological developments, and introduces the people whose dedication and expertise are shaping this transformation.

We hope you will be inspired.