Autonomous Systems

Automation is and will remain a key driver of innovation in virtually all industrial sectors. The central goals—increased efficiency, higher quality, improved safety, and scalability—are more relevant today than ever before. Originally established in clearly defined environments, automation is increasingly conquering complex applications and dynamic fields of use.

Mobile machines in agriculture, construction, mining, and depots are among the most active fields of application today. The use of automated and networked e-trucks in factory and distribution transport is also rapidly gaining importance. The range of applications is constantly expanding with every technological advance – whether in sensors, control technology, communication, drive systems, or functional safety.

In many cases, the mere automation of decoupled or isolated robots and mobile machines is not enough. Real added value can only be achieved through intelligent system integration and reliable control. At Fraunhofer IVI, we develop, test, and evaluate technologies to not only automate mobile machines, but also to operate them intelligently, safely, and efficiently.

Technologies

 

helyOS® control tower software framework for mobile machines

  • Networking and orchestration of mobile machines
  • Manufacturer-neutral and open-source
 

TruckTrix® motion planning and control

  • Precise motion planning and control of complex vehicle combinations

Application Areas

 

Yard automation

  • Highly and fully automated driving in limited areas
  • Increased safety through the use of infrastructure sensors
 

Automated agriculture

  • Electrification of field robotics
  • Cross-manufacturer networking of mobile work machines
  • Solutions for intelligent weed removal and adaptive soil tillage
 

Intelligent infrastructure

  • Infrastructure assistance for automated driving in public areas and depots
  • Design, testing and operation of C-ITS messages and services for connected, cooperative driving
 

Data systems and travel assistance

  • Data and service platforms for mobility applications
  • Mobility Data Space
  • Assistance systems
 

Synchronized mobility

  • Synchronized automated driving in urban areas
  • Communication technologies for intelligent transport systems
  • Cross-transport mode warning and support system for cyclists

Projects

AutoTruck

  • Demonstration of a fully automated operating sequence in automation zones
  • Environment recognition and object detection
  • Retention of approval for public road traffic

SAFE20

  • Development of a safety concept ensuring mixed operation in depots with a minimum speed of 20 km/h
  • Creation of a digital real-time image of the automation zone

Smart Intersection

  • Infrastructural road safety
  • Cooperative driving maneuvers
  • Use of AI-based systems for detecting traffic situations, analyzing hazards and controlling traffic flow

COGNAC

  • Digitalization: data platform (Agricultural Data Space)
  • Biosphere monitoring
  • Automation: autonomous field robots

Feldschwarm®

  • Realization of swarm movements
  • Coordination and monitoring of swarm units using helyOS®
  • Development of innovative electric drive trains for field swarm units

ALBACOPTER®

  • Energy-efficient VTOL-glider
  • Cognitive flight control and self-awareness 
  • Large-scale production of lightweight structures

MAGPIE

  • Faster implementation of environmentally friendly energy sources and logistics optimization in ports through automation and autonomous operations
  • Concepts for CO2-free transport in, to, and from ports by 2050 with the help of digitalization and automation