Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials IFAMThe long-term R&D objective is for automation to replace difficult and sometimes risky tasks. The flexibility and accuracy requirements in the various application areas must be met taking into account the economic aspects of the particular company. This can only be achieved by multi-sensor data acquisition and processing.
The scientific approaches for intelligent technical systems that interact with their environment are based on optomechatronics. This involves optics, mechanics, electronics, and informatics. An absolute prerequisite for effective and competitive solutions is supra-system optimization and 3D/6D simulation during development and construction.
R&D fields
- Development of adaptive control systems
- Development and integration of visual, optical measurement capabilities for intelligent machines and robot control systems
- Development of adaptive, flexible assembly and production cells and plants
- Development of industrially-viable simulation and work preparation software tools
Benefits for industrial production
These approaches lead to sustainable production and assembly technologies, fewer rejects, enhanced productivity and flexibility, and the production of unique pieces. Due to unavoidable production tolerances, lightweight structures and modern lightweight materials must be considered as unique pieces needing adaptive sensor-based technology for their processing. This area opens up enormous potential for the machine and plant construction sector and other industries.