Events

Surface Technology in Transition

Artificial intelligence is changing the way surfaces are developed, coated and inspected. But where does the hype end – and where does measurable value for your company begin?

The one-day Fraunhofer IFAM Forum ai4surfaces 2027 provides a practical overview – from the fundamentals of AI to concrete applications across the entire process chain, with examples from coating technology, pretreatment, electroplating, corrosion protection and surface analysis.

Keynote

“AI in Materials Development at Airbus” | Dr.-Ing. Christian Weimer, Airbus

How is a globally operating aerospace company using AI in materials development? Christian Weimer, Head of Materials at Airbus, will provide insights into strategies, practical applications and future perspectives.

Key Topics

Introduction: How Does AI Actually Work?

Fundamentals of artificial intelligence – from GPT to image processing.

Process Design, Parameter Identification and Development

How AI can shorten development cycles – for example, in coating development. Featuring a presentation by Dmitrij Ivanov (PI Probaligence GmbH) on AI in coating development.

In-line Process Monitoring and Control

How AI is transforming data acquisition in industrial manufacturing and enabling real-time control of coating and pretreatment processes. Featuring a presentation by Luca Kuhlmann (Schäfter + Kirchhoff GmbH) on AI-assisted adhesion testing.

Quality Inspection and Defect Detection

Automated detection of coating defects using deep learning and computer vision – even with limited training data. The program will also cover AI-assisted corrosion inspection. Including a presentation by Prof. Dr. Evgeniya Kabliman (Leibniz Institute for Materials-Oriented Technologies – IWT Bremen) on computational materials design.

Hands-on Experience and Current Trends

Get hands-on experience with Fraunhofer's on-premises AI infrastructure. Use your own smartphone to test AI applications, such as analyzing the corrosion condition of a surface based on your own photo.

The event will conclude with insights into opportunities for collaboration and current research trends.

Preliminary Program

Additional Program

For participants arriving early, we offer a guided tour of Fraunhofer IFAM from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. before the event begins, focusing on surface technology. You will gain insights into current research projects and see a demonstration at the VOLD Coating Center.

Who Should Attend?

The forum is aimed at anyone who is already using AI in their company or considering its introduction and wants to learn more about the opportunities and risks of AI in surface technology.

What You Will Take Away

• A solid understanding of how AI works and what it can achieve
• Concrete examples of applications from research and industry
• Ideas for the profitable use of AI in your own company
• Direct exchange with experts and fellow professionals