Fraunhofer Institute for Cognitive Systems IKS
Fraunhofer Institute for Cognitive Systems IKS
Automation systems
© iStock.com/gorodenkoff

© iStock.com/gorodenkoff

Key Visual des Safe Intelligence Day: Fokus Automation
© Fraunhofer IKS

Safe Intelligence Day

Safety and flexibility in production – a contradiction? Not at all. We will show you how you can have both and achieve higher profits. Register now for the Safe Intelligence Day on February 5, 2026!

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© Fraunhofer IKS

Automation Systems

Elevating Manufacturing

Enabling AI-Driven Automation and Human Expertise for Unmatched Quality and Efficiency

In manufacturing, greater automation is crucial to ensure increasing productivity while meeting quality and efficiency of production processes. Our vision is for automation techniques to complement human expertise, leveraging the strengths from both perspectives to achieve the best possible outcome. To achieve this, we focus on the following two areas in the context of automation systems:

  • Flexible Automation
  • Reliable Human Centered Automation

Invitation to the Safe Intelligence Day 2026

Safely using AI in automation

Safety and flexibility in production – a contradiction? Not at all. We will show you how you can have both and achieve higher profits. Artificial intelligence plays a decisive role in this. We will demonstrate this on February 5, 2026, at our Safe Intelligence Day with a focus on automation at Fraunhofer IKS in Munich. (This event will be held in German.)

More information and registration

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Revolutionizing Flexibility: Flexilient Automation

Adaptive Automation Solutions for Agile and Resilient Production Systems

We adapt production systems so that they can respond quickly and efficiently to dynamic requirements. This includes the implementation of adaptive automation solutions that enable retooling and adaptation to make the production process more flexible and resilient. At its core, flexilient automation works by applying a feedback loop that continuously monitors and analyzes the current state of the production line. Then, if necessary, the system’s behavior is modified to ensure that its performance remains as good as possible.

We recommend combining strategies at different levels to successfully establish a flexilient system. From an architectural perspective, a design that encourages modularity and a high degree of self-organization is ideal, as it provides a good foundation for recombining the system functionality into new behaviors. For modelling the physical production line, it is advantageous to build digital twins that mirror the current state of machinery, as this improves the availability of monitoring data. Additionally, Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques can be applied to assist with the modification of the system’s behavior, including automated code generation and other engineering aids.

Empowering Efficiency: Reliable Human Centered Automation

Tailored Automation Solutions for Enhanced Human-Machine Collaboration in Manufacturing

We ensure that automation systems in the manufacturing industry interact closely with the users’ needs and capabilities to increase efficiency. Advanced AI algorithms and machine learning enable the automated adaptation of processes according to individual user preferences and behaviors. We offer a variety of services to implement these solutions, including consulting on the use of digital twins, support for integrating AI into the smart factory and the development of innovative concepts for digitizing processes at various levels of production.

To accurately respond during human-machine interactions, we recommend the creation of human models to capture the behavior of workers in the production line. This is advantageous because it allows the system to contextually adapt its responses to people, ensuring their safety and supporting their productivity. Likewise, the behavior of robots that interact with workers should be thoroughly mapped to determine the best response for each situation.

Our Offerings

How we address your customer questions and provide high-value solutions:

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Our Solutions

Within the areas of flexilient automation and reliable human centered automation, we concentrate on the following themes:

Transforming Automation: Unleashing the Power of Robust Software Engineering for Next-Gen Production Systems

In addition to approaching automation challenges from the perspective of robotics and of the machinery on the shop floor the Automation Systems (AS) department supports the creation of robust software engineering solutions for running production systems. This is achieved through:

  • Architectural analysis and design for complex systems, including in-house workshops and comprehensive reports. 
  • Implementation of DevOps practices tailored to specific automation domains.
  • Implementation of prototypes, along with custom software development projects.
  • Software engineering for AI production systems, integration of AI while meeting quality and safety requirements.
  • Simulation and evaluation of complex production software systems.
     

These offerings span all phases of the software development lifecycle, contributing to the successful creation of software automation solutions.

Contact us now

Contact us without obligation using the contact form below. We look forward to receiving your message and will get back to you as soon as possible.

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