The Fraunhofer Institute for Reliability and Microintegration IZM has set itself the goal of translating autonomous technologies from research into industrial applications. In doing so, it draws on its expertise in the miniaturization and integration of complex electronic systems.
At Fraunhofer IZM, the focus has traditionally been on the development of highly integrated electronic systems and their reliable operation under real-world conditions. As part of the microelectronics research within the Fraunhofer Society and the Research Factory Microelectronics Germany, the institute works on key technologies designed to secure Europe’s technological competitiveness. In this context, the Research Factory plays a central role within the European microelectronics strategy: It was selected as the hosting entity for one of the five European pilot lines, whose goal is to provide state-of-the-art integration processes along the entire value chain—from chip design and system integration to product-near validation. “This gives European companies access to state-of-the-art development and manufacturing environments that can significantly accelerate innovation,” explains Erik Jung, a researcher from the Strategic Business Development team.
Autonomous Systems
Autonomous systems constitute an important area of application for research at Fraunhofer IZM. “Many discussions surrounding autonomy focus heavily on software and artificial intelligence (AI). We, on the other hand, specifically focus on the hardware side,” emphasizes Jung. This is because, unlike traditional IT systems, many autonomous devices cannot rely on cloud infrastructures on a permanent basis. Drones, mobile robots, or distributed sensor systems must perform their data processing and decision-making logic directly on the device. “This places high demands on compact, energy-efficient, and at the same time powerful hardware platforms,” says the scientist.
Delivery drones
As an example, he cites the development of autonomous delivery drones, which require a variety of functions such as navigation and route tracking, obstacle detection, control of the propulsion systems, and sensor technology for environmental and position data. In conventional solutions, this functionality is often implemented using compact computing platforms. At Fraunhofer IZM, the challenge lies in drastically miniaturizing these functions and integrating them into highly integrated system solutions. “Our goal is to integrate sensors, control electronics, and actuators in such a way that they occupy no more space than a matchbox, without compromising performance. At the same time, these systems must operate reliably under extremely varied environmental conditions, whether in arctic temperatures, tropical humidity, or under heavy mechanical stress during flight operations,” Jung describes the challenge.
The technologies required for this are developed in the institute’s own technology park, where various integration processes as well as assembly and connection techniques are combined. Here, electronic components, sensors, and high-frequency elements are integrated into high-density system architectures. The application fields of these technologies extend far beyond autonomous aircraft. Fraunhofer IZM collaborates across industries with partners from medical technology, the automotive industry, and aerospace.
Collaboration with Industry Partners
The institute’s strategic business development also aims to bring together technological possibilities and industrial needs. “Companies often approach us with specific development challenges. These requirements give rise to customized research and development projects in which new integration solutions are developed and prototyped,” Jung explains the process.
The presentation at XPONENTIAL Europe as part of the IVAM joint booth therefore serves not only to showcase individual technologies but, above all, to foster dialogue with potential users. “Many companies are not yet fully aware of the possibilities of modern microintegration. Through demonstrators and examples, we want to show how sensor technology, high-frequency technology, and control electronics can be combined in extremely compact systems,” says Jung.
Author: Sonja Buske
