Our Engineering Automation team brings together leading minds from AI and engineering research and is part of a strong ecosystem for AI in engineering. Together with companies and in collaborations, we develop practical solutions based on sound research that specifically address current challenges in product development.
We see engineering automation as a shared mission – from the initial idea to sustainable integration. We are open to collaborations for automation with AI in engineering and contribute our application-oriented engineering expertise as a reliable partner in joint projects – for everyone who wants to help shape the future of engineering. We are shaping engineering automation!
With our Engineering Automation Performance Centre, we are rethinking and redesigning engineering with our AI expertise – in an interdisciplinary, solution-oriented, data-driven, automated and AI-supported manner. Our goal is to significantly accelerate development processes, increase efficiency and open up new paths of innovation for companies.
This is not about short-term trends, but about profound change in product development: the consistent fusion of classic engineering methods with AI technologies. In the long term, we strive for solutions that seamlessly integrate AI into engineering – for continuous data flows and self-organizing development processes in which AI agents actively participate.
This transformation is at the heart of our Engineering Automation mission: to work with partners from our ecosystem for AI in engineering to develop scalable approaches that solve real-world challenges and position East Westphalia-Lippe as a pioneering region for AI in engineering.
Artificial intelligence has long been part of our everyday lives: voice assistants, translations, product recommendations and route planners show how naturally we use it. In industry, it is already increasing efficiency, for example through smart production planning, automated documentation and predictive maintenance.
However, global competitive pressure, growing complexity and a shortage of skilled workers are challenging companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises. To secure innovative strength and accelerate development processes, scientifically sound, practical and scalable approaches are needed. Generative AI opens up completely new possibilities here: it changes the way we interact with digital systems, takes on complex tasks and noticeably shortens innovation cycles.
With AI expertise, innovative spirit and implementation strength, we work as a reliable partner with companies to develop solutions that make the use of AI in development processes tangible, efficient and productive. Our work does not end in the laboratory: we transfer sound research results on AI in engineering into concrete applications, thus making development processes fit for the future.
Companies that invest in AI-based solutions increase productivity, shorten development times, and strengthen competitiveness. AI already generates control and application code, supports requirements gathering, optimizes system architectures, and simplifies the use of complex development tools.
Despite this potential, many companies are hesitant to deploy AI across the board. Often, there is a lack of clear strategies, defined areas of application, a robust database, interfaces, or digitized processes. Uncertainties caused by new regulations and reservations among the workforce also slow down implementation. Many projects remain in pilot status and never reach productive operation.
This is exactly where our AI expertise comes in: we meet companies where they are – from initial entry and competence building to strategy development, implementation, and scaling of projects. Together with partners from industry and research, we develop methodologically sound, practical solutions that bring AI into everyday development and thus create measurable added value.
Whether medium-sized businesses or large corporations: We support our partners from the initial idea through the prototype to the successful integration of AI solutions into development.
Our goal is clear: to take engineering automation from potential and initial pilot projects into productive use. In this way, we create the basis for companies to recognize AI as a real competitive advantage in development and to use it effectively.
The greatest leverage here lies not in building proprietary AI models, but in the targeted use of available technologies and solutions integrated into specific engineering processes. This allows resources to be used more efficiently and gives developers more freedom for creative, value-adding tasks.
We work with companies to identify suitable areas of application, create the necessary data and system requirements, and implement AI solutions in a sustainable manner. With this consistent integration, we not only advance individual projects, but also make entire development processes future-proof – and strengthen East Westphalia-Lippe as a leading region for AI in engineering.
Combining AI, digitalization, and existing engineering systems.
through targeted automation along the development chain.
Establishing OWL as a beacon for engineering automation.
through new platforms, partnerships, and concrete projects with companies.
with a focus on data integration, digital twins, and AI-supported co-pilots.
Artificial intelligence is fundamentally changing traditional development approaches. To successfully shape this change, we need experts who combine a deep understanding of systems, domain-specific knowledge, and practical development experience with the targeted use of state-of-the-art AI technologies.
The Engineering Automation team consists of AI and engineering experts who work in a practical manner and rely on application-oriented engineering expertise. Our claim: tailor-made solutions, technically excellently implemented, that meet the requirements of companies and deliver tangible added value in everyday development. We bring curiosity, creativity, and the courage to try out new ideas and take unusual paths. Our practical, application-oriented engineering expertise flows into every AI-supported automation project in engineering.
For companies, networks, and research partners, cooperation is crucial in order to keep pace with the speed and diversity of AI development. In East Westphalia-Lippe, this culture has been practiced for years: the technology network it's OWL has created a unique innovation ecosystem, supported by cutting-edge research, the strength of small and medium-sized companies, and open cooperation.
As an Engineering Automation Performance Centre, we are building on this foundation and seizing the opportunity to showcase intelligent technologies in product development as a beacon. We pool regional expertise, accelerate technology transfer, and live our mission of engineering automation: putting AI solutions into practice together with partners.
As an integrative platform, we connect user companies, networks, start-ups, research institutions, and technology providers. For our partners, this means access to relevant expertise, strong contacts, and innovative technologies. Together, we develop needs-based AI solutions that make development processes more efficient, flexible, and future-proof.
Let's work together to find out how we can advance your development processes with AI and engineering automation. Whether as a project partner, network player, or source of ideas—we look forward to hearing from you.
Geschäftsstellenleitung
Fraunhofer-Institut für Entwurfstechnik Mechatronik IEM
Zukunftsmeile 1
33102 Paderborn
Telefon +49 5251 5465-267
Geschäftsstellenleitung
Fraunhofer IOSB-INA
Campusallee 1
32657 Lemgo
Telefon +49 5261 942 90 – 48
