New “Engineering Automation” High-Performance Center: AI-supported development for small and medium-sized enterprises

The focus was on specific application examples from research and industry that illustrated how AI technologies accelerate the development of technical systems and make them more efficient. Whether in the automated formulation of requirements, automated code generation for robot systems, or intelligent assistance systems in manufacturing: AI is fundamentally transforming engineering activities. These solutions are no longer a technology of the future — they are already usable and often economically advantageous. In his keynote speech, Jörg Jeschin from Phoenix Contact posed the exciting question of whether generative AI already represents the key to the next revolution in automation technology. Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jürgen Jasperneite, Director of the Fraunhofer Institute in Lemgo, put it this way in his welcome address: “At SmartFactoryOWL, we work together to implement real-world applications from industry in a practical manner.”

From pilot project to practical application

The potential of artificial intelligence in engineering has long been a reality. The application examples presented make this clear. It also became apparent that many of the companies present have already taken their first steps towards using AI. Recurring tasks are being automated, data is being linked intelligently, and processes are being optimized. “The scope of the changes is enormous,” says Prof. Dr.-Ing. Roman Dumitrescu, Director at Fraunhofer IEM. “AI-supported assistants are fundamentally changing development and creating new opportunities for companies to increase efficiency, ensure quality, and innovate faster.” Companies in the region can benefit from the expertise of the High-Performance Center and implement concrete solutions. The center combines the expertise of Fraunhofer IEM, Fraunhofer IOSB-INA, the University of Paderborn, the University of Bielefeld, and the OWL University of Applied Sciences in Lemgo to quickly translate current research results into industrial applications. For medium-sized companies in particular, the collaboration offers low-threshold access to state-of-the-art AI technology for development.

AI accelerates innovation – if companies act now

The key message of the event at SmartFactoryOWL was that investing in AI-based solutions today will immediately increase productivity and make companies fit for the future. This is already evident in many areas: artificial intelligence can automatically generate control and application code and makes complex development tools easier to use. In production, smart technologies ensure flexible manufacturing processes and more efficient use of resources. New opportunities are also opening up in service, for example through better system monitoring and predictive maintenance. But many companies are asking themselves: How and where to start? The experts at the Fraunhofer Institutes offer practical support in this area: from live demonstrations and workshops on recording and planning AI-supported processes, to individual consultations and the implementation of AI assistants. This allows interested companies to benefit directly and take action. During the lab tour of SmartFactoryOWL, which focused on AI engineering, participants were able to discuss specific technical solutions that have already been implemented with the help of AI.  

Invitation to dialogue

Companies that were unable to attend the event are warmly invited to connect with the AI experts at the High-Performance Center to explore potential applications within their own organizations. The offering ranges from an initial exchange of ideas to the joint development of concrete projects and the implementation of tailored solutions. Prof. Jürgen Jasperneite, Head of Fraunhofer IOSB-INA, emphasizes: “We provide hands-on insights into how companies can benefit from AI and focus precisely on where the greatest leverage lies.” Through such collaboration opportunities and a wide range of specialist events, the Leistungszentrum strengthens innovation in the OWL region and prepares companies for a successful digital future. Interested companies can contact Dr. Gesa Benndorf (gesa.benndorf@iosb-ina.fraunhofer.de) and Dr.-Ing. Christian Fechtelpeter (christian.fechtelpeter@iem.fraunhofer.de) for further information.