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Under the motto »Bridging Science and Industry«, the Fraunhofer Institute for Microelectronic Circuits and Systems IMS and the Fraunhofer Institute for High Frequency Physics and Radar Technology FHR are hosting a high-profile workshop in Duisburg on December 1 and 2, 2025. The focus will be on current developments in terahertz sensor technology and photonic integrated circuits (PIC).

The future of artificial intelligence is coming to Duisburg: On September 16, 2025, the Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence Duisburg (ZaKI.D) is hosting its second AI StartUp Festival. The event is part of ruhrSTARTUPWEEK and brings together visionary founders, experts, and talented individuals under the motto »AI start-ups for a sustainable economy!«

For four decades, the Fraunhofer Institute for Microelectronic Circuits and Systems IMS has been shaping microelectronics research in Germany and worldwide. Today, the institute brings light to chips, sensor technology to tissue, and intelligence to machines. And it does so with technologies whose applications range from implants to industrial systems.

Targeted nerve stimulation instead of drugs: With the kick-off of the PREPARE project DUSTIN, a promising research alliance for the visionary treatment of autoimmune diseases is starting its work. Four Fraunhofer Institutes are pooling their expertise to develop a miniaturized, battery-free implant that communicates and is powered by ultrasound. The project is receiving €3.5 million in funding.

Detecting microplastics and identifying plant pests at an early stage – this and much more can now be done thanks to a new method based on near-infrared light measurements. It is inexpensive and works in real time.

In order to avoid overloading the power grid, a project funded by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology (BMWi) developed a sensor system supported by an AI that was tested in the distribution network of the Haßfurt municipal utility company in a pilot project.

Successful completion: With a meeting of the ZaKI.D project team and the company Häuser & Co. GmbH on March 7, 2025, the first implementation project KIMETRO of the Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence (ZaKI.D) was successfully completed. The team, led by Ole Werger, made significant progress in the automated processing of metal pipes using artificial intelligence (AI).

An important milestone in the PowerCare project: the prototype for intelligent e-drives in industry was presented for the first time at the third advisory board meeting at the Fraunhofer Institute for Microelectronic Circuits and Systems. The innovative system is intended to enable real-time health monitoring of electric motors and thus help to prevent failures and increase energy efficiency.

Duisburg, 06.02.2025 - Effective January 31, 2025, Prof. Karsten Seidl, Head of the Health Business Unit at the Fraunhofer Institute for Microelectronic Circuits and Systems (IMS), will assume the chairmanship of the German Society for Biomedical Engineering within VDE (VDE DGBMT). The election took place on January 30, 2025. In this role, Prof. Seidl will actively shape the strategic direction of DGBMT and drive the advancement of biomedical engineering in Germany.

The Fraunhofer lighthouse project ALBACOPTER® is setting new standards in aviation technology. As part of the project, an innovative ‘smart propeller’ has been developed that enables predictive condition monitoring of propulsion systems. The technology offers promising approaches for broad industrial application.