Press Releases

The Fraunhofer Institute for Microelectronic Circuits and Systems IMS is continuing to expand its AI expertise: Since September Dr. Roman Seidel has been heading the new “Generative AI Technology” group in the core competence area of Embedded Software & AI. The aim is to pick up on the latest developments in this key technology at an early stage and translate them into application-oriented solutions for industry and society.

Many people struggle with persistent symptoms after a coronavirus infection. The KoVit project aims to help them: a new app that combines contactless vital sign monitoring and a digital symptom diary is designed to document health data easily, continuously, and reliably. The final stage of the project will begin in October with a clinical trial.

The ALBACOPTER®, the result of a flagship project by the Fraunhofer Society, successfully completed its maiden flight in August 2025 at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) National Test Center for Unmanned Aerial Systems in Cochstedt. Representatives of the participating Fraunhofer Institutes, the Fraunhofer Society, and partner companies celebrated this success on September 17 at the Karlsruhe Research Factory, took stock, and outlined findings and conclusions for future aviation projects.

Artificial intelligence, quantum technology and sustainable microelectronics: at the MicroSystem Technology (MST) Congress 2025 in Duisburg, Fraunhofer IMS will demonstrate how today's research solutions are shaping the technologies of tomorrow. Through the involvement of Institute Director Prof. Dr. Anton Grabmaier in the congress management, Fraunhofer IMS is also helping to shape the direction of the MST Congress at a strategic level.

The rapid increase in antibiotic-resistant bacteria is one of the most pressing challenges facing global health. A new transatlantic Fraunhofer research project aims to counter these threats with an innovative diagnostic approach: a microfluidic rapid test system using carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) will make bacterial resistance visible in just a few minutes, significantly faster than conventional methods.

Under the motto “Bridging Science and Industry,” the Terahertz Sensor Technology Center – a joint initiative of the Fraunhofer Institute for Microelectronic Circuits and Systems IMS and the Fraunhofer Institute for High Frequency Physics and Radar Techniques FHR – will host a high-profile workshop in Duisburg on December 1–2, 2025. The event will focus on current developments in terahertz sensing 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.