Fraunhofer Institute for Factory Operation
and Automation IFF

Fraunhofer Institute for Factory Operation
and Automation IFF

© Fraunhofer IFF, Anne Bornkessel

Your production faster, safer, more efficient.

We digitize and automate processes—from the initial feasibility analysis to the application-ready solution in your factory. Want to learn more? About our departments:

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© Fraunhofer IFF, Anne Bornkessel

© Fraunhofer IFF, Andreas Süß

From idea to series production

We bring research into your production: with digital assistance systems, robotics, logistics solutions, secure energy systems, and future-proof work systems. Our goal: less downtime, stable processes, lower costs.

Our departments:

Industrial Metrology and Digital Assistance

Inline-capable measurement systems and automation deliver real-time data, ensure process capability, and reduce quality costs—directly integrable into your line and IT.

Ensuring process quality

Robotic Systems

HRC-capable robotics solutions for production, medicine, care, and critical infrastructures—flexibly adapted to automate processes more safely, efficiently, and with future viability.

Integrate robotics securely

Human-Centered Systems

Technologies for ergonomic and safe workplaces with digital assistance solutions—reducing the workload on your employees and increasing productivity and quality.

Improve workplaces

Logistics and Factory Systems

Consistent planning and networking of production and logistics—to speed up material flows, increase flexibility in your factory, and improve transparency on the shop floor.

Optimize factory processes

Energy Systems and Infrastructures

Smart energy systems and digital tools for load management and storage—for a reliable, efficient, and climate-friendly supply across all sectors.

Securing energy supplies

Contact and Inquiries

Whether you have a specific project idea or are just looking for initial guidance, we will find the right solution for your needs.

Get an initial assessment from our experts—quickly and easily.

Contact us

Knowledge and solutions for your practice

 

© Fraunhofer IFF

Intelligent Disassembly of Electronics for Remanufacturing and Recycling

In the iDeaR project, we are developing solutions for the efficient dismantling of electronic equipment and for the remanufacturing and recycling of materials. We want to ensure that raw materials are not wasted and that valuable resources are kept in circulation for longer.

Intelligent disassembly of electronics

Press Info

ALL PRESS RELEASES

29.6.2026

Fraunhofer AISEC and IOSB are Security Partners for Secure Data Exchange in the Semiconductor-X Project

An industry consortium comprised of Intel, Infineon, Siemens, SAP and Bosch will develop a joint data room infrastructure for semiconductor manufacturing by September in the Semiconductor-X project, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE). The Fraunhofer Institute for Applied and Integrated Security (AISEC) and the Fraunhofer Institute for Optronics, System Technologies and Image Exploitation (IOSB) have now joined the consortium as cybersecurity partners and are developing a road map for secure data rooms. The goal is to enable companies to exchange sensitive production and process data securely along the value chain. The results are also intended to support other Manufacturing-X initiatives.
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18.3.2026

Energy sharing will be practicable as of June 2026

The new section 42c of the Energy Industry Act operationalizes energy sharing in Germany as of June 1, 2026. For the first time, it establishes regulatory standards that will even enable local and industrial energy communities to use renewable energies jointly. In the FlexBIT research project, the Fraunhofer Institute for Factory Operation and Automation IFF is developing specific digital solutions to transfer these new capabilities for the automated manufacturer of tomorrow into industrial practice.
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17.3.2026

Use-Case Lab Enables Rapid Proof-of-Concept for Robotic Refurbishment of Parts

The Fraunhofer Institute for Factory Operation and Automation IFF and Rolls-Royce Solutions Magdeburg GmbH have successfully completed a joint automation project. The objective of the project was to automate a process of cleaning connecting rods for reuse in fully overhauled engines. The project is a prime example of needs-driven technology transfer against the backdrop of industry’s transformation into a circular economy.
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23.1.2026

Reliable, Adaptable Robotics for Industry: Fraunhofer IFF Is Releasing an Important Case Study in the EU Project RoboSAPIENS

The European research project RoboSAPIENS is reaching its first important milestone. The consortium funded by the EU’s Horizon Europe program is developing self-adapting software for robots with the objective of enabling robots to respond flexibly to changing environments while guaranteeing safe and trustworthy collaboration with humans. Fraunhofer IFF’s case study is now available.
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Your partner for intelligent production

We support companies in making factory operations and automation more efficient, safer, and more sustainable, and accompany manufacturing companies on their path to intelligent production. We are a technology partner for the planning, development, equipping, and operation of work, production, and logistics systems, as well as their supporting infrastructures. Our departments cover the entire life cycle of products and industrial production systems. We design work systems in which humans and machines work together. We combine these work systems to form efficient production and logistics systems and network them with each other and their environment via intelligent infrastructures.

Direct access and information for ...

 

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Companies and business customers

Application-oriented solutions for your production—from initial analysis to integration into existing systems.

Implementing solutions together
 

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Scientists and doctoral candidates

Research with impact: Work on industrial and collaborative projects at the interface between science and application.

Help shape research
 

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Students

Internships, theses, dual study programs, or jobs as research assistants—join us in real research and industry projects.

Discover opportunities
 

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Media and public relations

Latest news, press releases, images, and background information on our research and development work, projects, and events.

Communicating research

Our locations

© Fraunhofer IFF, Viktoria Kühne

Fraunhofer IFF
at Sandtorstrasse

Sandtorstrasse 22
39106 Magdeburg, Germany

Phone +49 391 4090-0
Fax +49 391 4090-596
ideen(at)iff.fraunhofer.de

© Fraunhofer IFF, Viktoria Kühne

Elbfabrik of the Fraunhofer IFF
at Port of Science

Joseph-von-Fraunhofer-Strasse 1
39106 Magdeburg, Germany

Direct line to our experts

Would you like to clarify a specific issue or receive an initial assessment of your project?

Our department heads are experienced contacts who are available to assist you and work with you to develop tailor-made solutions.

Talk directly to experts