About the Fraunhofer IFF

Welcome!

We are a technology and research partner for the manufacturing industry. Fraunhofer IFF supports companies in making their production processes resilient, competitive, and climate-neutral—through application-oriented research, digital solutions, and practical automation. We have set ourselves the goal of contributing to sustainable development through our research, in the spirit of an ecologically sound, economically successful, and socially balanced “Industry 4.0”.

Our Mission

We tackle the major challenges of industrial transformation. Together with our partners, we develop technologies, digital tools, and sustainable business models that secure value creation and generate social added value.

Technology for People

We approach digitalization and automation with a human-centered focus. Systems support employees, enhance safety and skills, and create opportunities for quality and decision-making autonomy.

Energy, Production, Logistics: A Holistic Approach

Our teams of scientists have been conducting research for many years on future-oriented topics such as the energy and climate transition, augmented and virtual reality, the safe use of robots, digital twins, and artificial intelligence—long before these technologies became widely adopted.

We view industrial value creation as a holistic system—from energy supply to machinery and processes to logistics. Our solutions aim for closed-loop systems, harmonized interfaces, reliable quality assurance, and maximum resource efficiency.

Cutting-edge technology for small and medium-sized enterprises

Today, our customers come to us to prepare for future challenges and to develop efficient, humane, and sustainable solutions together with us. Whether a large corporation or an SME, with customized and scalable technologies, we meet every company where it stands on its path to Industry 4.0. Together, we analyze existing structures, identify the right technology, develop the appropriate software, and integrate everything into holistic, intelligent solutions. This is how we make cutting-edge technology accessible to SMEs as well.

In doing so, we view technologies and processes through our customers’ eyes and anticipate developments 10 or more years in advance.

We work on contract research, collaborative projects, and funded initiatives. Whether you’re an SME or a large corporation: We meet you where you are and develop solutions that fit your organization, your market, and your workforce.

The goal isn’t the “Next Big Thing”, but solutions that deliver results in the field: shorter ramp-up times, consistent quality, lower unit costs, and measurably reduced emissions.

The Elbfabrik – Space for the Future

Our research and demonstration facility, the Elbfabrik, is located in Magdeburg’s Wissenschaftshafen. There, we integrate hardware labs with digital development environments. Companies test new technologies under real-world conditions, further develop use cases, and prepare for the transition to production. The Elbfabrik is also a hub for collaboration with industry, universities, and startups.

Take a 360° tour of the Elbfabrik

Visit us virtually and explore our labs and technical facilities on an interactive tour of the Fraunhofer IFF’s Elbfabrik—our research facility for sustainable value creation.

For full screen: Depending on your device, right-click with the mouse or double-tap or long-press on the tour and select »Full Screen«. Note: Information in the virtual tour is provided in German.