Cognitive Automation

The Cognitive Automation research group at Fraunhofer IOSB-INA in Lemgo develops innovative solutions for intelligent automation and adaptive control systems. Our focus is on the fusion of machine learning, AI-based control technology and modern sensor technology to enable machines to adapt flexibly to new situations and act collaboratively with humans.

Main research areas include:

• Planar drive systems & path optimization: Intelligent product transport, matrix production and neural control technology for precise movements.
• Low-cost robotics for SMEs: Cost-efficient automation solutions with low investment costs.
• Imitation learning & cognitive controls: AI-supported automation that can learn new tasks by imitating human movements.
• Safe reinforcement learning: Optimization of production capacities through adaptive learning algorithms.
• Neural control technology & control systems: High-speed control, energy efficiency improvement and manufacturing tolerance compensation through AI.

Our goal is to enable companies to fully exploit the possibilities of cognitive automation - from intelligent assembly and flexible production concepts to energy-efficient control strategies.

What is cognitive automation?

Cognitive automation combines artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and sensor-based perception to give automated systems greater autonomy and adaptability. In contrast to traditional automation solutions, which rely on predefined processes, cognitive systems can adapt their strategies to the situation, correct errors independently and learn new tasks through interaction with humans. Image-processing systems, deep learning models and advanced control algorithms play a central role in this.

Our research aims to establish machines not just as tools, but as adaptive partners in production and logistics environments. This enables flexible automation concepts that are also economically feasible for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Workshops & training courses - your entry into cognitive automation

Our workshops teach the basics of intelligent automation, from theoretical principles to practical applications. Participants learn how to effectively combine modern sensor technology, AI-supported algorithms and adaptive control systems. Through interactive exercises and practical demonstrations, you will gain an in-depth understanding of the possibilities and limitations of cognitive automation. Our training courses are aimed both at companies that want to take their first steps in cognitive automation and at specialists who want to deepen their knowledge.
 

Individual advice - customized automation solutions for your processes

Every company has specific requirements for automation solutions. We analyze your existing processes, identify potential for optimization and develop tailor-made concepts for the integration of cognitive automation systems. In doing so, we not only consider technical aspects, but also economic factors such as return on investment (ROI), scalability and amortization times. Our consulting services range from concept development to support during implementation - always with the aim of realizing efficient, secure and economical solutions.
 

Building in-house expertise - creating skills for the future

The key to sustainable automation lies in the qualifications of your employees. We support you in building up in-house expertise by developing practical training courses and training concepts that are specifically tailored to your requirements. We place particular emphasis on user-friendly programming so that even non-technical employees can operate and adapt cognitive automation systems. Our aim is to provide you with the tools you need to develop your automation strategy independently in the long term.
 

Development & implementation - from the idea to the ready-to-use solution

We support you from the initial idea to the fully implemented automation solution. With the help of rapid prototyping, we develop test systems with which new concepts can be evaluated quickly and cost-effectively. We then take over the fine-tuning and integration into your production environment - including safety assessments, interface development and system optimization. This results in state-of-the-art, intelligent automation solutions that integrate seamlessly into existing processes.
 

Cost-efficient hardware & software - smart solutions for every budget

Automation doesn't have to be expensive! We will show you how powerful solutions can be realized with low-cost automation systems, open source software and affordable hardware. Thanks to intelligent software architectures and modular hardware systems, we can develop customized solutions with minimal investment. For SMEs in particular, this opens up new opportunities to implement automation economically without having to forego innovative technologies.