Applied Research · Humanoid Robotics · Industrial Automation

Fraunhofer IPA

Applied research in humanoid robotics, industrial automation, robot assistance systems, and simulation. 50 years of robotics experience in Germany.

Humanoid Robotics Industrial Automation Robot Simulation Assistance Systems

About Fraunhofer IPA

Fraunhofer IPA (Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation) is one of Europe's leading applied research organizations in robotics and automation. With 50 years of experience in robotics, the institute develops innovative robot and assistance systems for industrial and service applications.

The research department "Automation and Robotics" designs robots and automation solutions for industrial applications and the service sector. Key technologies are developed and implemented into innovative industrial robots, service robots, and intelligent machines.

For humanoid robotics, Fraunhofer IPA provides critical applied research: system concepts, feasibility studies, robot simulation, material flow simulation, prototype development, robot measurement, and existing system optimization. Their work bridges the gap between research and industrial deployment.

Research Focus: Automation & Robotics

Industrial Robots

Development and optimization of industrial robot systems for manufacturing, assembly, and material handling applications.

Manufacturing Assembly Material Handling

Service Robots

Development of service robots for healthcare, hospitality, logistics, and public spaces — including human-robot interaction research.

Healthcare Logistics Public Spaces

Intelligent Machines

Integration of AI, sensor technology, and control systems into intelligent production machinery.

AI Integration Sensor Technology

Assistance Systems

Development of robot-based assistance systems for human-robot collaboration and worker support.

Human-Robot Collaboration Worker Support

Services for Humanoid Robotics

System Concepts

Concept development for humanoid robot deployments

Feasibility Studies

Technical and economic viability analysis

Robot Simulation

Simulation of robot systems and components

Material Flow Simulation

Optimization of production and logistics flows

Prototype Development

Building and testing functional prototypes

Requirements Engineering

Creation of specifications and requirement documents

Robot Measurement

Precision measurement of robots and systems

System Optimization

Optimization of existing robot systems

Fraunhofer IPA's Role in Humanoid Robotics

As one of Europe's leading applied research organizations, Fraunhofer IPA plays a crucial role in advancing humanoid robotics:

  • Validation Methodology — Developing methods to validate humanoid robots in industrial environments
  • Safety Standards — Contributing to ISO standards for human-robot collaboration
  • Technology Transfer — Bridging research and commercial deployment
  • Simulation Expertise — Advanced simulation for humanoid robot validation

"Multidisciplinary teams, a unique network, comprehensive know-how, and well-equipped laboratories and workshops are combined in our range of services."

Target Groups & Collaboration

Robot Users

Support for companies that use or want to deploy robot systems — from concept to implementation.

System Integrators

Development partner for system integrators seeking new technologies and solutions.

Component Manufacturers

Partnership for developing and validating new robot components and technologies.

Research Partners

Collaboration on publicly funded research projects and joint innovation initiatives.

Fraunhofer IPA at the Advanced Humanoid Forum 2027

Fraunhofer IPA will present applied research in humanoid robotics at the forum:

  • Validation methodology for humanoid robots in industrial environments
  • Robot simulation and material flow simulation showcase
  • Assistance systems for human-robot collaboration
  • Research partnership opportunities

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fraunhofer IPA's role in humanoid robotics?

Fraunhofer IPA conducts applied research in humanoid robotics, including system concepts, feasibility studies, robot simulation, prototype development, and validation methodologies for industrial deployment.

What services does Fraunhofer IPA offer for robot users?

Fraunhofer IPA supports robot users with system concepts, feasibility studies, robot simulation, material flow simulation, prototype development, requirements engineering, robot measurement, and system optimization.

How can companies collaborate with Fraunhofer IPA?

Companies can collaborate with Fraunhofer IPA as robot users, system integrators, component manufacturers, or research partners — through direct project collaboration or publicly funded research initiatives.

What is Fraunhofer IPA's experience in robotics?

Fraunhofer IPA has 50 years of experience in robotics and automation, with multidisciplinary teams, a unique network, comprehensive know-how, and well-equipped laboratories and workshops.

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