Fraunhofer IOSB launches three humanoid robot labs in Germany

The Fraunhofer Institute for Optronics, System Technology and Image Exploitation (IOSB) has opened three experimental laboratories for humanoid robots at its sites in Karlsruhe, Lemgo and Ilmenau. The labs invite companies, municipalities and public‑service organisations to test the technology, explore realistic use cases and assess safety and technical limits. Each location focuses on different sectors: Karlsruhe on unstructured, safety‑critical environments such as defence and disaster relief; Lemgo on industrial automation and handling tasks; Ilmenau on agricultural assistance, municipal services and critical infrastructure.

In a related effort, Fraunhofer research centres together with Audi Sport have established a real‑world laboratory in the Böllinger Höfe plant to evaluate AI‑based computer‑vision and mobile robotic solutions for the manual picking process in car production. The test setup reproduces the logistics “supermarket” used for assembling vehicle parts, allowing researchers and workers to assess how autonomous knick‑arm robots and AI can reduce errors, improve parts supply and alleviate physical strain for employees.

Both initiatives aim to turn theoretical robot and AI concepts into practical, usable applications across industry, agriculture and public safety.