Fraunhofer-Institute for Production Systems and Design Technology IPK
The Fraunhofer Institute for Production Systems and Design Technology (IPK) is part of the Fraunhofer Gesellschaft, the leading organization for institutes of applied research in Europe, undertaking contract research on behalf of industry, the service sector and the government. In the public sector, the organization undertakes future-oriented research projects which contribute to the development of innovations in spheres of major public concern and in key technologies. Primary focus of Fraunhofer Gesellschaft is to transfer this basic innovations into practical applications for industrial and public-sector customers.
The Fraunhofer IPK is one of leading institutes for applied research and developments in future-oriented technologies for processes in factories and service companies. A key aspect of the Institute's work is to develop methods and processes to improve productivity of manufacturing systems in all phases of their life cycle. In detail the Fraunhofer IPK conducts research in areas of product development, the production process and the organization of enterprises. At the core of its research activities are technologies to improve the productivity and sustainability of developing and manufacturing products and their adaptation into system solutions. Furthermore, it explores new applications in areas with a promising future such as security, traffic and medical technology. The institute pays special attention to offer innovative technologies to small and medium sized enterprises (SME).
The division of Virtual Product Creation (VPE) focuses on research in the whole product creation process. The overall aim of VPE is the full digitalization of the product creation processes. The Institute offers technical expertise in product design and production technology and develops also methods to improve quality and environmental management including energy efficiency.
Its spectrum of research and services comprises all kinds of ICT systems and applications for the support of product creation such as Digital Mock-up, Virtual Reality, Computer Aided Applications, Product Life-Cycle Management, Collaborative Engineering and Digital Factory. The objective is to provide companies ICT support throughout the entire production process from the very beginning of a product idea through to its development, design and manufacture, and ultimately to product recycling.
For more information, please visit: http://www.ipk.fraunhofer.de/en