Digitally Supported Systems and Services

The Digitally Supported Systems and Services department works to accelerate research, industrial technology transfer, and the commercialization of research results through the consistent use of digital methods – anchored in an interdisciplinary approach that combines IT and software, plant and test bench construction, automation, chemistry, materials science, media technologies, and education.

Together with the specialist departments at Fraunhofer IKTS and many partners, the four groups “Industrial Data Technologies”, “Chemometrics and Test Design”, “Machine and Production Design”, and “Software for Testing Systems” at the IKTS locations in Arnstadt and Dresden create scalable system solutions, digital services, and educational offerings for our customers in many areas and industries, with a strong focus on the energy and networked production sectors:

• Architecture and development of scalable service infrastructures based on modern software and hardware technologies (Kafka, Docker, Fiware Orion/Mintaka, S3/CEPH, Keycloak)
• Provision of data rooms and interfaces: modeling, connectors, historization (time series, Grafana), GAIA X preparation
• Integration of third-party software: PLM, CAD/CAM, microservices, Fiware), machine networking and monitoring
• Development of professional, industry-grade testing software based on modern software development paradigms (parameterization, real-time visualization, AI-supported error detection, AR/VR modules)
• Analytics/testing: CT, HPLC, FT-IR, SECM, electrochemical cycling/EIS; setup and operation of test benches
• Plant and test bench construction: design, manufacturing, assembly, and commissioning up to container scale
• Training/continuing education: e-learning/blended learning platforms, industry-oriented training courses, and digital services

• ZEISS Metrotom 1500 industrial CT
• Digitized battery cell test center (range: µA to 1000A)
• Scanning electrochemical microscope (SECM)
• HPLC for liquid electrolytes from energy storage devices
• Mechanical workshop (CNC milling, 3D printing, turning, drilling, grinding, soldering)
• Electrical workshop and electrical measurement laboratory
• Assembly workshop for plant and test bench construction
• Disassembly station, flexible robotics test bench
• On-premise computing cluster for IT system architecture prototyping

• BattLife: Digital battery test center, service life prediction
• BattForce: Battery test center, swelling force measurement
• BeaT + DekaRB: Blended and e-learning for automotive transformation/decarbonization
• ThüNaBsE: Sodium-ion cells made from low-cost raw materials
• WaTTh: Test stands for alkaline electrolysis
• Commercialization of NaNiCl₂ battery with Altech Batteries GmbH
• Construction and commissioning of an SOEC pilot production line (including SOEC stacking machine, production IT service infrastructure) with thyssenkrupp nucera