Fraunhofer Institute of Optronics, System Technologies and Image Exploitation IOSB

Fraunhofer Institute of Optronics, System Technologies and Image Exploitation IOSB

© Fraunhofer IOSB / erstellt mit KI

Measuring distances covertly

Our innovative quantum rangefinder uses entangled photons. The active illumination thus blends into the natural background and stays virtually invisible.

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© Fraunhofer IOSB / generated with AI

Self-calibrating 3D measurement

Using the concept developed in the internally funded SKaLEV research project, even large objects can be precisely measured in-line using laser line triangulation.

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© Fraunhofer IOSB

Quantum superresolution

We develop novel measurement technology to overcome the classical diffraction limit in optical sensing and imaging through quantum effects.

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© Fraunhofer IOSB

© Fraunhofer IOSB / M. Zentsch
Automatisiertes Fahren ermöglicht neue Freiheiten während der Fahrt, z.B. Lesen.

Research for tomorrow's mobility

We are shaping the future of driving in our mobile laboratory for automated driving and human-AI interaction. Our systems support drivers and increase driving safety and comfort with the help of state-of-the-art sensor technology and AI integration.

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© Fraunhofer IOSB

© Fraunhofer IOSB

High-power fiber laser

High-performance fiber lasers in the short-wave and mid-infrared range are suitable for a wide range of applications in industry and defense. To this end, we develop innovative fiber laser and fiber amplifier architectures and manufacture customized fiber components—also with a view to technological sovereignty for Germany and Europe.

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© Fraunhofer IOSB

Your career with us

Attractive research projects and close ties to industry, creative freedom, and family-friendly conditions: Find all this and more at Fraunhofer IOSB.

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Welcome to Fraunhofer IOSB!

Developing innovative vision systems including the necessary laser light sources. Making best possible use of sensors and interconnecting them. Processing and evaluating the resulting data streams. Using this data to efficiently support humans in making sound decisions, improving processes and controlling autonomous systems in an intelligent way: This complete process and value chain is our domain. It combines the core competences reflected in our name – optronics, system technologies and image exploitation – to provide optimum benefits for a wide range of applications.

Our solutions for your needs

In our business units we bundle our competences and drive forward market-oriented developments.

Our business units:
Advanced Sensing business unit
Artificial Intelligence and Robotics business unit
Automation and Digitalization business unit
Defense and Security business unit
Energy, Material Cycles, and Crisis Management business unit
Beyond the business units:
Focus topic: Maritime technologies
Focus topic: Smart Farming

News from Fraunhofer IOSB

 

© Fraunhofer IOSB

Press release / 1.7.2026

Deepfake detection meets explainable AI

Artificial intelligence can now generate images that are virtually indistinguishable from real ones. RealorRender not only specifically detects such deepfakes but also explains why an image is classified as real or AI-generated. The new hybrid approach significantly improves detection accuracy, while explainable AI processes ensure transparent results.

Press release
 

© Fraunhofer IOSB-AST

Karlsruhe/Garching / 29.6.2026

Security partners for Semiconductor-X

In Semiconductor-X, an industry consortium led by Intel, Infineon, Siemens, SAP and Bosch is developing a joint data room infrastructure for semiconductor manufacturing. As cybersecurity partners, the Fraunhofer Institutes AISEC and IOSB are developing a roadmap for secure data rooms. The goal is to enable companies to securely exchange sensitive production and process data along the value chain. 

Press release
 

© Bilfinger

Würzburg / Karlsruhe / 29.4.2026

Asse: Remote-controlled recovery system

Bilfinger and Fraunhofer IOSB are developing a teleoperated retrieval system on behalf of the Federal Company for Radioactive Waste Disposal (BGE) to retrieve radioactive waste from the Asse II mine. The goal is to enable the safe, precise, and efficient exposure and retrieval of the waste drums – using multifunctional work machines, modern robotics, and assistance functions for the control center.

Press release
 

visIT science journal

Agentic Industrial AI

When optimization tasks in production processes are delegated to autonomous software components, or when operators can interact with production equipment using natural language, this creates enormous potential. However, industrial environments have specific requirements: in terms of safety and reliability, but also regarding the collection and management of data needed for training and operating AI agents.

"visIT" Page
 

© iStock.com/peterschreiber.media

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More press releases and news

Some news and press releases are only available in German.

News page (in German)
 

© Fraunhofer IOSB

Blog post

The invisible risk behind the wheel

Cognitive distraction is a major but often underestimated risk to road safety. This blog post explains why smart AI solutions are essential to detect driver inattention.

Blog post

Where to find us

IOSB main sites

Branch labs/offices

Our media channels

 

Fraunhofer IOSB

Advanced System Technology branch IOSB-AST

Industrial Automation branch IOSB-INA

 

IOSB Progress report

Digital technologies for productivity, sustainability, and security

This is not only the motto of our progress report 2023/2024, but an umbrella for what our research and development activities are all about. Flick through the report to get an overview of Fraunhofer IOSB's business areas, departments, and current highlight topics!

Progress Report