Fields of Research
Cross-departmental fields of research at Fraunhofer HHI
The Fraunhofer Heinrich-Hertz-Institut (HHI) pursues applied research in the broad spectrum of communication technologies. In this context, interdisciplinary approaches are becoming increasingly important. As a result, the Institute’s researchers are increasing their efforts in interdepartmental projects - from artificial intelligence, medical applications, 5G and beyond and sensor technology to applications in the security sector.
For details on the different research fields, you can browse through the topics here.
5G, Fiber and Beyond
5G will enable many new applications. In addition to mobile broadband, 5G will support extremely reliable low latency communications and a massive Internet of Things (IoT). To make this a reality, 5G combines a new air interface, backhaul and fronthaul transport network with advanced components designed specifically for 5G to enable future maximum data rates of more than 10 Gbps and latencies of less than 1 ms. Researchers at Fraunhofer HHI are working on all these aspects, creating a center of excellence for 5G.
Artificial Intelligence
We are bridging the gap between academic research and practical applications of artificial intelligence (AI) by addressing fundamentals, quality assurance, and approaches to overcome practical limitations.
Our activities enable AI to be standardized and implemented in multiple sectors.
Medical Technology
Whether in the operating, laboratory or treatment room, modern medicine without digital assistance systems and signal processing is barely imaginable anymore. Imaging procedures, computer-assisted surgical systems and new diagnostic options support the doctor and enable new forms of treatment. The Fraunhofer HHI offers a wide range of technological expertise and combines them in the field of medical technology.
Industry
The fourth industrial revolution envisions a modular, digital, and highly flexible manufacturing industry relying on secure, resilient, and real-time capable communication and computing infrastructures. The industrial communication and digitization are building the foundation for Industry 4.0 and pave the way for the factory of the future. Fraunhofer HHI offers solutions for a holistic industrial infrastructure through its wide-ranging competencies in relevant technology fields.
Sensors technology
Whether in space telescopes, in the detection of natural gases, in non-destructive measurement technology or in the analysis of two- or three-dimensional camera images: Sensors technology of the real world is always at the beginning of a digital processing chain. Fraunhofer HHI offers solutions based on its diverse technological expertise and combines them in the sensor technology area.
Security
Protecting intellectual and material property is a task in which information and communication technologies play a key role. Security at the workplace or in the urban infrastructure, in transportation by land, air or water, whether functional security or attack and hazard identification: Fraunhofer HHI offers solutions with its wide range of technological competencies and bundles them in the security business unit.
Mobility
Information and communication technologies are central for current and future technology trends in the mobility sector. Advancements in automated driving, safety-critical communications, battery safety, automated rail-traffic, object and infrastructure detection, audiovisual simulations, can contribute to solving challenges from greater road safety to climate change. Fraunhofer HHI offers a wide range of expertise and solutions for connected, safe and smart mobility.
Quantum Technologies
Second-generation quantum technologies are the key to innovative applications in the fields of communication, sensing, information processing, and imaging. In the area of quantum communication, Fraunhofer HHI develops deployable systems for tapproof communication via fiber networks and free-space optical links using quantum key distribution (QKD). The institute can draw on world-leading expertise along the whole integration chain, from photonic chips to entire networks. Based on these key competences, researchers at Fraunhofer HHI develop photonic components, modules and systems together with its partners. All products are tailored to the high requirements in fields such as quantum sensors, quantum communication and quantum information processing.
Compression
Today, video data make up by far the highest percentage of bits on the Internet and in mobile traffic. Fraunhofer HHI is continuously developing video compression technology to master this challenge. Together with industry leaders, Fraunhofer HHI is contributing its compression technologies to international standards. Such standards allow interoperable transmission and storage of multimedia content and are used worldwide in billions of devices. With the advent of neural networks in almost every application, the focus of compression widens towards using neural networks in video compression as well as compressing the neural network itself.
Multimedia
Multimedia is a key technology in the digital society and economy. Images, videos, speech, audio and associated data are indispensable companions, both in private and professional everyday life. Fraunhofer HHI offers solutions based on its diverse technological expertise and combines them in the business unit multimedia.
Digital Twin
Capturing and modeling real-world objects or processes in a digital twin enables the simulation, prediction and optimization of processes and the holistic analysis of objects, people and environments. Thus, it allows the extraction of information that is otherwise not directly measurable. Moreover, the feedback of digital information into the real world leads to novel assistance systems and automated decision support. With its diverse technological competencies, Fraunhofer HHI offers solutions and combines them in the business area Digital Twins.