Fraunhofer Institute for Large Structures in Production Engineering IGP
Smart Farming at Fraunhofer IGP
Fraunhofer IGP, together with four other Fraunhofer Institutes, is participating in the research initiative Biogenic Value Creation and Smart Farming in Bavaria and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The research spans the entire value chain — from seeds to refined products — both in aquatic and terrestrial environments. In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the R&D activities focus on technologies for sustainable agriculture that aim to unlock potential both on land and in water. At the Rostock site, the research primarily concentrates on digital and robotic solutions for the efficient, sustainable, and customized optimization of animal and plant production. The agricultural sector encompasses not only traditional farming but also the utilization of marine and freshwater resources for the production of food and other valuable materials.
Biogenic Value Creation
Researchers are investigating how food, energy sources, and other raw materials can be produced more sustainably. The supply chain and downstream processing also play an important role. When optimizing the value-creation ecosystem, it is essential to maintain a balance between economic viability, ecological sustainability, and social acceptance and compatibility.
Smart Farming
The digitalization of the agricultural sector relies on satellite imagery, various sensors, and state-of-the-art field robotics. By combining these technologies, environmental parameters are collected and processed, enabling data-based recommendations for action or even direct implementation through robotic systems. Digital systems help drive the necessary transformations within the sector. They support businesses in redesigning processes and business models, and in optimizing the use of crop protection products, fertilizers, feed, and medicines. Assistance systems and autonomous vehicles — on land, in the air, and in the water — help counteract the shortage of skilled workers while simultaneously increasing the efficiency and resilience of production systems.
With the establishment of the new Fraunhofer Center for Biogenic Value Creation and Smart Farming, the innovative strength of the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is set to grow significantly.
Fraunhofer IGP
The Fraunhofer Institute for Large Structures in Production Engineering (Fraunhofer IGP) focuses its research within the initiative on developing powerful technical solutions for smart agriculture. The main emphasis lies on automation, robotics, lightweight design, and the application of advanced sensor technology and artificial intelligence. On the one hand, the performance of conventional agricultural machinery is being enhanced through modern automation solutions; on the other hand, customized, application-specific solutions are being developed and implemented.
The core research focus of Fraunhofer IGP in this initiative is on the development of automation solutions, including:
- Robot and special kinematic systems designed to customer specifications
- Application-specific handling systems and end effectors
- Structural optimization, design, and dimensioning
- Forming of selected components
- Integration of electric drive systems
- Process data processing and machine learning
- Optimization of production and logistics systems