Press Releases

Artificial intelligence to combine quality and profitability in additive manufacturing using recycled thermoplastics

Fraunhofer IAPT will be presenting a robot with a flexible gripper arm at Fruit Logistica 2026. The solution automates the handling of different fruits and processes such as gripping, sorting, and packaging. The collaborative robot can work alongside humans and alleviate the shortage of skilled workers.

In the ITEA project FAMILIAR, Fraunhofer IAPT and the institute’s project partners have developed a digital assistance system using machine learning and mixed-reality (XR) glasses for robotic Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM). The assistance system enables companies with little prior knowledge to utilize WAAM as efficient yet challenging 3D printing technology.

Hamburg-Bergedorf, October 21, 2025 – The Fraunhofer Institute for Additive Manufacturing Technologies IAPT focuses on the automation of additive manufacturing at Formnext 2025 (Booth D 69, Hall 12.0). Using an AM manufacturing route, the Fraunhofer Institute showcases collaborative robots with flexible gripping systems and a cost-effective, AI-based quality assurance through machine vision.

Experts from the Fraunhofer IAPT will present the current state of artificial intelligence, machine vision, and learning systems for cost-effective quality assurance in additive manufacturing during an online session on October 16, 2025.

The implementation of additive manufacturing in the space industry and other critical sectors demands strict compliance with industry-specific quality and safety standards. In response, OHB System AG and Fraunhofer IAPT developed design and manufacturing guidelines, establishing a robust additive manufacturing route for the production of enhanced spacecraft components using the PBF-LB/M technology. To validate the manufacturing process, it was utilized for optimizing three satellite components.

At automatica 2025, the Fraunhofer IAPT will present collaborative robots for the automation of production, especially for the dynamic requirements of additive manufacturing. The "Cobots" reduce the effort required to install and expand additive manufacturing. "Cobots" enable the automation of production processes with innovative mechanisms and seamless end-to-end data formats, increasing process stability and improving product quality. The automation solutions benefit from additively manufactured tools and grippers.