AI Engineering

Pioneering research at the interface of Software Engineering and AI

Innovative engineering of AI-based systems

AI Engineering is gaining importance across various industries as companies face the challenge of integrating AI technologies into value-creating applications in a targeted and sustainable way. A key factor in this process is the handling of data—from collection and processing to its use in training, optimization, and validation of AI models. Data forms the foundation for the modeling and continuous advancement of intelligent systems and is crucial for their quality, efficiency, and trustworthiness.

Despite significant technological progress and the increasing adoption of AI-driven autonomous systems, trust in their security, reliability, and transparency remains a critical concern. Traditional software engineering methods are often not directly applicable to AI models, necessitating the development of more robust AI technologies. These systems must not only process vast amounts of data efficiently but also extract valuable insights from limited datasets – without compromising confidentiality and privacy. Particularly in uncertain and unpredictable environments, AI must be capable of making rapid, safe, and explainable decisions. Research at fortiss in AI Engineering is therefore focused on developing trustworthy AI technologies that can operate reliably and transparent even in complex and dynamic environments.

Research for trustworthy and efficient AI systems

fortiss explores innovative approaches such as generative models for data synthesis, human-centered design for improved usability, and methods for confidence calibration in AI-supported decisions. In addition, researchers at the institute are developing efficient learning methods for resource-constrained environments, low-energy hardware solutions, and edge and mobile AI concepts that enable decentralized processing and low latency. In safety-critical areas, testing, verification, and monitoring techniques are used to ensure that AI models are reliable and traceable.

Field of competence

Machine Learning

Development of data-driven machine learning models for autonomous systems, diagnostics, and predictive maintenance, with a focus on robust, adaptive, and practical solutions.
Field of competence

Neuromorphic Computing

Development of energy-efficient, low-latency neural networks for robotics and industry, as well as intelligent systems for human-machine interaction.
Field of competence

Human-centered Engineering

Research on human-centered AI systems to improve interaction, user-friendliness, safety, and trust in intelligent technologies.

Use Cases

Use case

AI-supported intelligent manufacturing

Machine learning makes production processes more efficient and predictive: adaptive models forecast maintenance needs, detect quality deviations in real time, and optimize workflows—boosting productivity while reducing costs.

Use case

Dynamic, AI-driven optimization of energy grids

Intelligent control algorithms dynamically adapt energy grids to demand. Optimal load distribution enables the integration of renewable energy sources, ensures grid stability, and supports a sustainable energy supply.

Use case

AI-based fault detection in satellite constellations

Continuous analysis of high-frequency sensor data enables the early detection of anomalies in satellite constellations. Pattern and deviation analysis identifies sources of error, prevents failures, and ensures operational stability.

Use case

High-performance LIDAR processing for autonomous aviation systems

Neuromorphic computing architectures process LIDAR data at ultra-high speed, enabling precise environmental perception and obstacle detection in autonomous aerial systems, thereby enhancing safety and navigation capabilities.

Use case

Portable, energy-efficient medtech devices for precise health monitoring

Innovative AI methods enable the real-time analysis of biometric data on wearable MedTech devices. Neuromorphic processing continuously captures vital parameters and supports early prevention and diagnosis.

Reference projects

Success story BARK

The key to save driving

The BARK platform advances autonomous driving: Using AI, it creates reliable models of traffic behavior, enables successful predictions, and actively drives the future of mobility forward.
Case study KoSi

Safe cooperative autonomous driving with AI-based behaviour planning

AI-supported coordination enables automated vehicles to behave in a coordinated manner in mixed traffic, thereby ensuring safer autonomous mobility.
Case study AI4FDIR

AI-based, autonomous on-board fault detection, isolation, recovery and resource optimisation in satellites

Enabling satellite constellations to perform autonomous fault correction for resilient, self-managing space infrastructures.
Case study Knowledge4Retail

AI-enabled digital twins for innovation in the retail sector

Framework for the retail sector for AI-powered, connected and automated processes in dynamic retail environments.
Case study KI-SusCheck

AI-powered shopping assistant designed to encourage sustainable purchasing decisions

A smart web app that consolidates sustainability information from various sources to help make informed, transparent product decisions.
Case study KI Wissen

Safe, data-efficient autonomous driving with knowledge-augmented AI

Improving functional quality, safety, reliability and efficiency in autonomous driving.
Success story C4AI Edge

Automated orchestration of edge-cloud services in manufacturing

Context-sensitive orchestration for high-performance, flexible, efficient, and privacy-compliant IIoT applications.
AuSeSol-AI

AI methods for heat and power generation with solar thermal collector systems

During the operation of concentrating solar power (CSP) systems, a large amount of measurement data accumulates that has so far only been used for simple…
KI Absicherung

Safe AI for automated driving

Development and investigation of methods and measures for assuring AI-based functions for highly automated driving. Using the use case of pedestrian detection,…
GRID-ML

Learning methods for robust fault localization in power distribution networks

The objective of the project is an automated process for robust and accurate fault detection and diagnosis in low and medium voltage grids. Herefore,…
CORINNE

Collaborative welding robots with human interaction over gestures

The Cobots' Relational Interface with Neuromorphic Networks and Events (CORINNE) project aims to build robots that can recognize and respond to gestures (known…
FAMOUS2

Asset identification with neuromorphic vision on a drone

We are exploiting neuromorphic computing‘s properties to develop optical asset identification on a drone. This project is porting to hardware a proof of concept…
KIMaKu

AI-based text evaluation for automated processing of customer inquiries

The manual evaluation of textual data is very time-consuming and complex. The use of AI processes makes it possible to recognize text content and to categorize…
Agent-X

Automation of vehicle electrical systems through AI and multi-agent systems

The Agent-X project addresses the structural optimization of vehicle wiring harnesses—a key issue in automotive electrical and electronic systems. Project…
ELEANOR

Industrial robots see with neuromorphic eyes

Following on from the INRC3 project, where a robotic arm is taught to insert an object using only force feedback, the ELEANOR project (Energy and Latency…
KI-NC

Event-based perception algorithms for autonomous driving

This project explores the potential of brain-inspired algorithms, in particular spiking neural networks (SNNs), for sensor data processing in autonomous…
trAIner

AI-powered performance analysis and strain detection for player development in amateur sport

Artificial intelligence (AI) systems offer the potential for continuous tracking and analysis of the load that occurs in sports - especially in popular sports.…
ZNAflow

AI-based assistance systems for optimized control of the central emergency room

The Emergency Room (ZNA) is the central point of contact in hospitals for the acute treatment of emergencies. In this critical area, efficient processes and the…
GRATA

GraphRAG-based training and education system for robot-assisted medical procedures

The GRATA project is developing a modular education and training system for robot-assisted surgery. GenAI base models are being expanded into medical language…
BIKINI

Lightning-Fast Event-Based Object Tracking for Automated Logistics

BIKINI explores how event-based cameras and spiking neural networks (SNNs) can enable real-time object tracking on moving conveyor belts. The project aims to…
KIEZ4-0

Certification of safe human-machine interaction for AI-based aviation assistance systems

fortiss is contributing to approaches designed to enable the certification of symbiotic human-machine systems in the “cockpit and training assistance system”…
GenAI & LLMs

AI-driven innovations in research and practice

fortiss develops generative AI (GenAI) and large language models (LLMs) to automate business processes and create practical AI solutions for SMEs in manufacturing, logistics, and other industries.

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At a glance

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Services & insights

Services

Your innovation starts with fortiss

We support businesses and government agencies in developing innovative products, processes, and services in software & systems engineering, AI engineering, and IoT engineering — from concept to implementation.
Focus topics

Digital engineering for numerous domains

fortiss develops practical software solutions for various sectors. By combining research and practical experience, we help companies advance their digital transformation, improve efficiency, and implement sustainable systems.
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Whitepaper

Safe AI

How is this possible?

How can we develop safe AI systems? This whitepaper outlines design and engineering principles using an automated emergency braking system as an example.
Human-centric Machine Learning

A Human-Machine Collaboration Perspective

Advances in machine learning create new opportunities but also challenges, with a focus on secure, trustworthy systems and human–machine collaboration.
Trustworthy Autonomous/ Cognitive Systems

A Structured Approach

Autonomous cognitive systems deliver high performance but require trustworthy approaches. The paper presents a risk-based framework in accordance with VDE-AR-E 2842-61.
Knowledge as Invariance

History and Perspectives of Knowledge-augmented ML

The whitepaper introduces knowledge-enhanced machine learning, enabling models to become more adaptable and to acquire knowledge autonomously.
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