Fraunhofer to unveil practical AI and robotics solutions for digital healthcare
Eight Fraunhofer institutes will jointly showcase their latest innovations in digital healthcare at DMEA 2025 in Berlin from April 8-10, focusing on practical solutions that integrate seamlessly into existing healthcare workflows. The exhibition will highlight advancements in trustworthy AI, robotic assistance systems, and secure health data spaces designed to address real-world challenges in the medical sector.
Enhancing diagnostic transparency through interpretable AI
Central to Fraunhofer’s exhibition is the development of transparent AI systems that move beyond the “black box” approach that has generated skepticism in healthcare settings. The Fraunhofer Institute for Cognitive Systems IKS will demonstrate AI models that analyze ECG data and medical images while providing interpretable predictions and insights.
These solutions prioritize transparency in medical decision-making, allowing healthcare professionals to understand the reasoning behind AI-generated recommendations. Complementing this approach, the Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Medicine MEVIS will present technologies that combine AI with clinical data to develop image-based digital biomarkers, enhancing diagnostic capabilities.
Documentation processes, which typically consume significant clinical time, are being streamlined through the doctor’s letter generator developed by the Fraunhofer Institute for Intelligent Analysis and Information Systems IAIS. This system utilizes generative language models to automatically create medical documentation from structured and unstructured data sources, potentially reducing administrative burden on healthcare providers.
Multifunctional robotic systems to address staffing challenges
The integration of robotics into healthcare environments represents another significant focus area at the exhibition. The Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA will showcase multifunctional robot assistants designed to perform various nursing tasks cost-effectively.
Rather than developing single-purpose solutions, these systems combine material transport capabilities with documentation and diagnostic functions. This integrated approach potentially offers greater value in resource-constrained healthcare settings.
Voice and touch-controlled nursing assistants will also feature prominently, with Fraunhofer MEVIS demonstrating their LUKAS system alongside sensor-based monitoring technologies for cardiac conditions. These developments aim to reallocate healthcare staff time toward patient-centred activities by automating routine tasks.
Connecting fragmented health data ecosystems
Healthcare data fragmentation remains a persistent challenge across the sector, with critical patient information often isolated in disparate systems spanning hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. The Fraunhofer Institute for Software and Systems Engineering ISST will present architectures and prototypes for federated, interoperable health data spaces designed to address these connectivity barriers.
These systems aim to maintain robust data protection while enabling appropriate information sharing across care settings. The approaches being demonstrated include infrastructure components, data utilization frameworks, and application-level implementations.
Complementing these data integration efforts, the Fraunhofer Institute for Computer Graphics Research IGD has developed interactive visual data analysis tools in collaboration with clinical partners. Their Anylytics dashboard supports self-service analytics functions in both medical and pharmaceutical research contexts, with specific applications in rheumatology, nephrology, and inflammatory bowel disease management.
Patient-centred data control mechanisms
While electronic patient records aim to improve data accessibility, many patients struggle to comprehend and effectively utilize their health information. Addressing this challenge, Fraunhofer IGD and the National Research Center for Applied Cybersecurity ATHENE have jointly developed interactive platforms that provide intuitive access to medical data.
These systems enable patients to visualize their health information, selectively authorize data release, and format information appropriately for their care team. The underlying approach emphasizes data security while improving usability for non-technical users.
Digital solutions for healthcare access disparities
Rural healthcare access represents a persistent challenge that digital technologies may help address. The Fraunhofer Center for Digital Diagnostics ZDD will demonstrate their Neighborhood Diagnostics project, which illustrates how health data collected via smartphones and wearables can be securely transferred to healthcare providers.
The exhibit simulates various health scenarios and demonstrates how aggregated health data can support clinical decision-making. Additionally, the SODIAPH project identifies potential data breach points in hospital settings and implements targeted measures to improve data consistency.
Contactless vital sign monitoring technologies will also feature prominently, with Fraunhofer IGD presenting CareCam and Guardio systems. CareCam continuously monitors vital signs including pulse, breathing, and posture, while detecting subtle facial expression changes that may indicate stress. The Guardio technology transforms standard smartphones into mobile ECG devices, expanding access to cardiac monitoring.
- The DMEA 2025 trade show will run from April 8-10, 2025, with Fraunhofer researchers available at Booth D-109 in Hall 2.2 to discuss these innovations with attendees.
