Fraunhofer IPMS: Modular research and innovation factory for AI & microelectronics starts – first approved module AI-DISCO starts work

The Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) has approved funding of 15 million euros for the AI-DISCO – Edge Cloud AI for Distributed Sensing & Computing project. AI-DISCO is the first module of the R+I Factory (Research and Innovation Factory AI & Microelectronic), a novel, nationwide, modular research and innovation structure at the interface of artificial intelligence and microelectronics.

The IHP – Leibniz Institute for Innovative Microelectronics is the consortium leader. Fraunhofer IPMS contributes its expertise in AI-based sensor technology and edge computing.

Modern applications are increasingly using real-time data analysis – in smart cities, in critical infrastructure, in Industry 4.0 or in energy supply. At the same time, energy requirements are rising sharply when large volumes of data are transferred between applications and data centers. This is precisely where AI-DISCO comes in: The project is developing an open, reconfigurable platform for energy-efficient, distributed AI processing at the interface between the edge and the cloud.

The idea is simple: intelligent edge nodes process sensor data, for example, directly where it is generated – locally, in real time and without unnecessary data transmission. This allows the system to save energy, reduce latency and better protect sensitive data. Only the essentials are shared with the cloud. AI-DISCO builds on various preliminary work and developments, including HARMMONAI acceleration, an RRAM-based AI accelerator and a new type of spiking neural network architecture.

The technical basis includes RISC-V-based edge hardware, which is enhanced with energy-efficient AI accelerators, as well as methods such as federated learning (distributed learning, i.e. AI learning without central data collection) and approaches from neuromorphic AI. Topics such as integrated communication and sensor technology (ISAC/6G) are also addressed as a field of application.

Fraunhofer IPMS: Expertise in intelligent sensor technology and neuromorphic hardware

Fraunhofer IPMS is contributing its proven expertise in AI-based sensor technology and neuromorphic hardware to the joint AI-DISCO project. The aim is to develop energy-efficient, AI-capable hardware modules and application-oriented demonstrators for industry, agriculture and medical technology. The work focuses on intelligent sensor systems with low-latency interfaces to the edge AI platform.

To this end, the institute is implementing demonstrators such as a miniaturized, AI-supported NIR spectrometer for determining the ripeness of fruit and a glasses-based ultrasound eye-tracking system for medical applications and human-machine collaboration.

In addition, the institute is developing novel, neuromorphic AI processors based on FeRAM, which directly combine computing and memory operations (so-called “in-memory computing”). Production using modern 22 nm FDSOI technology and comprehensive characterization and optimization result in particularly energy-efficient edge AI solutions.

“With our research into neuromorphic hardware and intelligent sensor integration, we are laying the technological foundation for powerful and energy-efficient AI systems. At the same time, we are making an important contribution to strengthening Lusatia as a forward-looking high-tech location,” explains Dr. Sebastian Meyer, Head of the Integrated Silicon Systems branch of Fraunhofer IPMS in Cottbus.

About the Fraunhofer IPMS

Fraunhofer IPMS is a leading international research and development service provider for electronic and photonic microsystems in the application fields of intelligent industrial solutions, medical technology and health, mobility as well as green and sustainable microelectronics. Research focuses on customer-specific miniaturized sensors and actuators, MEMS systems, microdisplays and integrated circuits as well as wireless and wired data communication.

The range of services extends from consulting and design to process development and pilot series production.

About the R+I Factory

The R+I Factory (Research and Innovation Factory AI & Microelectronics) is a modular research and innovation project at the interface between AI and microelectronics in Lusatia. AI-DISCO is the first approved module. The initiative contributes to strengthening Cottbus as a research location by pooling expertise, facilitating cooperation between science and industry and enabling application-oriented developments for regional companies and infrastructures.

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