Artificial intelligence is a major research focus at Fraunhofer IIS. For many years, our teams have been developing AI systems designed for efficient use across a wide range of domains and industries.
We pursue two complementary approaches: with specialized, task-oriented AI, we deliver tailored, highly efficient solutions. At the same time, we drive the development of broadly applicable foundation models and methods – whether universal or optimized for specific domains.
The foundation models currently attracting major attention are large, potentially multimodal, universally pre-trained AI systems that provide the basis for rapidly deploying AI in specific applications. Among them is the Fraunhofer language model Teuken-7B, trained in 24 official European languages with exceptional resource efficiency. Through our work on Teuken, Fraunhofer has built the capabilities needed to process large volumes of data and to develop specialized foundation models. In doing so, we help safeguard the digital sovereignty of Germany and Europe.
Task-oriented AI refers to technologies developed to perform specific tasks. This includes both foundation models and foundational methods such as machine learning, deep neural networks, and forecasting or optimization techniques. These approaches are designed to deliver optimal solutions for our customers. Whether in data selection, the configuration of training procedures, or algorithm and hardware development, we conduct research on resource-efficient, cost-effective, low-energy, low-maintenance, time- and data-efficient systems with low latency for real-world domain applications.
At the same time, we are contributing our many years of microelectronics expertise to the development of AI chips such as SENNA. Our goal is to implement AI far more efficiently and thereby enable significantly more resource- and energy-efficient deployment. Our vision is to make large models available for local use across all classes of devices in the future – from small hearing aids to large industrial machines.
We are a key partner in advancing innovative future technologies such as artificial intelligence. In 2025, we showcased our AI expertise at high-profile events, in expert committees, and through widely noted publications.
Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS