Highly automated and autonomous systems are a technology field of the future. Use cases with high relevance for DLR research are autonomous mobility, intelligent assistance systems, autonomous systems in production and space exploration.
Highly automated and autonomous systems are an important field of technology for the future, with a wide range of possible applications in industry and society. For example, they provide support in dealing with crises or increasing resilience, and can make an important contribution to humanitarian aid. Well-known applications with high relevance for DLR’s research priorities are autonomous mobility, intelligent assistance systems, the use of autonomous systems in production and space exploration. Particular attention is being paid to the safety and reliability of the systems. DLR occupies a leading position in research into autonomous systems in Germany. In some sub-fields, such as robotics, DLR has a leading position in Europe and enjoys the highest international recognition. DLR has set standards in many areas and has brought innovations to industry through successful spin-offs and technology licensing. The interdisciplinarity and systems expertise in DLR’s research areas are unique selling points. DLR’s systems expertise is to be brought into focus for industry and society across various use cases and modes of transport. New digital approaches such as machine learning and quantum-based technologies open up fresh opportunities.
The importance of innovative autonomous systems will continue to increase in the future. The complexity of autonomous systems will continue to expand, and subsystems will be increasingly integrated into higher-level systems. As the first point of contact for industry for interdisciplinary development solutions for safety-critical autonomous systems in aeronautics, space, energy, transport and security, and in particular for the application area of autonomous mobility, DLR is contributing to the further development of this topic.
With its activities, DLR directly supports Germany as a business location. As a partner for industry, DLR wishes to promote technology transfer and spin-offs in this area even more strongly and thus contribute to strengthening Germany’s competitiveness in important sectors.
