To this day, Fraunhofer IPK remains the only Fraunhofer Institute specializing in production technology in the Berlin metropolitan area. Over the half-century of its existence, the institute has witnessed and helped shape many technological trends: from the early days of automated generation of drawings, through advances in manufacturing automation, to Industrie 4.0 and artificial intelligence. It is known, among other things, for its concept of a »digitally integrated production«, which designs industrial manufacturing processes to be efficient and high-performing using digital, networked solutions while keeping humans at the center.

»Today, the institute is a major hub of science and research in Berlin, contributing significantly to the appeal of our city«, said Kai Wegner, Governing Mayor of Berlin, in his speech at the anniversary ceremony. He pointed out that the researchers conduct targeted research with an eye toward the needs of the business community and succeed in implementing their solutions in production in collaboration with companies. »This approach will be crucial for the future of our economy«.

Prof. Dr. Holger Kohl, Acting Director of Fraunhofer IPK, had previously outlined the institute’s 50-year history in his speech as a story of people who have consistently translated research into industrial practice, with curiosity, courage and passion. The institute began in 1976 with just three employees. Today, around 350 scientists, student assistants, technical staff and administrative personnel from 31 countries work here. Kohl also highlighted the influential former institute directors Prof. Günter Spur and Prof. Eckart Uhlmann, who developed the institute into an internationally recognized innovation partner for industry. Looking ahead, he emphasized: »The institute has shaped the vision of a digitally integrated, resource-efficient, and human-centered production since its inception and will continue to do so in the future.« He expressed his conviction that the future of Germany as a manufacturing hub rests on the interplay of cutting-edge research, industrial capability, and sustainable transformation. »We will develop technologies that view productivity and sustainability not as contradictory, but as shared objectives.« The institute will continue to work closely with and for companies of all sizes, from international corporations to medium-sized family-owned businesses.

Prof. Dr. Fatma Deniz, President of the Technische Universität Berlin, emphasized the close ties between Fraunhofer IPK and the university. »Excellence arises where diverse expertise comes together and people take on responsibility collectively«, said the TU president. At the Production Technology Center (PTZ) in Berlin-Charlottenburg, Fraunhofer IPK collaborates with the Institute for Machine Tools and Factory Management (IWF) at TU Berlin. Deniz accounted that topics such as the circular economy, sustainable value creation, and integrated product-service systems were addressed and further developed by both institutes at an early stage.

On behalf of the capital region’s industry, Sven Weickert, Deputy Executive Director of the Association of Business Organizations in Berlin and Brandenburg (UVB), offered congratulations on the anniversary. He praised Fraunhofer IPK as a »key driving force for industrial value creation in Berlin and Brandenburg, in Germany, and far beyond.« The institute »stands not only for successful corporate projects, but also for major industrial policy initiatives in our region«, said Weickert. The next AI-driven transformation of industry, he added, is already in full swing, and with Fraunhofer IPK at their side, industrial companies in Berlin and Brandenburg will successfully navigate this transformation as well.

Prof. Dr. Holger Hanselka, President of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, also traveled to the festivities to offer congratulations – and to present the Fraunhofer Medal to the institute’s former director, Prof. Dr. Dr. Eckart Uhlmann, in recognition of his life’s work. In his laudatory speech, he addressed Uhlmann directly: »Through your ability to combine scientific excellence with practical solutions, you have not only strengthened the significance and international visibility of Fraunhofer IPK, but also that of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft as a whole.« Uhlmann had steered the institute’s course from 1997 until March this year. During his tenure, the institute established numerous international research collaborations, including some in Brazil.

In the panel discussion that followed, Hanselka and Uhlmann were joined by Sven Weickert, Prof. Dr. Helmut Schramm, head of BMW Group’s Berlin plant, and Gabi Grützner, founder of micro resist technology GmbH, to discuss the role of applied research for tomorrow’s industry. Moderated by Dr. Kai Uwe Bindseil from Berlin Partner für Wirtschaft und Technologie GmbH, the panel explored why a strong industrial base is key to Germany’s technological sovereignty, how research can be successfully transferred into practice, and what must be done today to secure innovation, prosperity, and industrial value creation for the future.

Dr. Mark Krieg, Head of Industrial Hydraulics Development at Bosch Rexroth AG, then provided a technical outlook with his keynote address on the future of mechanical and plant engineering. Krieg is himself an alumnus of Fraunhofer IPK, as are many of the guests who accepted the invitation to the anniversary celebration. To conclude the event, guests received insights into the institute’s current research and development topics and projects during an Open Lab Tour.