Fraunhofer Segment for Defense and Security VVS
From networked sensor data to decision
Fraunhofer Institute of Optronics, System Technologies and Image Exploitation IOSB is an established partner for networked optronics (electro-optical systems) as well as image acquisition, processing, and analysis. The institute’s spectrum of scientific competences covers the entire lifecycle of optronics: starting from the light sources, moving on to the light propagation through the atmosphere, the gathering of information from data sensors up to the preparation of information for decision-making. Our defense research follows the mission statement "scientific advice and technology for the German armed forces"; this includes feasibility studies and development of procedures as well as technology assessment, testing and development of demonstrators and contract research for the industry. In the fields of research for civil security, technological concepts and solutions for authorities and organizations (e. g. fire department and police) as well as for companies of the security industry are being developed by Fraunhofer IOSB.
Characteristic examples:
- Laser protection: novel, non-linear optical filters protect sensors and eyes from dazzling / destruction in the visible and infrared range
- Space-based early warning: satellite-based, electro-optical sensor systems for the detection of ballistic missiles during launch or after cloud break
- Terrain databases for simulation systems: ad-hoc generation of 3D environmental models acquired by imaging sensors for a quickly available terrain simulation database
- Intelligent video surveillance: algorithm-based recognition of behavior patterns in public spaces (e.g. hitting, kicking, falling)
- Digital map table: position visualization in a distributed environment on almost any end device based on standardized geo- and sensor-data interfaces
- Drone defense (counter-UAS): early and reliable detection and classification of mini-drones using coupled sensor stations and self-developed tracking units
- Robot systems for environments hostile to humans: such as the dismantling of landfills or nuclear facilities
- Cyber security learning lab: compact, practical qualification of specialists and managers from industry, utilities, and public administration