Interview with Mario Trapp
„We wanted to open up a kind of window into our research engine room“

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Mario Trapp:

The idea behind the Fraunhofer IKS Playground is to show the research areas where Fraunhofer IKS is actively engaged, showcasing the innovative ideas, applications, and solutions being developed to address specific challenges faced by businesses. Typically, our customers only get to see these once the applications have reached a certain level of maturity. That's why we came up with the idea of opening a kind of showcase in our research machine room to give interested parties a first practical insight.

Mario Trapp:

The primary audience for the Fraunhofer IKS Playground is undoubtedly industry representatives. However, it is also accessible to other research institutions that simply want to try it out. These researchers can usually also use other channels where we share our source codes, for example. For industry professionals, on the other hand, this front end is important for trying out the applications in a very straightforward way, without having to install a tool or download source code.

Mario Trapp:

In the realm of safety and artificial intelligence (AI), approximately 200 new publications emerge daily, making it increasingly challenging for corporate decision-makers to stay informed. Yet, they must assess whether a given innovation is relevant to their business. This process typically involves scrutinizing research papers, implementing solutions, and evaluating their effectiveness. However, interested parties can now bypass this extensive effort by visiting the Fraunhofer IKS Playground. Here, they can explore applications in an engaging, hands-on manner—hence the name—and determine whether the technology aligns with their company’s needs. This streamlined approach accelerates the decision-making process, simplifies evaluation, and brings users closer to cutting-edge research than traditional methods reliant solely on publications. This is the tangible added value of the Playground.

Mario Trapp:

We are eager to embrace this collaborative spirit, as it aligns with our research mission. Fraunhofer research is dedicated to transfer knowledge to industry. This means that all developments available on the Playground stem from our extensive partnerships with businesses. This collaboration helps us pinpoint industry needs and identify pressing challenges. The solutions showcased in the Fraunhofer IKS Playground reflect our vision for addressing these issues. By welcoming feedback and suggestions, we can more effectively tailor our research to meet specific requirements. That's why we welcome any and all feedback.

Mario Trapp:

We have begun our journey with a selection of individual ideas, solutions, and approaches, and we plan to expand gradually.

The Fraunhofer IKS Playground will initially grow in size, but our focus extends beyond mere quantity; we are equally committed to quality. Over time, we will enhance opportunities for users to interact with the solutions presented, strengthening the interactive format.

Additionally, we will introduce a showroom for early-stage research ideas, allowing visitors to gain initial insights through videos and explanations.

Finally, a dedicated area will feature more mature tools available for testing. What currently exists on our website serves as a foundational starting point for this evolving concept.