Fraunhofer to showcase AI, robotics, and connected data in healthcare

Unlocking the potential of digital solutions in healthcare requires ensuring that these solutions are practical and seamlessly integrated into existing workflows. This is essential to alleviate the burden on healthcare workers and improve overall efficiency. Additionally, there is a growing need for trustworthy AI systems that can facilitate secure exchanges of sensitive health data across different sectors while prioritizing data protection, privacy, and patient control.

At the upcoming DMEA 2025 event in Berlin, eight Fraunhofer institutes will showcase innovative AI systems designed to meet these critical healthcare needs. These systems are aimed at enabling secure data exchanges, protecting patient privacy, and empowering individuals to have greater control over their health information.

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is recognized for its interdisciplinary research efforts that address real-world healthcare challenges. From AI-driven diagnostics to connected health data spaces and assistive robots, Fraunhofer is at the forefront of developing cutting-edge technologies that have the potential to transform the healthcare landscape.

While AI is increasingly being utilized in diagnostic and therapeutic applications, concerns persist regarding the transparency of "black box" models. To address this issue, the Fraunhofer Institute for Cognitive Systems IKS will present trustworthy AI models at DMEA that leverage ECG data and medical images to generate reliable insights. These models not only enhance transparency in medical decision-making but also provide easily interpretable predictions.

Moreover, the Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Medicine MEVIS will showcase solutions for risk assessment and decision-making support at the event. One highlight will be the demonstration of how AI can be combined with clinical data to develop image-based digital biomarkers, thereby enhancing diagnostic accuracy and patient care.

Robots are poised to play a significant role in the future of healthcare, extending beyond traditional tasks to include documentation, diagnostics, and patient care. The Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA will unveil a multifunctional robot assistant at DMEA, designed to streamline nursing tasks and improve operational efficiency. Additionally, Fraunhofer MEVIS will showcase AI-supported assistance systems like the nursing assistant LUKAS, which features voice and touch controls along with sensor-based monitoring capabilities.

Personalized patient treatment is a key focus area for advancing healthcare outcomes, relying on the integration and analysis of diverse patient data to inform decision-making. The Fraunhofer Institute for Computer Graphics Research IGD develops interactive tools for visual data analysis in collaboration with clinical partners. Their Analytics dashboard supports self-service analysis functions in medical and pharmaceutical research, with a particular emphasis on rheumatology, nephrology, and chronic inflammatory bowel disease.

Health data fragmentation across different healthcare systems poses challenges in information exchange and continuity of care. The Fraunhofer Institute for Software and Systems Engineering ISST is dedicated to developing federated and interoperable health data spaces to address these issues. At DMEA, the institute will present projects focusing on infrastructure, data utilization, services, and applications to promote connected healthcare and seamless data sharing.

Efforts to enhance transparency and accessibility of health data are crucial for empowering patients to actively engage in their care. Fraunhofer IGD and the National Research Center for Applied Cybersecurity ATHENE have collaborated to create secure platforms that enable patients to access and manage their medical data intuitively. By visualizing health information and providing control over data sharing, these platforms empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health and treatment options.

The Fraunhofer Center for Digital Diagnostics (ZDD) will showcase advancements in digital healthcare for rural areas at DMEA, highlighting the potential of technology to improve access to quality care. Through projects like Neighborhood Diagnostics, ZDD demonstrates how health data collected from smartphones and wearables can be leveraged to support healthcare providers in making informed treatment decisions. Additionally, the SODIAPH project underscores the importance of data security in digital healthcare pathways within hospital settings.

As telehealth and remote monitoring become increasingly prevalent, technologies like CareCam and Guardio developed by Fraunhofer IGD offer innovative solutions for continuous health monitoring. CareCam focuses on tracking vital signs and detecting stress indicators through facial expressions, while Guardio transforms smartphones into mobile ECG devices. These advancements in digital healthcare technology have the potential to revolutionize patient care and improve health outcomes.

Overall, the Fraunhofer institutes are at the forefront of driving innovation in healthcare through the development of advanced AI systems, connected health data spaces, and personalized treatment solutions. By addressing key challenges in healthcare delivery and data management, these technologies have the potential to transform the industry and improve patient outcomes.