True to its motto “Forschung für die Zukunft” (Research for the Future), the Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology (IWU) focuses on application-oriented research and development in the field of production technology for the automotive and mechanical engineering industries. More than 650 highly qualified engineers and scientists work in its state-of-the-art laboratories for machine tools, forming and joining technology, mechatronics, precision technology and virtual reality in Chemnitz, Dresden, Augsburg and soon also Zittau (Oberlausitz). This makes the IWU one of Germany’s leading contractual research and development institutions in its specialized fields of work. At HANNOVER MESSE 2016, a team of researchers and developers from the IWU will be showcasing their “Press Plant 4.0” project for the very first time under the tantalizing motto “Visualize Industry 4.0”.

In a particularly effective approach to this theme, the IWU is using augmented reality to offer visitors a virtual tour through a miniature model of a future press plant based on Industry 4.0. They will be guided through the individual production stages in an interactive and easy-to-follow tour that uses the production of sample components to demonstrate the intelligent networking of processes, machines, plant and humans. It will also be made very clear how networking helps save time, energy and material, speeds up reaction times and makes factories more versatile in responding to market changes.

Fraunhofer-Institut für Werkzeugmaschinen und Umformtechnik IWU (09126 Chemnitz, Germany), Hall 2, Stand C22, partner of Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft