‘Artificial intelligence’ (AI) is an umbrella term used to describe various computer science methods that can be used to automate sub-processes of human thought. DLR has been working on developing AI methods for more and more fields of application over many years. This research field has seen a strong upturn in recent years. New, advanced possibilities for collecting and evaluating enormous quantities of data using large amounts of computing power are opening up ever more areas of application.

Artificial intelligence has been an important part of research at DLR for many years. Interdisciplinary expertise, cutting-edge large-scale facilities and many years of experience in AI place DLR in the ideal position to contribute its expertise in key areas of research as part of the AI research landscape in Germany and the rest of Europe. DLR’s major areas of expertise lie in the well-founded selection, creative and innovative use, and targeted further development of AI methods for numerous industrial and socially-relevant applications in such fields as Earth observation, robotics, energy research, the development of assistance systems for air or road traffic management, and automated driving. Through this unique competence portfolio, DLR enables innovation, contributes towards the direct transfer of ground-breaking technologies to industry, makes data usable and promotes education in the field of AI – all in line with the national AI strategy. Artificial intelligence is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but rather enables task-oriented smart solutions for many current challenges. DLR is making important contributions in this field. This brochure gives an overview of AI research and its areas of application at DLR.

Pascale Ehrenfreund, Chair of the DLR Executive Board

Selected fields of application and AI activities at DLR

• Earth Observation: The geodata obtained using AI and the resulting knowledge is important for research into the Earth system and global change.
  
  
• Safety-critical systems: Thanks to its expertise and experience at the interface between digitalisation and security, DLR is in an excellent strategic position to conduct cutting-edge European research for secure AI systems.
  
  
• Automated and networked driving: AI technologies are key to the further development of automated and networked driving – an important area of research at DLR.
  
  
• Personal assistants and expert systems: Intelligent Personal Assistants (IPAs) are designed primarily to assist people. DLR has been conducting research into the use of AI technology for IPAs for many years.
  
  
• Robotics: DLR is a world leader in the development of humanoid robots. With AI, DLR researchers are developing new methods to make robots aware of their own abilities.
  
  
• Production: DLR is currently focussing on AI technology for automatic recognition and location measurement as well as for the networking of different systems as part of Industry 4.0.
  
  
• Predictive maintenance and condition monitoring: The development of AI methods for the predictive maintenance of systems and structures is a central component of DLR research. In this way, technical problems can be identified before they occur.