Fraunhofer opens three Humanoid Robots Experience Labs in Germany

Fraunhofer Institute for Optronics, System Technologies and Image Exploitation (IOSB) has opened Humanoid Robots Experience Labs at three German locations in Karlsruhe, Lemgo, and Ilmenau, the institute announced. The labs offer practical access to humanoid robot technology for industry, small and medium-sized enterprises, crafts, agriculture, municipalities, emergency services, and the defense and security sector. Fraunhofer IOSB said the facilities aim to provide interested users, primarily from business and government organizations, with practical insights into the technology. At the locations, the technology can be experienced, application scenarios can be tested, and possible use cases can be developed with scientists on site. The focus is on demonstration, testing, and transfer to real application cases. Experts from robotics, sensor technology, artificial intelligence, automation, and human-machine interaction are available. Each lab has a specific focus. Karlsruhe focuses on unstructured and safety-critical environments such as construction, defense, security, and disaster control. Lemgo focuses on industrial application and automation, including manipulation and handling of objects. Ilmenau deals with assistance, inspection, and manipulation tasks in complex environments such as agriculture, municipal public services, and critical infrastructure. Interested parties can get to know the labs through planned opening events, with the Lemgo location kicking off on September 23, 2026.