Secure digital infrastructures form the basis for the secure exchange of information in a digitalized world. The importance of these infrastructures is growing rapidly in light of developments in artificial intelligence, rising cybercrime, and increasing regulatory requirements. “The issue of AI in particular underlines the urgency of secure data rooms. They pave the way for the responsible and secure use of technology and thus form the basis for new, digital business models,” explains Michael Fritz, head of the central office of the Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Cognitive Internet Technologies CCIT. “Germany and Europe must not get left behind. We need open source solutions for a new, independent digital infrastructure. The Hannover Messe is coming at just the right time to draw more attention to this issue.”

The research focus at the Fraunhofer CCIT shows what a future-proof edge-cloud infrastructure can look like: The edge-cloud continuum seamlessly integrates decentralized edge computing with centralized cloud computing. It enables data in digitalized industrial processes to be processed automatically where it is most efficient and economically viable. This enables optimal and consistently reliable data processing and storage across distributed networks — from the sensor to the cloud through to AI. The edge-cloud continuum thus provides important impetus for optimizing digital value chains.

ECC4P — efficient production through data-secure monitoring with AI

One highlight at the Hannover Messe is the “edge-cloud continuum for production” (ECC4P), a comprehensive monitoring system based on an edge-cloud infrastructure. ECC4P combines innovative sensors, edge computing and AI-based analyses to identify specific recommendations for action from production data and to give companies a competitive advantage. Trade fair visitors can gain a practical, interactive insight with the help of a multimedia wall. They can see how the scalable and easily adaptable ECC4P approach makes production processes more efficient, reduces reject rates and lowers downstream testing costs. It also allows machine downtimes and maintenance to be planned more effectively.

Varied application areas

In addition, Fraunhofer CCIT will be presenting further exhibits at its stand that showcase the wide range of applications of the edge-cloud continuum. This includes universal approaches such as the lightweight and resource-efficient “edge-AI platform,” solutions for individual aspects of Industry 4.0, such as the intelligent tool holder “smartTOOL.NextGen” or “Wise-Cut” for AI-based prediction of tool life and workpiece quality, as well as non-production application scenarios such as “Smart Track” as a basis for traffic management and planning.

In addition to the trade fair stand, Fraunhofer will also be presenting the new “GLUE” concept for greater data sovereignty as part of the “Industrial Security Circus” in Hall 16, Booth A12 (exhibit no. 8). Generalized lightweight usage control enforcement (GLUE) enables companies to ensure the integrity of the recipient's system and therefore the protection of the shared data before the data is transferred.

“The wide range of exhibits demonstrate the potential of the edge-cloud continuum for a secure and sovereign digital infrastructure for various industries. They also show how Fraunhofer CCIT can support the entire digital value chain as a neutral technology supplier for industrial businesses with its scientific findings and problem-solving skills,” says Michael Fritz.