Fraunhofer Institute for Computer Graphics Research IGD

Seeing supports understanding

Visualization of complex data? We make it easy!

Fraunhofer IGD has been setting standards in visual computing for over 30 years. We accomplish this with a unique range of skills and technologies that we can flexibly combine to suit your particular needs and wishes.

Visual computing is image- and model-based information processing that blends computer graphics and computer vision. Put simply, it describes the ability to turn information into images and extract information from pictures. It is the basis of all the technological solutions used by Fraunhofer IGD and its partners.

Computer graphics involves processing and editing images, graphics, and multidimensional models with the aid of computers. Examples are virtual and simulated reality applications.

Computer vision is about teaching computers to “see.” A machine uses a camera to scan its surroundings and then processes the information with software. Examples include augmented reality.

Industries

Learn about the projects that we have already successfully carried out in your industry technologies we can also support you with.

Our services

For you, we improve existing technologies and processes up to the production of optimized prototypes and products. Our projects and innovations cover all application-relevant fields of competence in visual computing. For small and medium-sized enterprises without their own R&D department as well as for corporations, Fraunhofer IGD provides important innovative know-how around the topics visualization and simulation.

News

 

Bioeconomy and Environmental Monitoring: Research-driven Impulses for Hesse

Press releases

25.3.2025

AI, Robotics and Connected Data Spaces — Practical Solutions for Digital Healthcare

To unlock the potential of digital solutions for uses in healthcare, the solutions need to be suitable for real-world practice and fit seamlessly into existing processes and workflows. That is the only way they can ease the burden on healthcare workers. At the same time, the field needs trustworthy AI systems that ensure secure exchanges of sensitive health data — across different sectors, without data protection and privacy risks and with full control for patients. Eight Fraunhofer institutes will be jointly presenting solutions to these challenges at the DMEA 2025 trade show, held in Berlin from April 8 to 10, 2025. The researchers will be present at Booth D-109 in Hall 2.2, where they will use exhibits and demonstrators to pro-vide exciting glimpses of the health IT of the future and will also be available to talk with at-tendees.
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20.3.2025

Patient Data Management: Intuitive, Privacy-Compliant Solutions

Due to its highly sensitive nature, health data must be secure, but it must also be easy to use. Patients and healthcare professionals alike need solutions that allow them to control who has access to what information. Fraunhofer IGD has the solution. At DMEA in Berlin, the institute will present its latest research findings on secure digital medical twins at booth D-109 in hall 2.2.
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18.3.2025

Fraunhofer IGD and Prognos pool expertise to surmount skilled worker shortage

The shortage of skilled labor is having a negative effect across the entire economy, from the IT sector through to healthcare. The Fraunhofer Institute for Computer Graphics Research IGD has developed a range of technologies such as 3D planning tools, digital twins and visual control centers and applied them in practice, where they have been proven to boost the efficiency of skilled workers and initiatives towards a better qualified workforce. Analysis conducted by Prognos AG shows the great potential for jobs in Germany that can still benefit from these technologies.
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26.2.2025

Fully Automated Robot-Assisted 3D Scanning without Teaching

Can 3D scanning be as easy as traditional 2D scanning? The Fraunhofer Institute for Computer Graphics Research has the answer: Its robot-assisted solution enables fully automated and highly precise 3D scanning – without the need to spend time teaching the robot. Using intelligent dynamic trajectory algorithms, the system can digitize objects to within 10 microns. Users benefit from the ability to create complete 3D models of objects and components with virtually no user interaction – ideal for industrial and research applications.
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AI solutions for administration: smart support for Hesse's municipalities

Events

4.9.2025

50 years of GRIS und Computer Graphics Night 2025

We are delighted to announce a very special event: 50 years of GRIS! We cordially invite you to join us in Darmstadt on Thursday, September 4, 2025 to look back on the success story of the Interactive Graphics Systems (GRIS) research group – from the early days of computer graphics to the latest developments in visual computing. Yet another highlight: The anniversary celebration will be combined with Computer Graphics Night 2025, an established event that recognizes scientific excellence and showcases the latest innovations in computer graphics.
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23.6.2025

Intelligent Environments

The International Conference on Intelligent Environments (IE) is in its twenty-first year and is now recognized as a major annual venue in the area. IE, which has been hosted worldwide, offers a truly international forum and welcomes contributions from all over the planet. Intelligent environments refer to physical spaces in which information and communication technologies, artificial intelligence, interface sensing and actuating technologies are woven to create interacting spaces. The ultimate objective of such environments is to enrich users’ activities, while allowing users to manage them and be aware of each other’s capabilities.
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17.6.2025

Fraunhofer IGD Open Door

The Fraunhofer Institute for Computer Graphics Research IGD is opening its doors once again – following the very positive feedback from the event on November 6, 2024, for the Automotive Cluster RheinMainNeckar, this will be the second time. This event is aimed at the mechanical engineering and automotive sectors, suppliers, and software providers in these industries. Take a look behind the scenes at the IGD and experience, live and in direct interaction with researchers during a demo tour, current solutions addressing key IT trends: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), Augmented Intelligence, VR & AR (Spatial Computing), Digital Twins, visual inspection, digitalization, automation, and autonomous robotics. The solutions span various phases of the product lifecycle – from design and engineering to quality control in production, as well as applications in education and training, such as in after-sales. We look forward to lively discussions with all participants during the subsequent get-together.
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4.6.2025

Quantum Computing

The Center of Applied Quantum Computing (ZAQC) offers a lecture series on selected topics in applied quantum computing in June. The three lectures will cover the topics - "Quantum-inspired optimization" (Wednesday, June 4, 2025), - "Tensor networks for physical simulation" (Thursday, June 12, 2025) and - "Quantum computing for protein folding" (Wednesday, June 18, 2025). The lectures will take place in a hybrid format in the auditorium of the Fraunhofer IGD, each at 5:00 PM. Please register for the event using the corresponding link and choose whether you would like to participate in person or virtually.
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