Healthcare
Solutions for a sustainable healthcare system and a higher quality of life
Digital health solutions and connected care
Digitalization and modern information and communication technologies enable better care and more efficient processes in the healthcare sector. To this end, the FZI develops innovative ICT solutions in the fields of medical information technology, human-technology interaction, and healthcare logistics, while examining technical, economic, and social aspects.
Through its projects, the FZI researches the development of high-performance network structures, the optimization of workflows, the targeted exchange of information, and the expansion of digital care documentation. The goal is to facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration between professional groups and family members. In addition, the FZI develops telemedicine systems, data infrastructures, and platform solutions that securely connect various stakeholders in the healthcare sector and support patient-centered care regardless of time or location.
AI-powered assistance systems and human-technology interaction
In the field of medical information technology, apps for health data, virtual coaching systems for personalized care pathways, and analytics and AI methods for vital sign analysis and tumor diagnostics are being developed. This is complemented by streamlined AI solutions with easily accessible sensor technology for remote diagnosis and assistance functions, by applied AI, image processing, and vital sign monitoring methods, as well as by AR/VR applications to support patients and healthcare professionals.
The FZI is researching innovative approaches to human-technology interaction, such as robotic and partially autonomous assistance systems in healthcare and novel wearable sensor systems for emergency detection. In addition, methods are being developed for analysing actions, processes and speech, as well as for recognising objects and processes, to better understand, document and specifically support clinical, nursing and emergency medical service procedures.
Challenges and prospects for the healthcare system
Demographic change, the rise in chronic diseases, and the shortage of healthcare professionals are posing growing challenges to the healthcare system. At the same time, preventive care programs and health promotion initiatives require more resources.
Thanks to its interdisciplinary expertise in logistics, analytics, algorithms, mathematical optimization, and simulation, the FZI makes a significant contribution to the sustainability of the healthcare system while also helping to improve safety, autonomy, and quality of life in the home environment.
FZI Living Lab Healthcare Innovation
Technology for people – from prevention to clinical care
At the FZI Living Lab Healthcare Innovations, we research and develop digital solutions that make healthcare more efficient, safer, and more humane. We combine state-of-the-art sensor technology, robotics, and Artificial Intelligence with medical expertise. In this way, we cover the entire care continuum – from preventive health promotion in everyday life to support in nursing care, all the way to highly specialized processes in emergency care and the operating room. People and the protection of their sensitive data are always at the center of our work: Our systems are technologically advanced, ethically sound, and compliant with data protection regulations.
Our research focuses
The FZI brings together interdisciplinary expertise to address the complex challenges facing the healthcare sector:
- Prevention & Lifestyle: Development of AI-based coaching systems, wearables, and sensor-based applications that analyze health behaviors and use gamification to encourage more physical activity or stress management.
- Clinical Process Optimization: Use of computer vision, sensor fusion, AR/VR, speech processing, and AI for the automated detection, documentation, and analysis of clinical processes, as well as to enhance patient safety.
- Smart Care:
Support systems for home and inpatient care that use sensors, digital assistance systems, and robotic support to reduce the burden on caregivers and enable autonomy in old age.
- Controlled Health Data
Design of data trust models, secure platforms, and telemedicine solutions that enable the use of sensitive health data for care and research without compromising privacy.
- Applied AI & Diagnostics: Translating scientific findings into practice, healthcare, and public awareness.
- Real-world Labs & Transfer:
Testing and validating new technologies in realistic test environments and real-world labs to effectively translate research results into healthcare.
- Competence Center for Logistics in Emergency Medical Services: Development of intelligent systems for the dispatch of emergency resources—with the goal of providing the right resources at the right location at all times, taking into account the availability and qualifications of personnel.
Infrastructure and facilities
The FZI Living Lab Healthcare Innovations offers a practical research and testing environment for the development, testing, and evaluation of digital health solutions.
Human Interaction Research Lab
An interactive testing environment equipped with seven state-of-the-art cameras for real-time analysis of movement patterns, nonverbal cues, social dynamics, and 2D and 3D pose data. In addition, the lab supports the collection of interaction and process data and the analysis of intentions to study and optimize complex processes.
Realistic test and demonstration environments
Demonstrators and test setups for sensor, AI, monitoring, and AR/VR solutions that enable application-oriented testing and validation of new technologies in healthcare, nursing, and emergency medical services. For this purpose, vital signs are systematically recorded and analyzed in real-world and simulated scenarios.
Collaboration and services
The FZI offers tailor-made cooperation models to medical technology companies, hospitals, insurers, and startups. The focus is on translating research findings into practical solutions for the healthcare sector.
- Research & Development: Development of software components, AI algorithms, and prototypes according to specific requirements.
- Validation & Evaluation: Testing and evaluation of systems, applications, and technical assistance solutions under realistic conditions.
- Technology Consulting & Feasibility Studies: Assessment of technological potential and support in defining key framework conditions.
- Publicly Funded Collaborative Projects: The FZI is an experienced partner in interdisciplinary consortia at the state, federal, and EU levels, assuming technical, leadership, and coordinating roles.
- Knowledge Transfer: Translation of scientific findings into practice, healthcare, and the public sphere.
Application fields
- Clinic & OR: Sensor-based and AI-supported systems for automated documentation, diagnostics, monitoring, and real-time support of medical procedures.
- Emergency Medical Services: Medical technology and digital solutions for planning and optimizing the deployment of emergency resources, as well as for supporting decision-making and care processes.
- Rehabilitation & Therapy: Sensor-based gamified applications, digital guidance, and monitoring to support patients throughout their therapy and rehabilitation.
- Home Environment: Ambient and wearable sensors, emergency assistance, telemedicine connectivity, and everyday support for greater safety and independence.
- Data Use, Networking & Data Sovereignty: Secure infrastructures and platforms for the sovereign collection, linking, and use of medical data, for telemedicine applications, and for cross-location information exchange.
Further information
