IRP at Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences: AI for intelligent production in Europe
With the newly founded Institute for Robotics and Intelligent Production Systems (IRP), Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences aims to shape the production of tomorrow. The team led by Prof. Christian Friedrich combines artificial intelligence with engineering knowledge – for more flexible, efficient and sustainable production facilities in Europe.
HKA founds institute for intelligent production
Since April 2025, there has been a new address at Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences for anyone who wants to make production technologies smarter: the Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Production Systems (IRP). There is a clear goal behind this: “We are conducting research in the field of robotics, production systems and the question of how to make these systems more intelligent,” explains Institute Director Christian Friedrich.
Keeping production in Europe – even in high-wage countries
“For years, there has been an attitude that if production becomes too expensive here in Germany, we will simply relocate it,” says Prof. Christian Friedrich. In order to make production technology flexible in high-wage countries, the institute is working on technological solutions that enable efficient and cost-effective processes here too. This is worthwhile, because last year almost a quarter of Germany’s gross domestic product was attributable to the manufacturing industry.
More jobs through robotics?
While fears persist that robots will take people’s jobs in the future, Friedrich can reassure us with observations to the contrary: “There is a very clear correlation that shows that, in the end, in countries that have automated, that have really invested money in technology, the unemployment rate has not actually risen at all, but on the contrary, it has actually fallen and people are better off.”
Research for practical applications: simpler robot programming
The IRP team, which is made up of academic staff, doctoral students and students from various faculties, is researching how to make robots and production systems more flexible and easier to use. In many factories today, every robot movement is still laboriously programmed by hand – efficiently only for mass production. However, if many variants have to be produced, this is hardly worthwhile.
The researchers at the IRP therefore use existing data from the entire development process – such as CAD models – and combine physical domain knowledge with artificial intelligence. The result: robots that automatically know how to grip components, loosen screws or insert workpieces with the right force.
AI meets the art of engineering
In its research work, the IRP concentrates on artificial intelligence methods, modern control algorithms and the design of mechatronic systems. While artificial intelligence has its advantages, Christian Friedrich explains that the focus here is also on combining machine learning with engineering approaches from control engineering.
Interdisciplinary and industry-oriented
The institute works on an interdisciplinary basis – computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering – and closely with industrial partners. This ensures that new methods do not get stuck in the laboratory, but quickly find their way into real production facilities. With the IRP, Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences wants to send out a visible signal: Research that has a direct impact on practice is crucial to keeping production expertise and added value in Europe.
Cover picture: Quirin Leppert