ICNAP Report 2025

"What does Industry 4.0 mean for my production systems and what do I have to do to make my company ready to face future challenges?" This is a question that production companies frequently raise in our projects. While there is no universal answer, it is clear that the ongoing digital transformation in manufacturing - driven by advanced data analytics and connectivity - will profoundly reshape production processes. These changes will make the production leaner, sharper, and more efficient.
Starting from this issue, the three Aachen-based Fraunhofer Institutes, together with experts from industry and research, have established the "International Center for Networked, Adaptive Production" (ICNAP). This initiative aims to identify and develop innovative approaches in digitalization that will enable companies to integrate Industry 4.0 into their production processes and to define the necessary technological and organizational prerequisites. We are convinced that the full potential of Industry 4.0 can only be realized when production technology, digitalization enablers and research join forces. ICNAP serves as both a platform and a community for joint research and development, turning the vision of Networked, Adaptive Production into reality.