Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS
Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS

Testing and Experimentation Facility for Health AI and Robotics

The transition of research findings into innovative health products is essential for economic growth and enhancing quality of life, especially in the face of rapid digital transformation. To remain globally competitive, the health sector must quickly evaluate and test new innovations for reliability, supported by effective innovation networks and collaborations.

Test infrastructure for the evaluation of medical technologies in realistic environments

TEF-Health is a new digital innovation cluster aimed at accelerating the development of AI and robotics in healthcare. It provides tailored support to innovators and SMEs, streamlines efficient testing processes, and facilitates market access while ensuring regulatory compliance. The pan-European network integrates with existing innovation structures, offering a centralized access point for a wide array of services and expertise. 

TEF-Health focuses on validating AI solutions in realistic environments, to foster user trust, and boost the deployment of EU technologies from laboratory to market. It aims to improve the effectiveness and sustainability of EU health systems while addressing inequalities and ensuring adherence to legal and ethical standards.

Project Goals

  • Testing AI Solutions: Conduct tests and experiments on AI solutions, both software and hardware, in large-scale and sustainable real or realistic environments. 
  • Market Access Evaluation: Implement evaluation activities that facilitate market access for trustworthy intelligent technologies. This includes developing new regulatory requirements (certification, standardization, code of conduct, etc.) and ensuring that evaluation resources are easily accessible by linking with digital innovation hubs.  
  • Investment Optimization: Enhance investment efficiency and avoid duplication of testing facilities by capitalizing on past investments. TEF-Health starts with a high maturity level, equipped with the necessary expertise and infrastructure to design and implement AI testing methods in real world environments, targeting technology readiness level (TRL) 6-8.
     

Accelerating the validation and certification of AI and robotics in medical devices

The Fraunhofer IIS is actively contributing in the TEF-Health initiative by providing essential testing facilities and services in areas like cardiology, psycho-physiology, and movement/gait analysis. These services enable the rigorous evaluation of innovative AI and robotics products, accessible through a publicly available knowledge graph.

In addition to offering testing environments, Fraunhofer IIS is involved in defining what constitutes trustworthy AI in medical applications. This definition is crucial for establishing standards that ensure safety, reliability, and ethical considerations in the use of AI technologies in healthcare.

Furthermore, Fraunhofer IIS supports the TEF-Health program by identifying specific service needs within the TEF. By collaborating closely with developers of innovative AI products in medicine, we ensure that the support provided aligns with the real-world challenges these innovators face.

Through these contributions, Fraunhofer IIS is significantly enhancing the landscape of AI in healthcare, fostering innovation, and ultimately improving patient care.