Traffic Technology Starting Signal for IMoGer: VITRONIC Participates in Research Project for Automated Mobility
VITRONIC is delighted to be part of the pioneering funding and research project IMoGer - Innovative Modular Mobility Made in Germany.
The project, led by the German Aerospace Center (DLR), aims to combine local public transport and courier and parcel logistics in a holistic mobility approach in order to serve the “last mile” - fully automated according to SAE level 4, without safety drivers.
With a total project volume of €39.2 million and a funding volume of €35.2 million, IMoGer is the largest funding project awarded by the Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport (BMDV) to date. The official go-ahead was given by Federal Minister Dr. Volker Wissing on 17 February 2025 with the presentation of the funding decision.
Automated test fleet on the “Schwarzer Berg”
The centerpiece of the project is the automated modular vehicle “U-Shift” developed by DLR, which can transport both people and goods thanks to interchangeable capsules. With a small test fleet of several units, the concept is to be tested for the first time in real use as a driverless, barrier-free service in Braunschweig's “Schwarzer Berg” district. The safety of the overall system is to be guaranteed by technical supervision and a supporting, intelligent transport infrastructure.
The vision: an automated mobility service for regular operation
The IMoGer research project creates the basis for the future regular operation of automated mobility services. It accompanies the entire process from approval to practical application and is to be transferred to other regions. IMoGer is thus taking on a pioneering role for innovative, sustainable and needs-based transportation systems in Germany.
VITRONIC's contribution to automated mobility
As part of the project, VITRONIC will contribute to the infrastructure-side protection of the “U-Shift” with state-of-the-art sensor systems. The focus here is on monitoring complex danger spots and situations, such as obscurations at intersections and the protection of vulnerable road users.
In addition, the “Homologation Framework” is to be further developed - a framework that describes the approval and certification of all relevant system components for autonomous driving.
Together with stakeholders from the automotive industry, fleet and infrastructure operators, safety bodies and authorities, VITRONIC will establish a committee to consolidate and further develop this framework in the long term.
We are proud to be part of this lighthouse project for the future of mobility in Germany. With our technologies, we want to contribute to turning a vision into reality."
In addition to DLR as consortium leader, the project partners involved in IMoGer are Braunschweiger Verkehrs-GmbH, UPS Deutschland S. à. r. l. & Co. OHG, DiMOS Operations GmbH and Motor Ai GmbH. The project is also supported by the City of Braunschweig and the Greater Braunschweig Regional Association. The project will run for three years.
Everything at a glance
About VITRONIC
VITRONIC is the world's leading innovation driver for machine vision, enabling its customers to master the challenges of tomorrow.
The global group of companies develops forward-looking solutions in the form of specialized products and software for image-based quality inspection, identification and process optimization, which find application in the growth sectors of automation and traffic engineering.
VITRONIC solutions make an important contribution to helping shape a safe and sustainable world. The existing limits of what is economically feasible are constantly being questioned in order to achieve the highest quality and productivity, for example in the production of automotive and pharmaceutical companies. Worldwide, Auto-ID solutions in logistics centers and at cargo airports, take over the reliable and efficient recording of shipments and thus ensure a transparent flow of goods.
In the transport sector, VITRONIC offers leading technology for increased safety on the roads, for optimizing traffic flow and for recording road usage.
Open and honest dealings with our customers form the foundation for jointly exploiting technological and process potential to the full. Joint success forms the basis of long-term cooperation with companies such as B. Braun, BMW, Daimler, DHL, UPS, Fresenius and Sanofi as well as with public clients.
Since its foundation in 1984, VITRONIC has been growing continuously for 40 years. The current annual turnover (2023) is above 240 million EUR and the company is currently represented on five continents in over 80 countries with approximately 1,400 employees. Since 2024 the company is part of ITIS Holding, leveraging the strengths of both entities, creating a strong end-to-end ITS and automation provider.
Development and production of VITRONIC systems are located at the company headquarters in Wiesbaden. VITRONIC subsidiaries span across all continents, including North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania. Additionally, a global network of sales and service partners ensures localized support for international customers.