Connected Intelligent Infrastructures (CII)

The Competence Center Connected Intelligent Infrastructures (CII) researches how artificial intelligence can be used to understand, plan, and intelligently control complex, interconnected infrastructures. As digitalization progresses, many areas that were previously considered separately are increasingly converging: energy grids, buildings, production systems, and urban infrastructures are no longer isolated but part of a closely linked whole. Infrastructure thus becomes the central connection between technical, economic, and social processes, forming the foundation for reliable and resilient systems that society, the economy, and public services depend on daily.

Sensor technology, modern communication networks, and platform technologies enable seamless linking of data from various sources. Much of this information is generated by connected devices and machines—the Internet of Things (IoT). The semantic description of this data creates federated semantic data spaces that consolidate cross-domain knowledge. At the CII, these spaces form the basis for transforming rigid infrastructures into dynamic, networked systems and for gaining a deep understanding of complex interactions.

Analyzing large and diverse datasets is nearly impossible without artificial intelligence methods. The Competence Center develops advanced AI techniques for modeling, analyzing, and optimizing complex infrastructure systems. Digital twins, semantic data spaces, and federated architectures are central to this effort, enabling the integration and sharing of data and models across domains. Additionally, data fusion and predictive models are used to combine heterogeneous data streams, provide AI-based decision support for critical operating conditions, and implement adaptive control strategies for networked systems in real time. Particular emphasis is placed on the security, transparency, and traceability of AI-driven decisions in critical infrastructure.

Besides data analysis, the clear presentation of complex relationships is becoming increasingly important. XR technologies and industrial metaverses allow vivid visualization of large data sets, models, and simulations, which can be interacted with effectively. This enhances planning, operations, and decision-making processes in areas such as energy grids, smart cities, smart buildings, and federated production systems.