“Autonomics is the next major paradigm shift”

Interview with Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Peter Liggesmeyer, Executive Director of Fraunhofer IESE

Professor Liggesmeyer, what exactly do you mean by Autonomics?

Autonomics brings together, across all application areas, the content relevant to the autonomy of systems. I observe a trend everywhere toward systems that are highly automated or even fully autonomous over long periods of time. Of course, the requirements for these systems differ, but there are also common challenges – and presumably similar solutions to them. One might well ask why we are currently seeking these solutions on a per-application basis instead of leveraging the similarities to create synergies through shared solutions.

I see Autonomics as the scientific field that identifies these common challenges for the development and operation of autonomous systems and conducts interdisciplinary research into solutions for them. It builds on existing disciplines such as computer science – particularly artificial intelligence – mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering. It raises scientific questions, undoubtedly has high economic potential, and requires engagement with societal perspectives. Mechanical engineering has mechanized, electrical engineering has electrified, computer science has digitized – and Autonomics will make systems autonomous. Of course, not necessarily completely, but according to the desired degree of autonomy.

Many equate autonomy with AI. Is Autonomics simply another word for artificial intelligence?

No. Autonomous systems are hardly conceivable without AI, but they require additional technologies. AI is an important tool – it can pursue a wide variety of goals, not just autonomy. AI agents contribute to the field of Autonomics; I see this as a means of implementation for certain applications. In my view, however, Autonomics has a much broader scope.

A system is only truly autonomous if it can react independently to unforeseen events over extended periods of time. Otherwise, its operational duration and environment remain severely limited. Autonomics aims to consider the entire system over long periods of time, including its dependability.

Why is this capability becoming so important right now?

Autonomous systems are indispensable where challenges are so complicated or even complex, or reaction times so short, that humans can no longer intervene appropriately. Furthermore, autonomous solutions may also be desirable for economic reasons—as in Industry 4.0 – or as a convenience feature – as in autonomous driving. However, in many key areas, we will not make real progress unless we learn to design and operate autonomous systems dependably. How dependability can be guaranteed is a central scientific question.

You speak of a paradigm shift. What is at stake?

A fundamental paradigm shift is currently taking place driven by autonomous systems. If we miss the boat, we will fall behind not only in the underlying technology but also in its areas of application. This would have negative consequences for many important industries. However, if we act quickly enough, Autonomics can have a significant positive economic impact. It is a matter of technological sovereignty and future viability.

A key example is the energy transition. Why does it need Autonomics?

As renewable energy expands, the number of feed-in sources is increasing – from private households to large-scale plants. At the same time, energy generation from wind and solar is volatile: sometimes there is too much electricity, sometimes too little. To balance these fluctuations, plants must be coordinated, storage must be used intelligently, and energy must be distributed across regions. The overall system is too large and too complex for humans to fully oversee.

For the energy transition to succeed, autonomous solutions must be developed here – and that requires intensive research.

Another prominent application is autonomous driving. Is the situation comparable there?

In autonomous driving, the societal necessity is less urgent than in energy supply – here, it is initially a “nice-to-have.”

But from an industrial policy perspective, the topic is highly relevant. For decades, the German automotive industry was focused on mechanical perfection. With the Software-Defined Vehicle, computer science has triggered a paradigm shift: software functions have become a decisive selling point.

Autonomous systems now mark the next stage of this development. Whoever leads technologically here will define future markets. Bold research in autonomy can thus be a powerful driver of innovation for the industry.

The application in medicine seems even more existential. How do you classify autonomy in this context?

In cancer treatment, cell therapies such as CAR-T cell therapy offer high chances of cure. However, due to the complex manual production process, they are very expensive and only available in limited quantities. Automated production requires highly flexible processes that ultimately must be implemented autonomously. If this is achieved, costs could be significantly reduced and the available supply substantially increased.

This is an example of how autonomous systems not only generate economic benefits but can also concretely improve or even save human lives.

In your view, how should Autonomics be scientifically established?

We must systematically develop Autonomics as an independent field of science. The term is deliberately modeled after Informatics (computer science). The goal is to create a theoretical foundation and clearly define which competencies are necessary to develop excellent autonomous systems.

I see Autonomics as an important field of science. Whether it will develop into an independent discipline in the long term remains to be seen. Germany could position itself as a global pioneer in this area.

Autonomous systems are just beginning to massively transform our world. My colleagues, including Prof. Wahlster and Prof. Kagermann, and I sense this dawn. Now is the time to shape the scientific field of Autonomics.