Fraunhofer IPA Develops AI-Driven GenderHeart System to Improve Cardiovascular Aftercare and Outcomes for Women

© Fraunhofer IPA
The TEDIAS recording station enables digital recording of medical history: Biosensors automatically measure vital signs in a chair, while an avatar guides patients through the questionnaire.

(IN BRIEF) Fraunhofer IPA is developing a digital assistance system through the GenderHeart project to improve aftercare and early detection of cardiovascular disease in women, who face higher mortality rates after heart attacks and strokes compared to men. The system uses the TEDIAS platform, combining biosensors, AI and a digital avatar to collect medical data and guide patients through assessments before clinical consultations. It also incorporates voice analysis technology via a mobile app to monitor patients remotely. By focusing on gender-specific risk factors, hormone status and individualized treatment pathways, the project aims to enhance prognosis and reduce healthcare disparities. The initiative will launch in spring 2026 and involve partners including Zana Technologies and University Medical Centre Mannheim, with long-term plans for hospital integration.

(PRESS RELEASE) MUNICH, 1-Apr-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Fraunhofer IPA is advancing a new digital healthcare solution aimed at improving outcomes for women recovering from cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes, where mortality rates remain higher than for men.

The initiative, known as the GenderHeart project, focuses on enhancing gender-specific aftercare and early detection through a customized digital assistance system. Researchers highlight that women often face poorer prognoses due to underrepresentation in clinical trials, insufficient consideration of gender-specific risk factors and hormonal changes after menopause, making targeted follow-up care increasingly critical.

At the core of the project is a digital medical history recording system powered by the TEDIAS platform, a technology developed by Fraunhofer IPA. The system combines biosensor-equipped seating with an interactive digital avatar that guides patients through structured medical questionnaires while simultaneously capturing vital health data.

Paula Röttig, an engineer and research scientist involved in the project, explained that the system is designed to gather key cardiovascular data before a patient’s consultation, allowing clinicians to focus more efficiently on diagnosis and treatment decisions. During the assessment, biosensors automatically record indicators such as blood pressure, respiratory rate and ECG data, while the avatar facilitates the interaction in a user-friendly manner.

Building on this foundation, the GenderHeart project integrates artificial intelligence to evaluate individual risk profiles and recommend tailored therapies. The system is designed to analyze differences in disease progression and treatment outcomes between men and women, while also factoring in hormone status and other gender-specific influences on recovery.

Researchers are also developing an additional layer of monitoring through voice analysis technology. A companion mobile app will allow patients to record their voice daily over a six-month period, with algorithms identifying subtle changes that may signal cardiovascular issues. These insights will be incorporated into ongoing risk assessments conducted during follow-up visits.

The project, set to launch in spring 2026 and run for three years, brings together partners including Zana Technologies GmbH and University Medical Centre Mannheim. Over time, the team aims to deploy the system in emergency departments to streamline workflows and support more efficient patient evaluation.

Röttig emphasized that addressing gender disparities in healthcare is essential, noting that improved recognition of women-specific risk factors could significantly enhance treatment outcomes and long-term prognosis.

Media Contact:

Dipl.-Wirt.-Ing. FH Axel Storz
Marketing and Communication
Fraunhofer-Institut für Produktionstechnik und Automatisierung IPA
Nobelstr. 12
70569 Stuttgart
Phone +49 711 970-3660
Mobile +49 172 7148542
axel.storz@ipa.fraunhofer.de

SOURCE: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft