AI for greater safety on stone objects

StoneCrackMon initially addressed a frequently underestimated risk: historical wayside crosses and stone monuments often have hidden damage, which can even lead to a risk of collapse. There are thousands of such objects throughout Germany. Until now, the assessment of structural stability has been based primarily on the experience, hearing, and intuition of experienced stonemasons. StoneCrackMon supplements this knowledge with an AI-supported testing method in which the system detects cracks and structural damage to stone objects at an early stage.

The solution analyzes audio data generated when the stone is struck or scraped, and artificial intelligence evaluates the sound pattern. It distinguishes between intact and damaged structures, allowing risks to be identified early and hazards to be reduced.

Craftsmanship meets AI research

Sculptor Michael Diwo provided more than 1,000 audio recordings from his daily work. This data forms the basis for training the AI. The Fraunhofer Institute in Lemgo developed the necessary hardware and software and was responsible for the model architecture as well as the training and optimization of the AI. “I am delighted that our idea of transferring traditional craftsmanship knowledge into the modern age has received such recognition,” says stonemason Michael Diwo, expressing his delight at the award.

"The Seifriz Prize shows that knowledge transfer between research, industry, cities, and municipalities works just as successfully and inspiringly with the skilled trades. With KIDiHa, we are bringing together craftsmanship and AI technology to develop practical solutions that strengthen future viability," says Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jürgen Jasperneite, Director of the Fraunhofer Institute in Lemgo.

"The award underscores how practical research and cooperation between the skilled trades and science can be, and how important transfer to the industry and regions is for securing the future viability of the skilled trades. With KIDiHa, we are creating solutions that are not only innovative but, in this case, also relevant to safety," adds KIDiHa project manager Prof. Dr. Klaus Schafmeister from the University of Applied Sciences for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses.

The project combines centuries-old craftsmanship and expertise with modern data-driven research. It is a prime example of successful technology transfer.

Development in the KIDiHa project

StoneCrackMon is a result of KIDiHa. The project is funded by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection, and Energy of North Rhine-Westphalia. The aim is to highlight the potential of artificial intelligence for the skilled trades, develop it in a practical manner, and make it usable in the long term.

Project partners are the University of Applied Sciences for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses (FHM), the Paderborn-Lippe District Craftsmen's Association, and the Fraunhofer Institute in Lemgo.

The Seifriz-Prize

For over 30 years, the Seifriz Prize has been recognizing outstanding collaborations between skilled trades and science throughout Germany. StoneCrackMon was selected as one of the three best projects from 19 submissions. The prize is endowed with €2,500 each for the skilled trade business and the scientific partner.

The award is presented by the Verein Technologietransfer Handwerk e. V. (Crafts Technology Transfer Association) under the auspices of Handwerk BW. The award ceremony will take place during the industry event “Zukunft Handwerk” (Future of Crafts) on March 4 and 5, 2026, in Munich. In addition, a personal presentation will take place during a company visit.