Fahrsimulator // Foto: Universität Ulm, Photodesign Buhl

Hochschulverbund InnoSÜD – Themenfeld Mobilitat

The topic of mobility is about the intelligent mobility of the future: modern vehicle sensors, intelligent mobility concepts in urban areas, the energy-efficient drive technology of the future or the improvement of human-machine interaction in automated driving. The Technical University of Ulm and the University of Ulm deal with these topics in the InnoSÜD project in an interdisciplinary approach from electrical engineering, computer science, mechanical engineering and psychology.

In addition to their expertise, the university and university have access to the latest engine and roller test benches, the DriveU and a-drive innovation centers, centers for radar sensors and cooperation with companies in the region.

Research at the University of Ulm: highly automated driving

Researchers from engineering, computer science and psychology work together at the University of Ulm on the autonomous car of the future. Without the intervention of a driver, these cars are supposed to steer safely through traffic and even warn each other of traffic jams or dangers.

A “robot taxi” that picks up its passengers exactly at the time they have ordered, takes them safely to their destination and then drives on again without a driver. At Ulm University, such a scenario is already a reality in part. Scientists have been working on automated driving and developing intelligent vehicle systems for around 15 years.

Since 2013, correspondingly technically advanced test vehicles, in which the researchers rely on near-series sensors, have been rolling on public roads in Ulm: radar and laser sensors record the surroundings together with cameras, with the help of this data computers analyze the traffic situation, calculate safe and comfortable behavior and control according to steering, accelerator and brake. The research focus in Ulm is on the demanding inner-city traffic, in which vehicles and pedestrians share a sometimes confusing, narrow traffic area.

Research at THU: subject area mobility

In addition to high-quality teaching and further training, application-oriented research is one of the core tasks of Ulm University of Applied Sciences. With its research activities, the university wants to make an important contribution to the technical, ecological and thus also social development of the Ulm region and the state of Baden-Württemberg. The university’s researchers use their expertise to promote projects together with partners from business and science.

Tailor-made solutions for companies outside of the university’s application-oriented research and development are offered by various Steinbeis transfer centers under the direction of university professors.

In the joint project InnoSÜD, the university is concentrating on future technologies in the area of mobility and energy.