I am a professor for computer science at the University of Freiburg and head of the research lab for Autonomous Intelligent Systems. My areas of interest lie in artificial intelligence and mobile robots.

My research mainly focuses on the development of robust and adaptive techniques for state estimation and control. Over the past years my group and I have developed a series of innovative probabilistic techniques for robot navigation and control. They cover different aspects such as localization, map-building, SLAM, path-planning, exploration, and several other aspects.

In my previous position from 1996 to 1999 at the University of Bonn I was head of the research lab for Autonomous Mobile Systems. In 1997 we deployed Rhino as the first interactive mobile tour-guide robot in the Deutsches Museum Bonn in Germany. In 1998 my group and I went to Washington, DC, to install the mobile robot Minerva in the Smithsonian Museum of American History. Afterwards we produced several robots that autonomously operated in trade shows and Museums. In 2008, we developed an approach that allowed a car to autonomously navigate through a complex parking garage and park itself. In 2012, we developed the robot Obelix that autonomously navigated like a pedestrian from the campus of the Faculty of Engineering to the city center of Freiburg.

At Toyota Research Institute (TRI), we’re working to build a future where everyone has the freedom to move, engage, and explore with a focus on reducing vehicle collisions, injuries, and fatalities. Join us in our mission to improve the quality of human life through advances in artificial intelligence, automated driving, robotics, and materials science. We’re dedicated to building a world of “mobility for all” where everyone, regardless of age or ability, can live in harmony with technology to enjoy a better life. Through innovations in AI, we’ll… -Develop vehicles incapable of causing a crash, regardless of the actions of the driver. -Develop technology for vehicles and robots to help people enjoy new levels of independence, access, and mobility. -Bring advanced mobility technology to market faster. - Discover new materials that will make batteries and hydrogen fuel cells smaller, lighter, less expensive and more powerful. Our work is guided by a dedication to safety – in how we research, develop, and validate the performance of vehicle technology to benefit society. As a subsidiary of Toyota, TRI is fueled by a diverse and inclusive community of people who carry invaluable leadership, experience, and ideas from industry-leading companies. Over half of our technical team carries PhD degrees. We’re continually searching for the world’s best talent ‒ people who are ready to define the new world of mobility with us! We strive to build a company that helps our people thrive, achieve work-life balance, and bring their best selves to work. At TRI, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the best of both worlds ‒ a fun start-up environment with brilliant people who enjoy solving tough problems and the financial backing to successfully achieve our goals. Come work with TRI if you’re interested in transforming mobility through designing safer cars, enabling the elderly to age in place, or designing alternative fuel sources. Start your impossible with us.