Research at Reutlingen University

Research at Reutlingen University is conducted under the umbrella of the Reutlingen Research Institute (RRI) - application-oriented, practical and closely interlinked with teaching, including on megatrends such as artificial intelligence, digitalisation and climate protection.

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Our research topics

Machine tools, manufacturing systems and control technology

Institute for Intelligent Production and Services

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Machine Tools, Manufacturing Systems and Control Engineering Research Group

Since 2010, the Machine Tools, Manufacturing Systems and Control Technology research group has focused on topics in the area of construction, optimisation and design of machines as well as entire manufacturing plants. It also deals with the processes running on these systems for the production of ready-to-install workpieces as well as the investigation of the static, dynamic, thermal, geometric and kinematic behaviour of components and entire machines.

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Collaboration
Structures
Portraits
Research magazine
Relevant information

Our research in numbers

8,77 Mio €

Third-party research funds

271

Publications

110

Research projects

96+

Research active professors

144

Research staff

80+

PhD students

Collaboration opportunity

Collaboration with Researchers at Reutlingen University

The university's approach is not one of isolationist research; rather, as a university of applied sciences, its mission is to facilitate the dissemination of new scientific findings to industry and society.In this regard, its professors engage in research in close collaboration with universities, universities of applied sciences, research institutes, local authorities and companies. The following opportunities for collaboration are available:

Publicly funded third-party projects (in collaboration with companies and research institutions)
Open-ended research into a jointly defined issue as part of cooperative research projects (in collaboration with companies)
Target-oriented research services for companies within the framework of contract research projects

Get in touch

Reutlingen University also offers ideal opportunities for young entrepreneurs to realise their business ideas in the Neckaralb region. The central point of contact for all enquiries pertaining to innovation, entrepreneurship and start-ups is the Centre for Entrepreneurship.

CENTRE FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Research structures

Teaching and research centres

With the innovative concept of the teaching and research centres, we address topics of the future. A Master's degree programme in the respective research area ensures close integration with teaching.

Research centres

Particularly strong research professors who acquire and publish a lot of third-party funding conduct research on the topics of our time in our three interdisciplinary research centres.

Research groups

Professors from different disciplines pool their expertise in our seven inter-faculty research groups.

Contact Person at the RRI

News

25.05.2026

Wie Windeln zu Rohstoffen werden und die Sonnenblume uns ins Weltall bringt

Die GEA-Campusseite April ist da

Im Reutlinger General-Anzeiger ist heute die Campusseite April erschienen.

Interaktive Simulation motiviert Führungskräfte zum Klimahandeln

Forschende zeigen in einer wegweisenden Studie, dass interaktive Klimasimulationen helfen können, die Lücke zwischen Klimawissen und realen Entscheidungen zu schließen.

Meet our researchers

Prof. Dr. Sascha Schweitzer

Sascha Schweitzer is a Professor of Business Administration and Data Science at ESB Business School. His research produces surprising insights.

What is his current focus? We did some more research.

The objective of data science is to derive valuable insights from large amounts of data. This necessitates the utilisation of algorithms, mathematical models and industry-specific expertise. "The methods we employ are typically similar, but the questions we address originate from a multitude of domains, including law, chatGPT, social media, and psychology," states Sascha Schweitzer. "This is what makes my research so diverse and interesting!"

For approximately two years, the data scientist has been researching the feasibility of utilising chatbots for legal consultation. The initial study yielded promising results, with the AI answering over 50% of the questions correctly in a basic legal examination. The success rate has since improved, reaching between 70 and 90% in various subject areas. In certain instances, the AI has demonstrated capabilities that are on par with those of a human lawyer. Furthermore, data science provides insights into social science issues. For instance, Schweitzer demonstrated that researchers gain from discussing their findings on social media, even if their work is solely evaluated based on the frequency of citations in scientific journals.

Whatever the topic, data scientists like Sascha Schweitzer look for patterns to depict our complex reality.

Featured articles from
our research magazine

The current Research Magazine "Artificial Intelligence" (PDF)

AI has a clear cutting-edge

Artificial intelligence is revolutionising the factory floor. But this does not mean that it will replace the factory workers, claim Professors Günter Bitsch and Paul Helmut Nebeling. In their projects on tool wear and tear and quality assurance in injection moulding, they show how AI can be put to good use – and benefit the workers.

full Article (GErman)

A Journey into the Nano World

'Goldy' is a miniature robot with integrated electronics, measuring only a few micrometres. It is capable of monitoring our metabolic processes, with the potential to transform personalised medicine. Funded by the Carl Zeiss Foundation, Professor Marc Brecht is collaborating with researchers at the University of Tübingen to develop an innovative three-dimensional printing process to create 'Goldy' in practice.

full article (German)

Relevant information

PhD

Open Access (OA)

International research strength

Ensuring good scientific practice

Focal points HRK Research Map

Gender Equality Plan

Research data management

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Promovieren in Reutlingen

In autumn 2022, the universities of applied sciences (HAW) in Baden-Württemberg have been granted the right to award doctorates within the framework of a doctoral association. All state HAWs and the three church-run universities in Baden-Württemberg belong to the association. A doctoral centre was also set up for professors who are particularly strong in research to ensure quality assurance and exchange across research boundaries. All members of the doctoral centre can complete doctorates, the doctoral degree is awarded by the association, and the participation of a university is no longer mandatory.

A total of 223 founding members have qualified for the doctoral centre, 20 of whom are professors at Reutlingen University. This means that the university is strongly represented and can cover a broad thematic spectrum. From social sciences, behavioural sciences and economics to computer science, electrical engineering and engineering sciences to life sciences, biotechnology and medical technology - in all these subject areas, doctorates can be supervised at Reutlingen University in the future. Other professors can be accepted as members of the association if they meet the criteria regarding research strength.

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Open Access

Open Access improves the supply of information to science, facilitates the transfer of research results to industry and enables easy access to knowledge and information. Freely accessible OA publications are open to innovative evaluation procedures. The digital re-use of scientific findings enables new research approaches and innovations.

Reutlingen University strongly supports the expansion of Open Access with suitable infrastructures, procedures and contact persons. It advocates that research results be made accessible worldwide without restrictions for the benefit of science and society.

more information

European University Association

The university has been a member of the European University Association (EUA) since January 2018. Membership in the Association of European Research Universities brings new opportunities for influence, especially in European education policy, and improves cooperation opportunities across Germany and Europe. As a result, the traditionally pronounced internationalisation in teaching is strengthened by new international research activities. Reutlingen University's research strength was decisive for its acceptance into the EUA.

Research map

In terms of subject matter, the activities in RRI can be assigned to three interdisciplinary research foci. The research foci reflect the breadth of research at RRI, and they offer a reflection of the competencies at the university, which are fed by the various faculties - from the technical faculties to computer science and economics.

Profile-forming research subject:
Development of power semiconductors and integrated systems as well as new solutions in drive and energy technology and energy management in terms of resource conservation and sustainability.

Primary research activities take place in the field of engineering sciences, as well as in the two research centres Electronics & Drives and the Reutlingen Energy Centre for Decentralised Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency.

Profile-forming research subject:
Systems and procedures as well as economic aspects and business models in production and logistics including handling and transportation systems and additive manufactoring.

Primary research activities take place in the area of economics, as well as in the Training and Research Centre Added Value and Logistics Systems.

Profile-forming research focus:
Investigation and development of new materials, products and processes for plastic chemistry, textiles, machines and medicine; methods of production and it's analysis and optimisation, including the necessary IT and communication technologies, in particular applied artificial intelligence.

Primary research activities take place in the areas of Life Science, Informatics and Textile&Design, as well as in the research centres Process Analysis & Technology, Herman Hollerith Centre for Services Computing and Centre for Interactive Materials.

These focal points are also listed in the research map of the German Rectors' Conference and are thus independently evaluated as such.