The Technical University of Nuremberg (UTN) is strategically expanding its research profile in the field of artificial intelligence: With three new professorships, the university is setting important impulses in central future fields – particularly in the Department of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence (CSAI).

With Prof. Dr. Christopher Mutschler, UTN gains a recognized expert in machine learning and positioning systems. His research combines signal processing, AI, and autonomous decision-making—a combination that is relevant for numerous applications from autonomous systems to connected infrastructures.

In addition to his professorship at UTN, Mutschler heads the "Positioning and Networks" department at Fraunhofer IIS in Nuremberg. With over 100 scientific publications and multiple award-winning contributions, he is considered one of the established researchers in the international AI field.

Machines that understand complex environments

Also new to the CSAI Department is Prof. Dr. Lukas Schmid, who researches as a Professor of Machine Intelligence. The focus of his work is on how machines can perceive and interpret complex, dynamic environments - including human behavior and interactions.

The goal is to develop systems that independently process information and reliably take on tasks. Schmid brings international experience from MIT and ETH Zurich. His research has been awarded several times, including the RSS Outstanding Systems Paper Award 2024 and the distinction as RSS Pioneer 2025.

Ethical perspectives on AI

The technological expertise is complemented by Prof. Dr. Michael Klenk, who works as a professor of Practical Philosophy at UTN. His work focuses on the ethical challenges of an increasingly digitized world and the responsible handling of Artificial Intelligence.

Klenk develops fundamentals for the reflective use of AI, combining philosophy with technology, politics, and design. Previously, he worked at Delft University of Technology and was awarded an ERC Starting Grant, among others.

With the appointment of the new professors, UTN specifically strengthens its competencies in the areas of machine learning, intelligent systems, and AI ethics. The combination of technological research and societal reflection underscores the university's interdisciplinary approach.