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Digitalisation and Cybersecurity - Backbone of Modern Societies

Networked systems are the invisible control centers of our networked world. They regulate the flow of energy in power grids, control traffic and communication systems, enable autonomous mobility, and secure industrial production processes. Embedded systems are also indispensable in everyday life – from smartphones and household appliances to medical devices.

However, their increasing interconnectedness with digital platforms and cloud services makes them a key target for cyber threats. In critical infrastructures, a successful attack can have far-reaching consequences for security of supply, the economy, and public order.

In a military context, embedded and networked systems form the technological foundation of modern operational command, sensor technology, and impact. Their reliability, security, and resilience are crucial for operational capability and the protection of personnel and equipment.

Researching and securing such systems is therefore not just a technical challenge, but a task for society as a whole – in which the Chair of Computer Science with a Focus on Embedded Systems is actively involved.

Our Guiding Principles

Research for the free and democratic order strengthens the resilience of our open society against authoritarian, extremist, and hybrid threats. It develops concepts, technologies, and recommendations for action that protect fundamental rights, the rule of law, and pluralism instead of undermining them. In this way, science makes a concrete contribution to responsibly guiding freedom, security, and democracy into the future.

Vision

We develop systems and empower people to act resiliently and decisively in security-critical situations to protect our sovereignty and societal values.

Mission

We develop networked, resilient systems for security-critical and military applications. We empower people to act responsibly in complex operational and protective tasks. Through close cooperation with government agencies, armed forces, industry, and research partners, we translate our findings into practical, sovereignty-enhancing technologies.

Research Focus

Research at the chair combines theoretical foundations with application-oriented systems development. Key areas include:

  • Software-defined technologies in embedded, cyber-physical, and distributed systems
  • Virtualization of physical resources and digital twins for sustainable system development
  • Reliability, security, and resilience in software-defined infrastructures
  • Automation and self-adaptability through AI-supported control and intelligent decision-making
  • Human-system interaction, including human-in-the-loop and human-out-of-the-loop approaches for safety-critical decisions

Areas of Application

The chair's research is applied in a wide range of domains, including:

  • Defense, security, and protection of critical infrastructure and other dual-purpose assets, improving military and civilian defense capabilities, and integrating humans and technology into relevant systems.
  • Situational management and capability development for and in challenging, dynamic, and complex environments, e.g., with applications in disaster management.
  • Platforms and systems in dynamic environments (e.g., UxVs).
  • Systems and technologies with high demands on resilience, security, and adaptability.
  • Answering legal, social, and ethical questions in the development of such systems.

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