Understanding systems. Shaping the future.
We study how technical systems stay reliable when components fail, data is inconsistent or people have to make decisions. The focus is on systems that people actually use.
Explore our research
The Institute for Technical Systems Research is a publicly funded and independent institute for applied research based in Erlangen. Three research areas address questions about reliable technical systems: Networked Systems, Simulation and Modelling, and Human-Technology Interaction.
The application fields are public infrastructure, energy and industry. The Institute page describes how the institute is organised and how it works. Content date: 1 November 2026.
Research areas
Networked Systems
How can distributed technical components remain understandable and manageable when faced with delays, connection losses and inconsistent data?
Simulation & Modelling
Which decisions can be derived from models, and how do conclusions change with assumptions, coupling and uncertainty?
Human-Technology Interaction
How can people recognise technical states and uncertainty and act appropriately?
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News
Data gaps should not be shown as zero values
A interim report asks how value ranges and data gaps can remain distinguishable on an energy overview.
Fault handover as a traceable sequence of tasks
The report on P07 describes how a fault handover in a control room can be designed as a traceable sequence of tasks.
Comparing maintenance rules across several random seeds
A experimental plan sets out how maintenance rules in an abstract production line are compared across several random seeds.