TH Mannheim uses humanoid robots to research empathetic human-machine interaction for care and medicine
December 16, 2025
Live demonstration in the “Neural Spacetime Lab” shows: With 56 cameras, real-time 4D reconstruction and new AI, humanoid robots will be able to better understand human signals in the future - from gestures to the desire for distance.
How can a humanoid robot support people in everyday life so that it not only “functions” but also reacts safely, socially appropriately and respectfully? This is exactly what TH Mannheim is now working on with a humanoid robot of the latest generation: Unitree G1 (EDU). In a public live demonstration in the highly specialized Neural Spacetime Lab, the research team showed how humanoid robotics can be coupled with a large-scale 4D laboratory in order to record and evaluate human interactions spatially and over time with previously unattainable precision and use them to train AI models.
The focus is on a highly topical goal: robotics for the healthcare sector, which can in the future relieve nursing staff and medical staff of routine tasks - without replacing humans. In the future, supporting activities such as bringing objects or meals, reminding people to take medication, accompanying people around the room or on the ward are conceivable - and above all: reacting to human needs, insecurities or a clear signal to keep their distance in an appropriate manner.
“Our vision is to develop AI perception models for humanoid robots that can understand human actions, predict intentions and thus act as intelligent, safe partners in interactions – be it in care, medicine or other real-world environments,” says Prof. Dr. Markus Vetter, head of the Institute for Applied Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (A²IR) at TH Mannheim.
4D instead of 3D: spatial data is expanded to include the time dimension
The Neural Spacetime Lab expands classic spatial perception to include the time dimension: The interaction of 56 synchronized cameras and innovative AI processes creates 4D reconstructions of human interactions in real time - i.e. movements, gestures and processes not just “in the image”, but as precise, dynamic scene models.
“By coupling a humanoid robot to our large-scale 56-camera 4D laboratory, we are creating new standards in 4D reconstruction and interaction AI and enabling previously unattainable precision in the analysis of complex movements and interactions,” adds Prof. Dr. Thomas Ihme from the Institute for Robotics (RI).
This precision is crucial because the central challenge lies not in grasping or walking, but in the cognitive - even non-verbal - understanding of facial expressions, direction of gaze, body posture, small defensive movements, insecurity, approval or the desire for distance. The researchers therefore consistently focus on human-centered interaction: the robot should learn to correctly interpret social signals and adapt its behavior appropriately.
Robots should be able to react to human movements and gestures in real time.
The humanoid research robot can already walk on two legs, balance, perform grasping operations and carry out simple interactions with people. He perceives his surroundings spatially using multisensory technology. The integration into the Neural Spacetime Lab adds a new capability: responsiveness to human movements and gestures in real time.
In the next steps, the teams will explore AI methods for perceiving, predicting and planning social interactions - including using high-precision methods such as Gaussian splatting for dense, realistic scene representations. The aim is for the robot to develop situational understanding, action prediction, distance perception and socially acceptable behavior from 4D data - especially in dynamic environments such as wards, hallways or patient rooms.
The transfer of the technologies into clinical and industrial pilot applications is planned from 2027 in order to test and further develop research results. In order to develop the new processes in a practical manner right from the start, the A²IR is specifically looking for additional users and project partners from care facilities and the healthcare system who would like to contribute their requirements and experiences to research and transfer.
Research work is integrated into teaching
Students of AI engineering and computer science can use the robot in projects and theses, carry out laboratory exercises, collect data and train models - on a research infrastructure that only a few locations offer in this form.“With the combination of humanoid robotics and high-precision 4D AI, we are positioning TH Mannheim as a leading location for pioneering research in this area,” says Prof. Dr. Mathias Hafner, Vice Rector for Research, Technology Transfer and Internationalization. “At the same time, we are strengthening our AI engineering degree program by allowing students to learn and research in a practical way using state-of-the-art technology.”
Mexican Day of the Dead celebrations at TH Mannheim
November 3, 2025
The Day of the Dead – Dia de los Muertos – is one of the most important Mexican holidays.
A group of approximately 20 Mexican students TH Mannheim prepared an exhibition on this topic on November 3, 2025, under the organizational leadership of Mr. Jorge Rojas Dominguez (Co-Coordinator of DHIK Mexico and International Degree-seeking Coordinator) and the International Office.
The official opening was conducted by Prof. M. Hafner (Vice President for Research, Transfer & International Affairs), Ms. A. Müller (Head of the International Office), and Mr. Rojas Dominguez.
The tradition is based on the belief that the souls of the deceased are not lost, as they are omnipresent and can communicate with the living. Once a year, they return from the afterlife and celebrate with the living in a joyful and colorful festival with music, dance, and special foods. The altar, which is set up in homes, public squares, and schools, plays a particularly important role in this custom. It is meant to welcome the dead with its offerings, and photos serve as a reminder of the deceased.
With great attention to detail, our Mexican students informed visitors about:
• the history of the tradition
• regional specialties of the celebrations
• the structure and meaning of the altar
• La Catrina – symbol of the holiday
• special foods, drinks, and sweets
Visitors were also able to sample Pan de Muertos, guacamole, meat-filled tortillas, juices, and sweets.
The exhibition can be visited until November 5, 2025, in the foyer of Building H.
Technical degree programs at TH Mannheim achieve top rankings in the CHE university ranking
May 8, 2025
In the current CHE university ranking, published today in the ZEIT Study Guide 2025/26 and on www.heystudium.de, six bachelor's degree programs at TH Mannheim were re-evaluated: Biotechnology, Electrical Engineering, Information Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, and Process Engineering. They all achieved top rankings both in student ratings and in the facts about teaching and research.
The average student rating for all six degree programs is 4.3 out of 5 stars.
In terms of the factual criteria, five of the six degree programs also achieved top rankings for support at the beginning of their studies. Four of the six are also in the top group for professional experience, and three are in the top group for graduation in a reasonable time.
"I am very pleased with the excellent performance of our technical degree programs in the current CHE ranking – it confirms our commitment to not only providing students with excellent technical training, but also to providing them with individual support from the very beginning and strengthening their practical relevance early on," says Prof. Dr. Klaus Beck, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Teaching and Sustainability. "This result is a tremendous endorsement of the commitment of our faculty and the consistent development of our teaching and learning offerings."
New VIP project started in cooperation with SAP at TH Mannheim
At TH Mannheim the new Virtual Innovation Player (VIP) project “Developing Strategic Business Opportunities” has been launched. Around 20 students from bachelor's and master's programs from all departments work in interdisciplinary teams together with SAP SE on the topic "The Future of Innovation: Empowering Ecosystems by Scaling Enablement & Adoption". The aim is to develop practical solutions and strategic growth options for SAP.
The kick-off took place on September 25, 2025 in the MARS Space at TH Mannheim and was accompanied by representatives of the SAP Experience Garage - a collaborative environment in which SAP employees experiment and develop prototypes. The project runs throughout the semester until January 15, 2026. Weekly appointments on two days are supplemented by coaching, tutorials and practical field studies.
The students develop concrete suggestions for how innovations can be used and scaled in the long term and present their results at a strategy meeting at the end of the semester.
The VIP project offers students the opportunity to learn realistically, think strategically and take responsibility. At the same time, companies benefit from new ideas, practical prototypes, strategic recommendations for action and the early identification of potential young talent.
The project is led by Prof. Dr. Stephan Altmann carried out and recognized as coursework.
Successful 2nd CareerSprint for medium-sized companies at TH Mannheim
Wednesday, October 15, 2025, the CareerSprint Mittelstand career fair took place for the second time on the campus of TH Mannheim - a compact event that offers students the opportunity to get to know medium-sized companies from the region directly.
“I made contacts at the last trade fair and now learned a few cool things and inside information,” says Celine, a chemical engineering student in the Faculty of Process and Chemical Engineering.
15 exciting employers from various technical sectors presented themselves in Building H. They not only presented their entry and career opportunities, but also offered concrete offers for working student positions, internships and theses.
The visitors particularly appreciated the personal exchange at eye level: many companies had young employees on site who had recently completed their studies themselves - often at the TH Mannheim. This resulted in authentic conversations and practical insights into everyday working life. One of the numerous alumni and young professionals present said that, looking back, the course was characterized by its high quality. He also managed to get started professionally – and found a suitable position.
The compact format of the CareerSprint Mittelstand is implemented in cooperation with the Association of Friends (VdF), the Economic and Structural Development of the City of Mannheim and TH Mannheim and enables intensive networking in a relaxed atmosphere - directly on campus and without long distances. This year's event once again showed how diverse and attractive the career opportunities in medium-sized companies are.