Robots are cognitive systems capable of communicating in an understandable way
Prof. Dr. Jana Jost is a new professor at TU Hamburg
17.04.2026
Hospital corridors are usually busy places. Now imagine small transport robots moving through them, delivering bandages and medications to patients or distributing meals—thus providing significant relief to nursing staff. Professor Jana Jost conducts research at the intersection of robotics, artificial intelligence, and human–technology interaction. She describes herself as a robotics enthusiast who aims to bring fresh momentum with her work: “My focus is always on helping professionals in their working lives.”
Automation solutions can take many different forms. For example, they may take the form of exoskeletons that employees can wear to better carry heavy loads with mechanical assistance. With her interdisciplinary approach and many years of experience in applied research, the scientist will strengthen the field of intelligent logistics and production systems in the future. Jana Jost will assume the professorship in Technical Logistics on March 1, 2026, and will head the institute of the same name at TU Hamburg.
After studying Applied Computer Science as well as Electrical and Information Engineering at TU Dortmund, Jana Jost completed her doctorate there in mechanical engineering. Her dissertation on the “Machine Socialization of Autonomous Mobile Robots” reflects her enthusiasm for intelligent robotics. Alongside her academic qualifications, Jost continuously advanced her research in practice: since 2013, she has worked at the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics (IML), most recently as Head of the Department of Robotics and Cognitive Systems. Prior to that, she had already taken on leadership responsibilities as Deputy Head of Department and as a research associate.
Responsible collaboration between humans and machines
At the heart of her work lies the question of how intelligent machines can collaborate with humans in a meaningful and responsible way. This is not only about technical performance, but about a holistic understanding of so-called socio-technical systems: “For me, robots are not mere tools, but cooperative participants,” explains the computer scientist. “They should be able to perceive their environment, anticipate human behavior, and communicate decisions in a way that can be understood.” Whether mobile robots, industrial manipulators, or humanoid systems – the goal is always to relieve humans and make processes more efficient. All of this can help, for example, to address skilled labor shortages and to promote safety, acceptance, and well-being. The new professor’s fascination with her field of research remains undiminished: “I learn something new every day and have the opportunity to actively work on solutions to socially relevant challenges.”
Hamburg as an ideal environment for aircraft manufacturing and port logistics
The move to TU Hamburg was an easy decision for Jana Jost: in addition to excellent research infrastructure for robotics, she was particularly impressed by new application opportunities—such as in logistics planning for aircraft production and in port environments—as well as the collaborative atmosphere at the university. Jost embarked on her path into academia early on: even as a child, she was fascinated by technology and wanted to understand how things work. During her studies, she led a project group to the Fraunhofer IML for the first time, where she discovered her passion for research. A subsequent industry internship reinforced her desire to delve even deeper into the development of intelligent robotic systems.
Outside of research, Jost is also active in many ways: she is passionate about endurance sports such as running, cycling, and triathlon, and she also enjoys traveling and reading. What she particularly appreciates about Hamburg is the combination of urban life and green retreats. With her appointment, TU Hamburg gains a committed scientist who combines technological innovation with social responsibility and is well positioned to help shape the future of human–robot collaboration.
TUHH - Public Relations Office
Elke Schulze
E-Mail: elke.schulze@tuhh.de
Phone: +49 30601 4040
