Hamburg University of Technology launches “AI in Education”
Running on the university’s own servers and using local models: To kick off its AI initiative, students can now turn to the “inTU” chatbot for guidance
05.10.2026
Artificial intelligence is having an increasing impact on universities: It is transforming professional roles, opening up new opportunities in teaching and challenging established forms of assessment. Hamburg University of Technology is actively responding to these developments and taking a systematic approach to AI.
TU Hamburg is now launching its large-scale “AI in Education” project. The initiative kicks off in the current winter semester with the “inTU” AI chatbot, which supports first-year students with all aspects of starting university. Where can I find the most important services and points of contact on campus? How exactly does TU Hamburg’s e-learning platform work? And which deadlines do I need to keep in mind when starting my studies? Through interactive dialogue, the chatbot helps registered students navigate the challenging first few months at TU Hamburg with ease. It helps them find the right information and the appropriate contacts as quickly as possible, making the entire onboarding process considerably easier.
A secure environment independent of commercial providers
One of the distinctive features of “AI in Education” is its independence. Rather than relying on external service providers, the AI application runs on TU Hamburg’s own servers and uses local models. This provides a secure environment independent of products from commercial providers.
To ensure that the chatbot can address users’ needs as precisely as possible, findings from TU Hamburg’s regular student surveys were incorporated into its development. In addition, further surveys were conducted as part of the project in summer 2026, including surveys among students. The insights gained will provide the basis for implementing further AI applications. The perspectives of teaching staff and administrative staff working in Student Education at TU Hamburg will also be incorporated.
The “inTU” onboarding assistant marks the launch of TU Hamburg’s “AI in Education” initiative. Since summer 2026, several working groups have been developing the technical, organisational and didactic foundations needed to establish AI systematically in teaching. The project aims to create an environment that both enables and empowers users. This includes clear rules on legal issues and data protection, while teaching staff will be provided with a secure tool that they can integrate as needed and in line with their didactic objectives.
AI tutors are already being planned
Over the coming year, TU Hamburg will build an infrastructure that will enable teaching staff to develop and integrate their own AI tutors into their courses. The first pilot projects are already in preparation, in which an AI tutor will provide students with individual guidance and support in their learning. The AI tutors are not intended to do students’ thinking for them, but to stimulate it in a targeted way – by asking follow-up questions that require students to justify their reasoning and make their assumptions explicit, while also highlighting the limitations and potential errors of the AI itself. The design and responsibility will remain with the teaching staff. In the future, TU Hamburg’s administrative staff working in Student Education will also be able to use the newly created platform.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Andreas Timm-Giel, President of TU Hamburg: “With ‘inTU’, we are using AI where it directly benefits our students: From the very start of their studies, they receive quick guidance and support tailored to their needs. Looking ahead, we want to expand AI-supported services throughout the entire course of their studies – from information and advice to personalised learning support. AI should not replace independent thinking, but should specifically help students learn better and more successfully.”
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Thorsten A. Kern, Vice President for Education at TU Hamburg: “AI is transforming many professions. Engineering is no exception, but it has always evolved alongside its tools. Our AI roadmap creates an environment in which our students can develop a technical understanding of AI, critically assess its results and recognise its limitations. Our aim is to educate engineers who are equipped to use AI as a tool ethically and responsibly. Ultimately, our students will help shape what comes next.”
TUHH - Public Relations Office
Michael Tokarski
E-Mail: michael.tokarski@tuhh.de
Phone: +49 30601 3458
