Robotics at Hamburg University of Technology for the Production of the Future
Experts from several TU Hamburg institutes present at the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce how humanoid robotics can sustainably transform the economy
06.10.2026
Robotics and artificial intelligence are developing rapidly. But what does this mean in concrete terms for business practice? Where does their use make sense? And how can small and medium-sized enterprises in particular start preparing today for the production of tomorrow? The event “The Production of the Future”, organised by the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Hamburg University of Technology, provided concrete approaches to these questions.
Around 150 guests from business and politics attended the event at the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce Forum. Several researchers from TU Hamburg offered fascinating insights into their work. Using sheet metal manufacturing as an example, Prof. Nikola Bursac from the Institute for Smart Engineering and Machine Elements showed how companies can prepare for learning robotic systems. Prof. Kay Smarsly from the Institute of Digital and Autonomous Construction provided insights into the potential of construction robotics. Prof. Jana Jost from the Institute of Logistics Engineering took part in a panel discussion on the next stages in the development of humanoid robotics and potential applications for companies.
A solution for a wide variety of tasks
The event’s keynote on humanoid robotics and Embodied AI was delivered by Prof. Thorsten Schüppstuhl, Head of the Institute of Aircraft Production Technology. Among other activities, TU Hamburg is contributing its expertise in the key technology of artificial intelligence to the Hightech Agenda Deutschland, a major innovation initiative adopted by the German Federal Government.
Prof. Thorsten Schüppstuhl: “Humanoid robots are a solution for human-centred, unstructured environments involving a wide variety of tasks. In conventional high-volume production, they are therefore likely to remain a solution for specific areas in the medium term. However, high-volume production plays an important role as a fast entry point and a platform for further development. Humanoids will probably only realise their true potential in small-scale manufacturing. Aircraft production is a prime example of the production of large-scale structures and exhibits all the characteristics mentioned above. However, considerable development work is still required. The first applications are expected in intralogistics and simple inspection tasks.”
The importance of robotics and AI for Hamburg as a centre of business and research was the focus of a strategic policy discussion. Prof. Andreas Timm-Giel, President of Hamburg University of Technology, discussed the topic with Dr. Miriam Putz, Managing Director and Head of Innovation and New Markets at the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce, and Marina Tcharnetsky, Chief Business Development Officer at the Artificial Intelligence Center Hamburg (ARIC).
Connecting robotics and AI
Prof. Andreas Timm-Giel, President of TU Hamburg: “AI and robotics can become important drivers of productivity for Hamburg as an industrial location. Flexible robotic systems in particular – including humanoid robotics – offer major opportunities for smaller production volumes and rapid product cycles. At TU Hamburg, we want to closely connect research, knowledge transfer and industrial application so that technological excellence generates new value – in Hamburg and especially in the south of the city.”
Between and after the programme sessions, there were plenty of opportunities for representatives from academia, business and politics to exchange ideas. Demonstrations also gave guests the opportunity to see several innovative TU Hamburg robot models in action. These included the Unitree G1 EDU U6 from the Institute of Aircraft Production Technology. The humanoid robot has 41 degrees of freedom and two tactile five-fingered hands. An onboard computing unit controls the robot and enables the development and testing of various AI-based applications.
The event marked the launch of a new series of events organised by the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce under the title “Future Technologies for Hamburg”.
PHOTO CREDITS: Isadora Tast
TUHH - Public Relations Office
Michael Tokarski
E-Mail: michael.tokarski@tuhh.de
Phone: +49 30601 3458
