Motivation

At IPEK, we are developing innovative approaches for validating and integrating driver assistance and vehicle automation technologies. To support this research, we require a highly adaptable and transparent vehicle platform that can be used both in a Vehicle-in-the-Loop (ViL) setup on a dynamometer test bench and for broader research activities.

Given the growing number of commercial research vehicles available - each offering different levels of openness, modularity, and system integration - a structured analysis is essential to identify a platform that meets all technical, scientific, and infrastructural requirements.

Tasks

The goal of this thesis is to conduct a comprehensive market analysis and evaluation of available automated research vehicle platforms.

Your work will include:

• Requirements analysis: Identify and structure the technical needs of the dynamometer test bench and the ACM research group (e.g., open vehicle architecture, control interfaces, sensor integration).

• Market research: Conduct a systematic review of commercial research vehicle platforms.

• Definition of evaluation criteria: Develop criteria such as software/hardware openness, flexibility, expandability, documentation quality, compatibility, and available support.

• Platform comparison and evaluation: Assess the identified platforms based on the defined criteria.

• Integration feasibility: Analyze compatibility with the existing test bench infrastructure, including interface and control requirements.

• Purchase recommendation: Develop a clear, well-founded recommendation for the most suitable vehicle platform.

• Documentation and presentation: Summarize findings in a structured report and present your recommendation to the research team.

Your profile

• Current studies in Industrial Engineering, Business Informatics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
• Strong interest in technology and market analysis in the automotive and research sectors
• Basic knowledge of autonomous driving, sensor technology, or vehicle architectures is beneficial
• Analytical mindset and the ability to clearly structure and communicate complex technical and strategic information
• Good German skills (many product specifications and technical documents are in German)

We offer

• Involvement in a strategically important research project with long-term impact
• First-hand insights into the research landscape of autonomous vehicles
• Opportunity to influence procurement decisions at the institute
• Skill development in vehicle technology, system evaluation, and scientific reporting
• Chance to present your work in a technical talk or scientific publication

Earliest starting date: Immediately

Interested? Please submit your application with a CV and grade overview to anian.scheibel∂kit.edu