Over 120 years of research and development
For more than 120 years, we have been investigating fundamental questions of vehicle technology as well as specific applications in our research. As one of only a few public research institutions worldwide, we at the ika are able to research the entire vehicle, including its systems and complex interactions.
Mobility is one of the central basic needs - making it possible for everyone in an ever more complex world is our drive and our task.
![[Foto: Vehicles]](https://www.ika.rwth-aachen.de/images/forschung/forschung.jpg)
Competences
Our research areas at a glance:
![[Foto: Fahrsimulator]](https://www.ika.rwth-aachen.de/images/forschung/pruefstaende/dynfahrsimulator.jpg)
Equipment
Modern test benches, up-to-date CAE tools and research vehicles form the basis of our application-oriented research.
![[Foto: Academy]](https://www.ika.rwth-aachen.de/images/forschung/forschung.jpg)
Academy
Topic-specific training for companies to prepare them for the automotive future.
![[Foto: Studierende]](https://www.ika.rwth-aachen.de/images/lehre/STU_0064_digital_rgb.webp)
Students
Our expertise in research forms the basis for the comprehensive range of courses we offer and the supervision of student work.
![[Foto: Jobs]](https://www.ika.rwth-aachen.de/images/forschung/forschung.jpg)
Career
We see the promotion and training of young scientists as one of our essential tasks.
News
Monday, October 05, 2026
Road Traffic of the Future: Will Humanoid Robots Take Over Driving?
The Institute for Automotive Engineering presents its “Humanoid Chauffeur” project at the Aachen Automotive…
Friday, September 25, 2026
Autonomes Fahren: ÖPNV-Branche entwickelt übergreifende Plattform MILA.mobility
Bundesministerium für Forschung, Technologie und Raumfahrt fördert deutschlandweit größte Kooperation mit…
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
RWTH Aachen quantifiziert zukünftigen Strombedarf aufgrund von Elektrifizierung im Logistik-Sektor
Neue Studie ermittelt Einfluss der Elektrifizierung der deutschen Nutzfahrzeugflotte auf den zukünftigen elektrischen…
Friday, May 29, 2026
From automation to collaboration: AutHUMate launches to redefine trust and safety in assisted dri…
A new Horizon Europe project developing adaptive human–technology interaction strategies for safer and more human-centered…
11/13/2026 09:00 am – 04:15 pm, RWTH Hauptgebäude, Aula I, Aachen
24. Aachener Interdisziplinäres Verkehrssymposium
![[Cover picture of the event]](/images/veranstaltungen/2025/Symposium_2025.webp)
11/19/2026 04:30 – 05:30 pm, Institut für Kraftfahrzeuge (ika), Seminarraum, 2. OG / Raum S206, Aachen
Zukunft in Bewegung – Einblicke in die Mobilitätsforschung
![[Cover picture of the event]](/images/veranstaltungen/2026/show_picture.jpg)
Research projects
Acoustics
Tyre Road Noise
The adverse effects of road traffic noise on the quality of life of many citizens are well documented. Road traffic noise…
Automated Driving
CERTAIN
CERTAIN focuses on improving road safety in the EU by integrating advanced driver assistance tools, user-centered design…
Automated Driving
SYNERGIES
The SYNERGIES project is an EU-funded project with the aim of harmonizing and extending the scenario-based development, improvement…