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As part of RWTH Aachen University, the Institute for Automotive Engineering (ika) researches the complete vehicle including its systems and their interactions. From the initial idea to innovative component and system concepts to vehicle prototypes, the Institute's staff actively design solutions for tomorrow's mobility. To this end, we work together in public and bilateral projects with and for manufacturers and suppliers with an automotive focus to ensure that future mobility will continue to be safe, efficient and attractive.

Our team is divided into six research areas: Vehicle Concepts & HMI, Vehicle Structures, Vehicle Dynamics & Acoustics, Energy Management & Drivetrains, Vehicle Intelligence & Automated Driving and Traffic Psychology & Acceptance. With this broad spectrum of competences, we cover all areas of the motor vehicle. We do not only look at the individual components and their interaction, but also at the vehicle as a whole in an overall social context of sustainable mobility. This is why our teams always research and work together closely and across departments - in line with our common basic understanding that complex issues always need an approach from various perspectives.

The Institute's activities range from the idea to the finished prototype and are oriented towards the requirements of science and industry. The basis of our intensive research work for large parts of the automotive industry as well as public funding bodies at EU, federal and state level is our extensive infrastructure. It ranges from driving simulators, drive, battery, chassis and tire test benches as well as acoustic, thermodynamic and servo-hydraulic test facilities to a complete vehicle crash test facility and test tracks. In addition, the latest software and hardware equipment is available for all necessary simulation disciplines. Virtual methods and real verification and validation are thus closely networked.
A special focus is on future-oriented methods for the conception and design of innovative systems and components in line with requirements and their integration into the overall system. The future motor vehicle is always regarded as an integral part of a sustainable mobility networked in terms of energy and information.

The ika employs more than 150 permanent employees and around 150 student assistants. In addition, there are permanently about 200 student projects in the context of research and development.