Frank Kirchner

Prof. Dr. Frank Kirchner is a leading expert in robotics and artificial intelligence, serving as Executive Director of DFKI Bremen and Professor of Robotics at the University of Bremen since 2002. He founded the Robotics Innovation Center (DFKI Bremen) and co-founded the Brazilian Institute of Robotics (2013) and Institute for Maritime Technologies (MarTech, 2010).

• Education: Doctorate in Informatics (Dr. rer. nat, Bonn, 1999); Diploma in Informatics and Neurobiology (Bonn, 1994)

Research Interests focus on biologically inspired robotic motion, highly redundant systems, AI-driven autonomous robotics, and cross-domain applications in space, maritime, and industrial contexts. His work bridges theoretical and applied robotics, emphasizing simulation-reality gaps and adaptive control frameworks.

Recent Publications highlight advancements in co-design optimization for manipulators, planetary exploration robotics, and sensor-based industrial assembly learning, reflecting interdisciplinary trends in AI, mechatronics, and environmental adaptation.

• Scientific Awards:
  • Honorary Doctorate (2017, SENAI CIMATEC, Brazil)
  • BBAW Membership (2015–)

Advising includes supervising 65 doctoral theses (38 completed, 27 in progress) and mentoring over 250 bachelor’s/master’s students at the University of Bremen. He leads major projects like AI-REEFSHIELD and FieldCoBots, with funding from EU, DFG, BMBF, and DLR.