PLC Programming Professors and Supervisors in Germany

Alexander VerlView profile

Professor

University of StuttgartGermany

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Alexander Verl is a leading academic at the University of Stuttgart , serving as Principal Investigator at the Institute for Control Engineering of Machine Tools and Manufacturing Units (ISW) . His work bridges control engineering , industrial robotics , and digital twin technologies to enhance precision in manufacturing systems. Research Interests : Improving positioning accuracy of industrial robots through transmission error modeling and compliance compensation. Developing adaptive preload control mechanisms for cable-driven parallel robots and rack-and-pinion systems. Advancing IT/OT convergence via Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) and cloud-edge integration. Creating digital twin platforms for real-time simulation and quality monitoring in CNC machining. Exploring deep learning applications for perception of deformable linear objects in automation. Recent Work Trends show expertise in: smart manufacturing , Industry 4.0 , and data-driven control systems . Publications emphasize practical validation through industrial testbeds (e.g., KUKA KR210–2 robotics, CNC machine simulations) and theoretical contributions to elastokinematic models and nonlinear dynamics . Advising & Grants : Collaborates extensively with researchers like Armin Lechler and Michael Neubauer. Projects funded through academic-industry partnerships in automotive production, precision engineering, and Gaia-X-based data ecosystems.

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Maximilian NistlerView profile

Researcher

University of StuttgartGermany

Maximilian Nistler is a Doctoral Researcher and Group Leader for "Mechatronic Systems and Processes" at the University of Stuttgart's Institute for Control Engineering of Machine Tools and Manufacturing Units (ISW). He actively contributes to the Cluster of Excellence IntCDC and specializes in additive manufacturing applications for construction. Focus areas: Process automation, PLC programming, and lightweight concrete structures Key projects: Zero-Waste Sand Formworks, modular machine tool platforms (MoNA) His research integrates computational design with advanced manufacturing technologies. Publications demonstrate expertise in: Camera-based process monitoring systems Water-soluble sand formwork techniques Multi-axis 3D printing applications Modular manufacturing platforms Nistler's work bridges traditional construction methods with digital fabrication innovations, particularly emphasizing sustainability and automated processes.

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Katja KansteinerView profile

Professor

Weingarten University of EducationGermany

Katja Kansteiner is a Professor of General Didactics at the Faculty of Educational Sciences, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, Italy. Her work focuses on professional learning communities (PLCs), teacher education, and organizational development in educational systems. Coordinated ERASMUS+ project LEaFAP (2023–2026), training PLC facilitators in schools. Co-led LeiQ.multi , a multiplier training program for leadership in daycare centers. Contributed to IGEL 2 , a DAAD-funded initiative to integrate international teachers. Her research emphasizes inquiry-based, reflective practices in education, with a focus on collaborative teacher development and leadership training in primary schools and daycare centers. Scientific Awards: ERASMUS+ Grant for School Collaboration (KA220) DAAD Funding for International Teacher Integration Kansteiner collaborates with institutions like PH Weingarten and leads projects addressing school development, leadership in daycare centers, and intercultural education. She has supervised doctoral students such as Gregor Frirdich.

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Jürgen JasperneiteView profile

Professor

Ostwestfalen-Lippe University of Applied SciencesGermany

Prof. Jürgen Jasperneite is the director of Fraunhofer IOSB-INA in Lemgo and a board member of the Institute for Industrial Information Technology (inIT) at Ostwestfalen-Lippe University of Applied Sciences (TH OWL). He holds the Professorship for Computer Networks and focuses on industrial communication systems for cyber-physical systems and IoT. Current affiliations: Fraunhofer IOSB-INA (Director), inIT (Board Member), TH OWL (Professor) International collaborations: Guest Professor at Midsweden University (2021–present), Research Fellow at Stanford University (2017–present) Research Interests include: Distributed real-time communication and processing 5G/6G integration into industrial networks Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) and Ethernet migration Semantic interoperability and IT security SmartFactoryOWL and Industry 4.0 testbeds Zero-touch management and network digital twins His work spans manufacturing, process automation, logistics, and urban mobility , with a focus on bridging information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) through standards like OPC UA and PROFINET. Scientific Recognition : IEEE Senior Member (since 2006) Over 250 publications and conference leadership roles Best Paper Awards at IEEE ISPCS (2007), IEEE ETFA (2012), GI Echtzeit (2014) Founding director of Germany's first Fraunhofer application center for industrial automation Contact: computernetworks@init-owl.de

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Heiko PeuscherView profile

Professor

Ulm University of Applied SciencesGermany

Heiko Peuscher is a Professor Dr.-Ing. at Technische Hochschule Ulm (THU) , where he serves as Dean of the Medical Technology B.Eng. program . His teaching focuses on Control Engineering, Medical Control Engineering, System Analysis and Simulation, Automation Technology, PLC Programming, and Scientific Computing for Medical Devices, reflecting his expertise in integrating engineering principles with medical applications. Heiko's research bridges model order reduction (via Krylov subspace methods) and the modeling, simulation, and control of physiological systems . Notable projects include Regelungstechnik.de (interactive textbook), LT1.org (diabetes simulation), and The Glass Lung (electromechanical lung simulator for low-resource regions). His work emphasizes translating complex systems into practical medical and engineering solutions. Contact: Room Q257, Albert-Einstein-Allee 53-55, 89081 Ulm. Phone: +49 731 96537-557. Email: Heiko.Peuscher@thu.de .

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Thomas BindelView profile

Professor

Dresden University of Applied SciencesGermany

Professor Thomas Bindel holds the Chair of Control Engineering at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Dresden University of Applied Sciences (HTW Dresden). With his engineering doctorate (Dr.-Ing.), he represents a senior faculty position with significant expertise in automation and control systems. His research focuses on designing control systems for monitoring and evaluating laboratory and production processes, with emphasis on selecting efficient device technology and software systems for process automation. His work particularly addresses the implementation of control computers, PLC technology, industrial computers, and process control systems. Professor Bindel teaches across multiple domains of automation engineering, including Control Engineering, Process Automation, and Industrial Property Rights. His teaching approach combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, evident in courses that include hands-on exercises and industry site visits. He oversees the PLC Laboratory and Automation Technology facilities, which serve as critical resources for student learning and industry collaboration. The department offers development projects, continuing education, and design support services to industry partners. For the upcoming academic year (2025/26), Professor Bindel will teach courses across multiple electrical engineering programs, demonstrating his central role in the faculty's educational mission.

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Volker AhrensView profile

Professor

Max Planck Institute for Metabolism ResearchGermany

Volker Ahrens is a Professor of Computer Science at Rheinische Hochschule Köln (Cologne University of Applied Sciences). He transitioned to academia following a substantial industry career in the IT sector, bringing practical expertise to his teaching and research. His doctoral background in physics underpins his technical approach to computer science. Research Focus: Professor Ahrens specializes in applied technical computer science, with emphasis on industrial systems. Key areas include: PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) programming Embedded software systems development Integration of industrial software practices Professional Experience: Before academia, he held multiple senior roles: Systems Engineer at T-Systems Technology & Software Manager at Kocks Technik Managing Director at IDAS (software company) Sales and IT Manager at Schauf GmbH Project Manager at Advaneo, leading the PAIRS AI crisis-management initiative He actively incorporates this industry experience into his academic curriculum.

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