Arno Ruckelshausen

Prof. Dr. Arno Ruckelshausen is a retired professor at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences, affiliated with the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science. His work focuses on agricultural technology, robotics, and sensor systems. He introduced innovative technologies like the BoniRob autonomous field robot and contributed to projects such as the Competence Center of Applied Agricultural Engineering (COALA).

Education:

• 1977–1983: Diploma in Physics, University of Giessen
• 1983–1987: Research Assistant at University of Giessen and collaborations with Max Planck Institute and Argonne National Lab
• 1987: PhD in Experimental Physics (Nuclear Physics and Multidetector Systems)

Research Interests: Prof. Ruckelshausen’s research addresses precision agriculture, field robotics (e.g., BoniRob), phenotyping (e.g., BreedVision), and sensor systems for soil analysis (ISFET-based systems). His work emphasizes automation, real-time data processing, and interdisciplinary applications in crop science and environmental monitoring.

Awards:

• Deutscher Innovationspreis Gartenbau 2015
• euRobotics Technology Transfer Award 2015 (2nd Prize)
• Wissenschaftspreis Niedersachsen 2019

Grants and Projects:

• AgriCareerNet: Certificate Program in Agricultural Imaging Systems (BMBF)
• Crop Virus Scan: Spectral Imaging for Virus Detection (FNR/BMEL/GFPi)
• Experimentierfeld Agro-Nordwest (BLE/BMEL)

Teaching: Courses include Optoelectronics, Sensors, Image-Based Phenotyping, and international programs on agricultural innovation. He mentors student teams like the Field Robot Team (International Field Robot Event).

Key Contributions: Developed BoniRob as a field robot platform, pioneered ISFET-based soil nutrient analysis, and co-founded the Competence Center ISOBUS e.V. and AgroTech Valley Forum.