Robert Hoyer

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Robert Hoyer serves as Head of Department and Professor of Traffic Engineering and Transport Logistics at the University of Kassel's Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Since 2009, he has led the Institute for Transportation at the university. Previously, he worked from 1992 to 2006 at the Institute for Automation and Communication (ifak) in Magdeburg, where he progressed from Scientific Staff Member to Group Leader and eventually Head of the Traffic Telematics Department.

His educational background includes:

• 1984-1989: Studied Technical Cybernetics and Automation Engineering at TU Magdeburg
• 1989-1991: Doctoral studies at the Chair of Automation Systems at TU Magdeburg
• 1994: Earned Doctor of Engineering degree

Prof. Hoyer's research focuses on traffic telematics, vehicle-infrastructure communication, traffic data acquisition and processing, and traffic flow simulation. His work particularly emphasizes cooperative systems between vehicles and infrastructure, especially at traffic signals, and the application of machine learning for traffic prediction and optimization. He has pioneered research in Floating Car Observer technology for traffic data collection and has made significant contributions to public transport prioritization systems.

His recent publications (2020-2025) demonstrate a clear trend toward increasingly sophisticated applications of machine learning and AI in traffic management, with particular emphasis on signal control optimization, public transport prioritization, and safety applications. The research shows progression from basic traffic signal control to integrated systems incorporating vehicle-to-infrastructure communication, real-time data processing, and predictive analytics for urban mobility solutions.

Prof. Hoyer holds significant advisory roles:

• Since 2010: Scientific advisor for the 'Staufreies Hessen' initiative
• Since 2013: Commissioner for Traffic Technology and Traffic Management for the State of Hesse

He is actively involved in the Research Society for Road and Traffic Engineering (FGSV), where he has chaired multiple working groups since 1996, including the Working Group on Automated Driving since 2015. His work bridges academic research with practical implementation in traffic management systems across Germany, particularly in Hesse.