Michael Schluse is a Professor and Chair of the Institute for Human-Machine Interaction at RWTH Aachen University, where he also serves as Chief Engineer. His work bridges academic research and industrial application in digital systems engineering, with a physical presence at Im Süsterfeld 9 in Aachen's Former customs office building. His research centers on Experimentable Digital Twins (EDZ) – a paradigm enabling real-time interaction between physical systems and their digital counterparts. Key focus areas include: Human Digital Twin specification frameworks addressing stakeholder needs and transparency requirements Convergence of simulation and reality for lifecycle-spanning system validation Virtual testbed development for robotics, forestry, and construction applications Carbon balancing technologies in timber supply chains and environmental modeling Augmented reality systems for error-based learning (FeDiNAR project) His publication trends reveal a strategic shift from foundational simulation technologies (2000-2015) toward human-centered digital twin architectures since 2018. Recent work emphasizes practical implementation in Forestry 4.0, construction site modeling, and cybersecurity frameworks, demonstrating consistent translation of theoretical concepts into domain-specific solutions. The research shows strong interdisciplinary alignment between computer science, mechanical engineering, and environmental systems. As head of the Institute for Human-Machine Interaction, Schluse leads a research ecosystem developing runtime environments for experimentable digital twins. The institute maintains close ties with industrial partners through projects like ClusterWIS (forestry information systems) and Off-Highway-Twins, focusing on real-world validation of simulation technologies in mobile and distributed environments.









