Thomas Lennartz is a Research Associate and Team Lead HMI at ika - RWTH Aachen University, and as such he deals with the current challenges of future mobility daily. With a background in automotive engineering, he specializes in conducting research within the emerging field of HMI development. Currently, Thomas is actively engaged in a public research project focused on designing automated shuttles as a novel mode of mobility in public transport. Recognizing that mobility extends beyond traditional vehicles, he collaborates within an interdisciplinary team to explore innovative concepts in micromobility. This research aims to introduce unprecedented flexibility in modern freight transport through the utilization of delivery robots. The pivotal factor influencing the acceptance of this new technology in public spaces is the user experience, a facet he prioritizes in his work.

Lena Wirtz is a Research Associate at Institute for Automotive Engineering (ika), RWTH Aachen University. With a background in Computer Engineering, she specializes in conducting research within the field of HMI development. She has been involved in diverse projects on the topics of trust in Automation, HMI in automated driving and the study of driver distraction. Currently, Lena is actively engaged in a public research project focused on developing inclusive human machine interfaces for automated shuttles as a novel mode of mobility in public transport.

As part of RWTH Aachen University, the Institute for Automotive Engineering (ika) researches the complete vehicle including its systems and their interactions. From the initial idea to innovative component and system concepts to vehicle prototypes, the Institute's staff actively design solutions for tomorrow's mobility. To this end, we work together in public and bilateral projects with and for manufacturers and suppliers with an automotive focus to ensure that future mobility will continue to be safe, efficient and attractive.