Research Focus "Cognitive Systems"
The research focus Cognitive Systems with its Transregional Collaborative Research Centre “Cross-Modal Learning” at the Universität Hamburg investigates the understanding of complex learning processes that can become the basis for new, autonomous IT systems. Behind it are practical questions, e.g. how an assistance system or robot can process image and speech information from interaction with users quickly and safely, as well as learn reliable behaviours and reactions. As a result, questions of human-centered interaction, even in the event of errors, are becoming increasingly important. This research is a key to human-centred autonomous systems that can provide effective assistance in health and care, industry and services. The competence in this area, which is also strengthened in particular by a bridge to top institutions in China, is attractive for international companies. Learning, autonomous systems and robotics, which are central to this research area, are high on the forecasts for competitively relevant technologies of the future, e.g. the World Economic Forum. They are key components for sustainable production and logistics, but also for assistance systems in medicine, care and SmartHome.
The research focus Cognitive Systems is established as a potential area of the university and forms an ideal constellation with the university's research focus Neurosciences. This becomes clear already in the first phase of the Transregio TRR 169, but also underpinned by various collaborative projects supported by EU and federal funds. Among them are two European Research Training Groups (ITN), one of which is coordinated by Universität Hamburg.