Physical AI (B.Sc.)
From self-driving vehicles to smart assistance systems and learning robots—artificial intelligence is transforming our world. In the Bachelor’s program Physical AI at the Technical University of Applied Sciences Augsburg, you’ll learn not only to understand these technologies but also to develop them yourself.
Course Content
In the Physical AI program, you’ll learn how intelligent systems are developed and deployed. You’ll combine computer science, engineering, and AI to solve real-world problems—for example, using autonomous robots or data-driven applications.
You’ll start by building a solid foundation in computer science, mathematics, and technical fundamentals. Building on this foundation, you’ll explore topics such as machine learning, intelligent algorithms, robotics, sensor technology, actuator technology, and embedded systems. There is a special focus on programming robotic systems and using modern AI methods to carry out complex tasks.
The program is practice-oriented and interdisciplinary. You’ll work on concrete problems, develop your own solutions, and learn to think systematically and analytically. Questions regarding the responsible use of AI are addressed in the courses.
Thanks to the wide range of applications—such as in industry, logistics, mobility, medicine, or service robotics—you’ll quickly become familiar with various fields of application.
In the later semesters, you’ll set your own areas of focus. Through elective modules (FWP), you’ll choose content that aligns with your interests and career goals. The course offerings are regularly updated and cover topics in computer science, robotics, and related disciplines.
Study Plan
1: AI, 2: Robotics, 3: Computer Science, 4: Electrical Engineering, 5: Mechanics, 6: Automation, 7: Mathematics, 8: Electives
| Semester/CP | 5 | 10 | 15 | 20 | 25 | 30 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering 4 (5 CP) | Physics 5 (5 CP) | Fundamentals of Programming 3 (5 CP) | Fundamentals of Computer Science 3 (5 CP) | Robotics Lab 12 (5 CP) | Mathematics 17 (5 CP) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2 | AI and Robotics 1 (5 CP) | Robot Mechanics 5 (5 CP) | Object-Oriented Programming 3 (5 CP) | Data Communication 3 (5 CP) | Robotics Lab 22 (5 CP) | Mathematics 27 (5 CP) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3 | Machine Learning 1 (5 CP) | Efficient AI Software 1, 3 (5 CP) | Software Engineering 3 (5 CP) | Real-Time Systems 3 (5 CP) | Robotics Lab 32 (5 CP) | Statistics 7 (5 CP) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4 | Natural Language Processing 1 (5 CP) | Human-Machine Interaction 1, 2 (5 CP) | Sensor Data Fusion 2 (5 CP) | Seminar on Scientific Writing 2 (5 CP) | Robotics Lab 42 (5 CP) | Applied Control Systems 6 (5 CP) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 5 | Applied Generative AI 1 (5 CP) | Project Work in AI and Robotics 1, 2 (10 CP) | Computer Vision and 3D Data Processing 2 (5 CP) | Simulation of Robotic Systems 2 (5 CP) | FWP8 (5 CP) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 6 | Practical Training (20 CP) | Practical Seminar (3 CP) | AWP8 (2 CP) | FWP8 (5 CP) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 7 | Bachelor’s Thesis (12 CP) | Bachelor's Seminar (3 CP) | FWP8 (5 CP) | FWP8 (5 CP) | FWP8 (5 CP) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
CP: Credit Point
FWP: Specialized Elective Courses
AWP: General Science Elective Course
The first two semesters constitute the orientation phase, covering the fundamentals of computer science, mathematics, electrical engineering, and mechanics. As the program progresses, it is built around two central pillars: artificial intelligence and robotics, which run through all semesters and are accompanied by robotics lab courses throughout.
At its core, the program places a strong emphasis on computer science, supplemented by mathematical and technical content. Starting in the later semesters, specialized AI topics and project-oriented modules are introduced.
The 6th semester is designed as a practical semester and provides initial insights into the professional application of the knowledge acquired. In the subsequent semesters, students can set individual areas of emphasis through elective courses (FWP). The program culminates in the bachelor’s thesis.
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Dual-Track and Work-Integrated Study Programs
The Physical AI program can be pursued as a combined degree program or as a program with an in-depth practical component:
In the combined study program, you study while completing an apprenticeship (leading to an IHK/HWK certification) with a partner organization of your choice. You begin with a 3- or 3.5-year vocational training program at the partner organization, and after approximately 14 months, you start your first semester of study concurrently.
The program with an in-depth practical component means that, during your academic studies, you’ll complete intensive practical phases with a partner organization of your choice that go beyond the required internships—without, however, pursuing vocational training. You can start your degree program first and then decide to pursue a subject-specific, intensive practical phase in a later semester.
One variation of the program with in-depth practical training is the ICS model, which is offered in collaboration with the ICS Support Association within the Department of Computer Science. In this model, the department nominates the top-performing students in each cohort for the program after the first few semesters.
For more information, see Dual-Track and Work-Integrated Degree Programs
Contact
Prof. Dr. Peter Rösch
Faculty of Computer Science
Your perspective afterward
Thanks to the program’s strong practical focus, graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce. The knowledge they acquire is applied in many industries and continues to grow in importance.
Possible career paths include, for example:
- AI Engineer (Machine Learning Engineer)
: develops applications that analyze data and enable automated decision-making - Robotics Engineer
: designs and develops robotic systems for industrial, logistics, or service applications - Software developer specializing in AI
programs intelligent applications and integrates AI into existing systems - Human-Robot Interaction Designer
makes collaboration between humans and robots user-friendly and safe - NLP Engineer (Natural Language Processing)
develops systems that understand, process, or generate language
Your Application
Please apply through the Technical University of Applied Sciences Augsburg application portal.
For more information on the application process
If you have any problems or questions about the application process, please contact the
Student Affairs Office at the Technical University of Applied Sciences Augsburg
+49 (0)821 5586-3950
studienangelegenheiten(at)tha.de
International
The Technical University of Applied Sciences Augsburg has an extensive network of partner universities worldwide. In addition to the opportunity to spend a semester abroad, degree students, incoming students, and outgoing students contribute to a rich international experience.
Our International Office will be happy to assist you with your application to a partner university.
You can find all the necessary information on the faculty’s and the International Office's websites.
Academic Documents
Contact Person
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