TU Darmstadt

Through the Department for Traffic Planning and Engineering, the Technische Universität (TU) Darmstadt has been commanding experts with excellent cutting-edge traffic research since 1966. Under the direction of Prof. Manfred Boltze, an average of ten research assistants as well as five external doctoral candidates work constantly on more efficient solutions of all traffic-related concerns of today and tomorrow. By tradition, the TU's research profile is characterized by its borad spectrum and variety of focus areas.

For several years, traffic management has been one of the areas that are being examined closely. In this context, the department develops methodical foundations for systematic planning and examines and advances specific measures and strategies. This includes new technologies of traffic telematics – both for individual and for public transport. Another research focus is efficient traffic lights control. Other research areas involve integrated planning of infrastructure and operation on the one hand, of land utilization and traffic on the other hand, as well as applying different methods of decision and optimization. In all of this, there is special attention on bringing the research areas in line with the overall context.

Based on this broad expertise, the TU's traffic engineers take on the responsible task of extensive scientific research accompanying the trial operation within the scope og the ELISA field trial. The researchers evaluate a variety of traffic- and energy-related, ecological, economical and legal criteria from the involved stakeholders' perspectives based on a detailed collection of relevant research data gained from the trial system, the vehicles and the traffic flow.

Many further areas of research can be defined based on this trial. If systematically formulated, they will provide important findings about aspects such as the suitability for daily use and the future viability of the eHighway system. By way of example, initial examinations will focus on potential changes in the traffic flow to identify potential impacts of the eHighway on the behavior of road users. Aspects of this research will include functionality and reliability of the eHighway system as well as questions regarding the catenary hybrid trucks' ability to integrate into the road traffic system and the energy supply system, the impact on logistic operations as well as influences on commodities transport in general. The research activities are completed by a comprehensive observation of system acceptance on the part of all stakeholders as well as the system evaluation from the perspective of society as a whole.

The research team will receive competent support on ecological questions, such as the potential to save greenhouse gas emissions through the eHighway, by the colleagues of the specialist area of Material Flow Management and Resources Economy directed by Prof. Liselotte Schebek.

In summary, the eHighway system will be scrutinized from all relevant angles with a view to provide sound and scientifically treated answers to questions that are already known today but also to others that might arise during the trial operation. Based on these research findings, target-group-specific evidence papers will subsequently be compiled and distributed and serve as the foundation for an eventual system expansion. In addition to the extensive research accompanying the trial operation, the TU's focus is on directing communication and networking between stakeholders, partners, additional interested parties as well as the other eHighway field trials.

After the excellent cooperation in previous projects, the Department for Traffic Planning and Engineering of TU Darmstadt is excited to intensify the collaboration with the project partners within the scope of project phase ELISA II and full of expectation with regard to fascinating and forward-looking research findings.

The participation in the ELISA project is an example for cutting-edge research at TU Darmstadt. Since its formation in 1877, the TU Darmstadt stood out due to its special pioneering spirit. It is part of their self-understanding to continue this tradition of innovation. Through excellent achievements in research, teaching and knowledge transfer, they render important scientific fields of the future accessible and continuously establish new potential to shape society. This makes the TU Darmstadt one of the leading technical universities in Germany with high international visibility and reputation.

While the engineering and natural sciences are the academic center of the TU Darmstadt, there are also close cooperations with relevant human and social sciences. This multifaceted academic culture forms a distinctive profile that is continually and dynamically refined. The TU is known on a global scale for excellent research in highly relevant profile areas where it puts its focus.

In order to specifically join excellent competences, the TU Darmstadt enters equal partnerships with universities, research institutions and companies in Germany and abroad. Their intensive knowledge transfer is a vital motor for the economy and the innovative power in the FrankfurtRheinMain metropolitan area. Through strategic cooperations and close relationships to society, the TU Darmstadt pushes this region forward as an internationally renowned location for science. Its innovation and founding center promotes entrepreneurial culture and helps turn ideas into successful startup companies. And, last but not least, the TU Darmstadt has always been firmly established in and closely intertwined with Darmstadt, the city of science.

Just as the TU's cutting-edge research has won many competitions, so do young scientists find a stimulating and highly supportive environment for all levels of adacemic qualification at TU Darmstadt. The university supports individual development and independence as part of structured and reliable career paths.

Internationale teams, close exchange with non-university partners, and the lively interdisciplinary nature shape the cooperative culture at the TU Darmstadt. This is what 312 professors, 4.450 research assistants, administrators and technicians as well as almost 26.000 students work for. Due to its autonomous status and size, the TU Darmstadt is able to act in an especially flexible way and make quick decisions. This creates the conditions that are necessary for accomplishments at the highest stage.