The emergence of the Institute

1978

The Institute of Mechatronic Systems arose from the former Institute of Mechanics, which focused on the areas of Elastomechanics and Elastomechanics (Mechanics A), Dynamics and Vibrations Research (Mechanics B), as well as Robotics and Mechatronics (Mechanics C). These areas were represented in research and teaching under the leadership of Professors D. Besdo (1978–2006), K. Popp (1981–2005), and Bodo Heimann (1992–2008).

Together with numerous staff members, the three professors developed the Institute of Mechanics into a renowned institution, successfully addressing modern scientific questions and a variety of industrial challenges.

2005

In 2005, the Institute of Mechanics and its departments A, B, and C gave rise to the three Institutes of Continuum Mechanics, of Dynamics and Vibrations Research, and of Robotics. These new institutes were headed by Prof. Peter Wriggers (since 10/2008), Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jörg Wallaschek (since 04/2007), and Prof. Dr.-Ing Tobias Ortmaier (since 10/2008).

2009

In April 2009, the Institute of Robotics, under the leadership of Tobias Ortmaier, was renamed the Institute of Mechatronic Systems. Since then, the core areas of research and teaching have expanded to include not only robotics but also autonomous systems, production technology, vehicle mechatronics, and, since 2008, a stronger focus on medical technology. Methodologically, the emphasis lies on modeling, state estimation, control, image processing, and machine learning. At the end of 2021, Prof. Ortmaier transitioned to industry.

2020

Even after relocating from Hannover’s Nordstadt to the Garbsen Campus of Mechanical Engineering, the successor institutes of the former Institute for Mechanics C are housed in the same building, 8142, under the overarching theme of "Design and Development."

2023

In April 2023, Prof. Thomas Seel assumed leadership of the institute. Since then, an additional focus in research and teaching has been on the realization of self-learning mechatronic systems, alongside continued emphasis on robotic, automotive, and medical technology applications.

1993

The Institute of Mechatronic Systems has always been actively involved in student education. Starting in the winter semester of 1993/94, an interdisciplinary mechatronics program was introduced for mechanical engineering students for the first time. A year later, in the winter semester of 1994/95, students of electrical engineering and information processing were also able to study the mechatronic systems science.

2000

To meet the increasing demands in the interdisciplinary field of mechatronics and to consolidate resources from the fields of mechanical engineering, electrical and information processing, and computer science, the Mechatronics Center Hannover (MZH) was established in the year 2000 with support from the State of Lower Saxony. The Institute of Mechatronic Systems, along with its predecessors, was a founding member of the MZH.

2020

Although the MZH ceased to exist in 2020, the Institute of Mechatronic Systems remains unwavering in its commitment to research and education in mechatronics. The institutes of the Faculties of Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Computer Science continue to work closely to promote interdisciplinary cooperation and education in this forward-looking field.

2023

Since the arrival of Prof. Seel, the lectures on Dynamic Systems and Data and AI-driven Methods in Engineering have been introduced and newly devepoled. These lectures expand the institute's curriculum and strengthen student education in modern and future-oriented topics in the field of mechatronics.