Human-Machine-Cooperation

Faculty

Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science

Version

Version 2 of 09.02.2026.

Module identifier

11M2015

Module level

Master

Language of instruction

German, English

ECTS credit points and grading

5.0

Module frequency

winter and summer term

Duration

1 semester

 

 

Brief description

The master's seminar "Human-Machine Cooperation" offers an in-depth examination of the diverse aspects of cooperation between humans and machines. The module integrates technological, ethical and ergonomic aspects in order to provide a comprehensive understanding of the design and implementation of cooperative systems in various applications. Among other things, the cooperation between humans and AI as well as humans and robots are addressed as applications and challenges such as explainability, credibility and safety are considered.

Teaching and learning outcomes

  1. Introduction to human-machine cooperation
    • Definitions, historical development and current state of the technology
    • Fundamentals of human-machine interaction (HMI), human factors engineering, explainability, credibility and safety
  2. Technological aspects of human-machine cooperation
    • AI and collaborative AI systems
    • Robotics and collaborative robot systems
    • Trustworthiness of interactive systems
    • Functional safety of interactive systems
  3. Ergonomics, design and functional safety
    • Ergonomic design of interfaces and control elements under the aspects of Explainability, trustworthiness and safety
    • Usability and user experience in safety-critical mechatronic systems
    • Design thinking approaches for the development of safety-relevant solutions
  4. Ethics of human-machine cooperation
    • Data protection and privacy
    • Responsible AI
    • Cognitive enhancement technologies
    • Social and societal impacts of cooperative systems (dependency, addiction, accessibility, legislation, access to technology, etc.) 

Overall workload

The total workload for the module is 150 hours (see also "ECTS credit points and grading").

Teaching and learning methods
Lecturer based learning
Workload hoursType of teachingMedia implementationConcretization
5Lecture-
20Seminar-
20Individual coaching-
Lecturer independent learning
Workload hoursType of teachingMedia implementationConcretization
20Study of literature-
20Presentation preparation-
65Creation of examinations-
Graded examination
  • Homework / Assignment
Ungraded exam
  • Presentation
Exam duration and scope

Homework: 15 pages

Presentation: 45 minutes; accompanying elaboration: presentation slides.

Recommended prior knowledge

Interest in human-machine cooperation.

Knowledge Broadening

-

Knowledge deepening

Students expand their understanding of the development and application of human-machine cooperation systems by integrating technological, ergonomic and ethical aspects in order to deal safely and responsibly with future challenges. 

They deepen their expertise in functional safety, usability and ethics in order to design user-oriented and ethically justifiable cooperation systems that meet current technological standards.

Knowledge Understanding

-

Application and Transfer

Students can design human-machine collaboration systems by applying concepts they have learned, taking into account technical, ergonomic and ethical aspects, to develop user-centered and safe solutions. They are also able to reflect on the effectiveness and appropriateness of the designed systems in order to continuously improve their usability, trustworthiness and functional safety.

Academic Innovation

Students can design scientific innovations to advance human-machine collaboration by developing novel concepts for technology and interaction. They are able to challenge existing approaches and propose evidence-based improvements that increase the effectiveness, safety and usability of collaborative systems.

Communication and Cooperation

Students will be able to effectively communicate the importance and implications of human-machine collaboration by presenting complex technological and ergonomic concepts in an understandable way to an interdisciplinary audience and emphasizing the relevance of ethical considerations in the design of such systems. They can actively work in teams and contribute interdisciplinary knowledge to jointly develop innovative solutions that optimize human-machine interaction while overcoming safety, trustworthiness and usability challenges.

Academic Self-Conception / Professionalism

-

Literature

Verschiedene aktuelle wissenschaftliche Artikel und Abhandlungen.

Applicability in study programs

  • Automotive Engineering (Master)
    • Automotive Engineering M.Sc. (01.09.2025)

  • Computer Science
    • Computer Science M.Sc. (01.09.2025)

  • Mechatronic Systems Engineering
    • Mechatronic Systems Engineering M.Sc. (01.09.2025)

  • Mechanical Engineering (Master)
    • Mechanical Engineering M.Sc. (01.09.2025)

    Person responsible for the module
    • Sch?ning, Julius
    Teachers
    • Sch?ning, Julius
    • Plutka, Bj?rn
    • Morisse, Karsten