Mr. Matthias Schmitz | Autonomous Systems | Best Researcher Award
Mr. Matthias Schmitz | Ulm University | Germany
Matthias Schmitz is a graduate student in Computational Science and Engineering at the University of Ulm, Germany. His academic journey spans multiple international exchange programs, and he has contributed to research in areas ranging from autonomous vehicle control and SLAM-based trajectory planning to high-performance computing and algorithmic development. He combines his interdisciplinary background in computer science, mathematics, engineering, and mechanical systems to pursue innovation in autonomous systems and computational modeling, working under esteemed advisors across Europe and the U.S.
Publication Profile
ORCID
Education Background
Matthias completed a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (Mechatronics) at the University of Duisburg-Essen. He is currently pursuing a Master in Computational Science and Engineering at the University of Ulm (in cooperation with Ulm University of Applied Sciences). Along the way, he enriched his studies through exchange semesters at the University of Bordeaux (Computer Science), the University of Memphis (Machine Learning, Neural Networks, Control Systems, CAD), and the University of Padua (Computer Vision, Robotics, Control), gaining foundational skills in French and Italian.
Professional Experience
Matthias has served as a student researcher and intern in both academic and industry environments. At Ulm University and Ulm University of Applied Sciences, he contributed to autonomous vehicle control projects involving SLAM, LiDAR, and prototype systems. He has interned at IMS Messsysteme GmbH, acquiring machining and manufacturing experience, and at Sakthi Automotive Group in Detroit, applying FEA and material analysis to optimize cast aluminum specimens. In Duisburg, he led force sensor development and prototyping as a student employee, leveraging CAD and microcontroller systems.
Awards and Honors
Matthias has been awarded numerous academic scholarships and fellowships: the University of Ulm Scholarship, additional mobility grants from the Foundation of the German Economy (sdw) for his stays in Bordeaux, Memphis, and Padua, the Erasmus scholarship from the University of Duisburg, and a Deutschlandstipendium from the University of Duisburg-Essen. He also received a Study Fellowship from the Employers’ Association Ruhr/Westfalen. His recognition underscores both scholarly merit and commitment to international experience.
Research Focus
Matthias’s research centers on development and control of agile autonomous systems, computational algorithms for high-performance and parallel computing, and applications of computer vision and robotics. His projects include real-time SLAM and trajectory planning for the Nimbulus-e platform, Galois group computation, optimization algorithms like the Sparrow Search, FEM-based Poisson equation solvers, robotic control via Lego Mindstorms, and hand-segmentation using deep learning in computer vision.
Publication
Implementation of SLAM-Based Online Mapping and Autonomous Trajectory Execution in Software and Hardware on the Research Platform Nimbulus-e
Published Year: 2025
Conclusion
Drawing on a strong foundation in engineering, computer science, and applied mathematics, Matthias Schmitz embraces interdisciplinary research and international collaboration. His diverse academic experiences, combined with practical skills in algorithm design, prototype development, and sensor-based autonomy, position him to contribute innovatively to the fields of autonomous systems and computational engineering.