Prof. Klaus Bogenberger (Technical University of Munich) - When Robotaxis Meet Humanoids: Rethinking Urban Mobility

Please join us on Monday, November 2, 2026 for the Pierce Seminar at 4 PM in Room 1-131 with Prof. Klaus Bogenberger from the Technical University of Munich. Abstract Title: When Robotaxis Meet Humanoids: Rethinking Urban Mobility Abstract: Autonomous vehicles can move people, but who helps passengers when the driver disappears? This talk connects research at the Technical University of Munich on autonomous mobility-on-demand (AMoD) and humanoid robots in transportation, linking fleet operations to human interaction. The first part examines the design and operation of autonomous mobility-on-demand services through agent-based simulation. Selected case studies explore how ride pooling, predictive vehicle repositioning, and service design affect fleet utilization, passenger service quality, and urban traffic. Particular attention goes to the trade-offs between operational efficiency and passenger convenience, and to the integration of autonomous services with public transport. The second part presents experimental research on humanoid robots as onboard passenger assistants, their interactions with pedestrians, and drivers’ responses to robotic traffic control. The findings highlight both promising applications and remaining challenges concerning perceived safety, trust, and behavioral adaptation. Finally, the talk explores how autonomous vehicles and humanoid robots can work together within public transport systems. The focus is on coordinating mobility services and passenger assistance to improve efficiency and accessibility while responding to human needs. Bio: Klaus Bogenberger is Professor of Traffic Engineering and Control and Head of the Department of Mobility Systems Engineering at the Technical University of Munich (TUM). His research focuses on traffic flow theory, traffic control, and shared and autonomous mobility. He combines empirical traffic data with mathematical modeling, simulation, and optimization to investigate how emerging technologies can improve transportation systems. His research group develops FleetPy, an open-source framework for simulating and optimizing mobility-on-demand services, including robotaxi and ride-pooling fleets. His recent work examines humanoid robots as passenger assistants and their integration into public transport and autonomous fleet operations, connecting operational efficiency with human interaction and accessibility. He studied civil engineering at TUM and received his doctorate in 2001. His professional experience includes positions at BMW, serving as managing partner of the transportation consultancy TRANSVER, and a professorship at the University of the Bundeswehr Munich.