News 2026
Modular vehicle concept U-Shift II introduced
FAST staff, together with other researchers from Baden-Württemberg, have further developed U‑Shift II, a driverless, modular vehicle concept: An autonomous platform can accommodate different capsules as needed - for example, for passenger transport, delivery services, or mobile services. This allows a single vehicle to be used flexibly for multiple applications.
The prototype vehicle was unveiled at the project’s closing event on June 18, 2026, at the KIT Campus East. The target was to make mobility more efficient and sustainable. At the heart of the system is an autonomous “Driveboard” that independently picks up and docks the capsules.
The project involved FAST and the ITIV at KIT, the DLR, the Institute for Measurement, Control, and Microtechnology at the University of Ulm and the FKFS. The state of Baden-Württemberg provided a total of 10 million euros in funding for U-Shift II.
As part of the project, FAST was responsible for developing and building the Driveboard’s chassis and also integrated the lifting mechanism required for automated capsule changes. In addition, a patented steering gear was developed that allows for both in-phase and out-of-phase wheel steering, thereby enabling increased maneuverability. Furthermore, an additively manufactured variant of the chassis was developed that incorporates cables carrying materials, energy, and data within the forks, thereby reducing material usage.
Detailed information:
Today a shuttle, tomorrow a delivery vehicle: One vehicle, many functions | KIT
(Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labour and Tourism of Baden-Wuerttemberg), Prof. Meike Jipp (DLR), Prof. Michael Buchholz (University of Ulm).
Ph.D. Defense: Muhammed Alhanouti, M.Sc.
April 16, 2026: The Department of Automotive Engineering congratulates Mr. Muhammed Alhanouti, M.Sc., on successfully defending his Ph.D. thesis.
Best Paper Award for a publication from FAST
A publication from the Institute of Vehicle Systems Technology (FAST), Department of Automotive Engineering at the KIT, received the Best Paper Award. Stefan Schläfle, Hans-Joachim Unrau, and Frank Gauterin received the award for the paper “Influence of Load Condition, Tire Type, and Ambient Temperature on the Emission of Tire–Road Particulate Matter”, which was published in atmosphere (MDPI).
The study examines particle emissions resulting from tire-road contact under various load, tire, and temperature conditions. The findings provide valuable insights into the characterization and quantification of non-combustion emissions—a key topic for future emissions and environmental analyses.
The atmosphere Best Paper Award annually recognizes outstanding publications of high scientific quality, significance, and impact. The selection is made by an international award committee based on the originality, scientific merit, and relevance of the contribution. The award underscores the excellent research work at FAST and its contribution to the further development of modern vehicle systems.
We congratulate Stefan Schläfle, Hans-Joachim Unrau and Frank Gauterin on this international recognition!
