Work environment

In the team “Digital & AI Technologies”, we shape the automotive production and logistics of tomorrow. Our goal is to increase the efficiency of our plants through innovative digital solutions. We identify strategically relevant digital and AI technologies and introduce them as incubators from initial testing to scaling in our production processes. Current focus areas of our team include industrial AI technologies such as AI Prediction & Optimization and AI-based robotics including humanoid robots, with which we shape the future of production & logistics. In your doctoral project, you will focus on Physical AI Agents / AI Robotics in production. Artificial intelligence has so far primarily been used as a tool to support decision-making. AI agents, on the other hand, offer the possibility of allowing AI to “decide” and “act” independently, thus enabling the autonomous control of complex systems in production in the future. Become part of our team and shape the digital production & logistics of tomorrow with us.

Possible Tasks within this Role

• Identifying potential application areas of Physical AI Agents / AI Robotics for systematically realizing cost-saving potentials in manufacturing
• Investigating technological options (Reinforcement Learning, Large Action Models, etc.) and developing guidelines for the level of autonomy of AI
• Developing a comprehensive concept for the use of Physical AI Agents in production and validating it based on concrete use cases
• Leading practical digitalization and AI projects in production and scouting the latest technologies in the context of Industry 4.0
• Contributing to the further development of the department in an agile team and in a modern work environment

The final doctoral topic is defined together with the professor. The prerequisite for the cooperation is the confirmation of supervision as well as a confirmed delimitation of topics by the professor of a university or research institution entitled to confer a doctorate.

Qualification requirements

• Good to very good university degree qualifying for doctoral studies in the fields of (industrial) engineering, (industrial) computer science, or a comparable field of study
• In-depth knowledge in the field of artificial intelligence (expertise in a specific area such as AI Agents and AI Robotics is an advantage)
• Practical experience in the field of production and logistics (e.g., as a research assistant, working student, or through internships) is desirable 
• Enjoyment in working on complex issues
• Experience in project management
• Business-oriented thinking and acting, with high motivation and commitment
• Strong team and communication skills, including intercultural competence
• German or Englisch language level C1

Keywords

Dissertation, Innovation, Incubation, Smart Production, World Models, Agentic AI, Product Owner

What we offer

• Attractive salary & 30 vacation days (+ 24.12. and 31.12. off)
• 35-hour week, flexible working hours, remote work
• Special conditions for the purchase and leasing of vehicles
• Free seminars on scientific work and interdisciplinary qualifications
• Participation in the doctoral network for scientific exchange with science representatives and other doctoral candidates within the Volkswagen Group

Contact person for this posting: Fabian Wenzel