Security hardware for apps and smart phones

How can data on smart phones be protected from internet malware? This is one of the most critical questions when it comes to doing things online using a mobile device.

We at Aalen University developed a micro kernel with a TPM chip (Trusted Platform Module chip). Thanks to this additional piece of hardware, software i.e. the operating system of a smart phone or an app is compared to its defaults on the TPM chip during initialization. High-risk apps, such as online banking apps, are isolated and can only be used if all lower software levels have been approved.

In case of a deviation from the norm, the software is classified as unsafe and is processed separately. It is denied access to sensitive data and cannot influence other apps.

Contact person: Prof. Roland Hellmann

Software Engineering

Software Engineering revolves around the professional development and maintenance of software. This future‑oriented research field includes the following aspects which we are engaging with at Aalen University:

  • Software as a product,
  • People (in their roles as developers, customers and users)
  • Teams,
  • Projects,
  • Processes,
  • Methods,
  • Artefacts, e.g. source code
  • Documentation,
  • Tools,
  • Knowledge,
  • Technologies,
  • Quality.

High-quality Software Engineering

Research in the field of Software Engineering increases the quality and efficiency of software development and consequently its profitability. This is the reason for a growing demand from the industry for professional software development, individualisation and maintenance.

Current topics

Context-sensitive and knowledge-based systems which automatically assist software engineers in the design process,

Visualisation methods to explain software structure,

Automatic coordination of cloud services.

Contact person: Prof. Roy Oberhauser

Virtual realities and virtual learning environments

3D learning environments help acquire methodical skills using trainings and simulations. This also applies to augmented learning scenarios at universities. Virtual class rooms can be a solution for on-site teaching in a blended learning scenario (virtual blended learning).

At Aalen University, we test out virtual 3D rooms for the following use cases:

  • E-tutorials for teaching basic knowledge,
  • Virtual group work, regardless of location and time,
  • Collaborative programming environments, in particular for developing algorithms to control virtual robots.

Contact person: Prof. Dr. Carsten Lecon

Drive engineering and power electronics

New control and feedback algorithms in the field of drive engineering and power electronics optimize the energy and overall efficiency of the individual application. This ensures an optimum use of primary energy. The developed feedback algorithms are portable and therefore compatible with the chosen hardware.

The development of components for non-destructive testing using ultrasound is another research focus of the faculty. High-definition pictures with high reliability and noise immunity are essential to this testing method.


Renewable energies