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21.05.2025

Grand opening of the Bionic Intelligence Center Tübingen Stuttgart (BITS)

Opening ceremony at the Klösterle in Weil der Stadt

Group photo in front of BITS roll-up — From left to right: BITS spokesman Syn Schmitt (University of Stuttgart), President Karla Pollmann (University of Tübingen), BITS spokespersons Martin Giese (University of Tübingen) and Sabine Ludwigs (University of Stuttgart) and President Peter Middendorf (University of Stuttgart)

On May 20, 2025, the Bionic Intelligence Tübingen Stuttgart (BITS) research network has held its opening ceremony. BITS is a joint initiative of the Universities of Stuttgart and Tübingen and the Max Planck Institutes for Intelligent Systems and for Biological Cybernetics with the aim of developing intelligent bionic systems for the diagnosis and treatment of neurological and psychiatric diseases.

Thinking smart technology and health research together

BITS is part of Cyber Valley, Europe's largest and leading center for artificial intelligence and modern robotics, which is funded by the state of Baden-Württemberg. Science Minister Petra Olschowski on the research at BITS: “Intelligent technology and health research come together at the new BITS Center for Bionic Intelligence. Our scientists are the best in the country in these areas. The pioneering research field of bionic intelligence pools existing expertise and offers enormous potential to help patients. Such innovations further strengthen Baden-Württemberg as a hub for research and healthcare.”

Pollmann at the lectern — Tübingen President Karla Pollmann at the opening cermony

At the ceremony, Science Minister Olschowski was represented by Ministerial Director Dr. Hans J. Reiter. Among the invited guests were also the President of the University of Stuttgart, Professor Dr. Peter Middendorf, and the President of the University of Tübingen, Professor Dr. Dr. h.c. (Dōshisha) Karla Pollmann. “BITS is a driving force for future medical technologies and addresses the major challenges of our time with its interdisciplinary research,” emphasized both Middendorf and Pollmann. “The alliance strengthens the collaboration between the two universities by bringing together their complementary strengths and fostering successful cooperation between technical and medical disciplines.”

Innovative technologies and individual assistance systems

From tiny nanorobots in the human body to innovative plasters made from new materials to high-performance exoskeletons and artificial muscles – bionic systems are revolutionizing medicine and technology at all levels. They should be able to adapt to the individual needs of people with neurological disabilities and thus provide real support in their everyday lives. Around 50 researchers combine extensive expertise in areas such as materials science, neuroscience, biomedicine and robotics. “Our vision is to connect people and technology in a fundamentally new way,” explained the BITS spokespersons, , Professor Dr. Syn Schmitt, Professorin Dr. Sabine Ludwigs und Professor Dr. Martin Giese.

Press release by the University of Stuttgart

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