All study programs
Bachelor Full-time / German
Faculty of Technology and Management

Digital Engineering - Smart Products & Manufacturing

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Studenten im Labor programmieren einen KUKA-Roboterarm.
At a glance
Regular period
7 semesters
Degree
Bachelor of Engineering
Places
Winter:
21
Apply till 07/15
Fields of study
Engineering, Computer Science, Production Technology & Industry 4.0
Requirements
University entrance qualification according to the Baden-Württemberg State Higher Education Act

Through digital engineering, you will learn how to develop intelligent devices or robots and how they are manufactured and networked using modern technology and software.

Programmieren im Labor im Studiengang Digital Engineering
Studierende programmieren im Labor intelligente Lösungen für vernetzte Produktionsabläufe.
Image source: Samuel Vogel, RWU

Understand and shape the digitally networked world of tomorrow!

Digital Engineering - Smart Products and Manufacturing combines computer science, engineering and modern production technologies to develop and implement intelligent products and digitally networked manufacturing systems.

The course at a glance:

  • Interdisciplinary: natural sciences, engineering and computer science
  • High practical component: in the laboratory, during a practical semester and in freely selectable project modules
  • Cooperation with industrial partners in the region
  • Holistic approach: from development to production to the final product
  • Direct contact and individual support from professors, tutors and employees in small groups
  • Support in challenging subjects through tutorials and supervised practice groups
Programmierung einer Steuerung eines Roboterarms
Industrie-Robotik findet heute meist intelligent-vernetzt statt.
Image source: Samuel Vogel, RWU

Why digital engineering?

Mastering tomorrow's challenges today! Products are becoming smart: connected devices with AI, sensors and software are shaping today's and tomorrow's industry. Factories are becoming intelligent: IoT, Industry 4.0 and data analysis are important disciplines in the world of work. The Digital Engineering degree program provides you with the skills for this.

Is the course right for you?

  • You enjoy technology and computer science - you like tinkering with hardware and programming.
  • You want to be in demand with top employers in the region.
  • You are interested in smart products such as networked devices, robots or digital factories.
  • You like interdisciplinary projects in which mechanics, software and production interact.
  • You want to learn hands-on in modern laboratories, with real applications and in team and project work.

Study differently

Projects instead of stiff cramming: you can convert one or more modules of the curriculum into projects each semester.

Doing instead of writing: In your final thesis, you develop a Bachelor's project with short documentation instead of a long text paper.

Postgraduate courses

Master
English

Mechatronics (EN)

Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Master
German

Technology Management and Optimization

Faculty of Technology and Management
Master
German

Product Development in Mechanical Engineering

Faculty of Mechanical Engineering
Curriculum
Curriculum Preview
Download curriculum

What can you expect during your studies?

Basics

You start with the scientific and technical foundation you need for the digital engineering profession. Mathematics, physics and materials science provide you with the analytical and scientific basics. In computer science and software development, you will learn to understand algorithms and write your own programs. This is supplemented by electrical engineering, production engineering and design - the basis for every technical system. In the practice and science of digitalization, you will learn project-oriented and scientific thinking and working.

Digital Engineering & Smart Products

Now it's time to get hands-on: you will design smart products and learn the language of sensors, software and hardware. Topics such as microcontrollers, measurement and control technology and software engineering will show you how smart devices work. In systems engineering and CAE methods, you will learn how to plan and model complex systems. Statistics, nanotechnology and applied optimization will give you an insight into the world of data-driven product development.

Smart Manufacturing

Everything here revolves around the intelligent factory of the future - from automation to AI. You will immerse yourself in robotics, automation technology and digital design methods. Machine vision and artificial intelligence in mechanical engineering show you how data and algorithms improve production processes. Elective subjects such as Smart Sensors, Applied AI or Production & Sustainability allow you to focus on areas of interest.

Specializations & projects

In the final stage of your studies, you will apply your knowledge in a practical, creative and research-oriented way. In the practical semester, you will work directly in a company and gain valuable professional experience. In the scientific project and elective modules, you will deepen your interests - from technical applications to sustainability or management. Your Bachelor's project concludes with a presentation and seminar - your ticket to the world of digital engineering.

What skills will you take with you?

At the end of your studies, you will be able to

  • model, simulate and develop mechatronic systems,
  • combine software, sensors and hardware to create intelligent products,
  • analyze data and use it to optimize processes
  • design automated and networked production systems,
  • apply AI methods in practice,
  • manage and communicate complex projects in an interdisciplinary manner.

Industries with a future

Your knowledge is in demand in many sectors: mechanical engineering, the automotive industry, medical technology, robotics, logistics, energy, AI start-ups and industrial IT providers. Companies in the Lake Constance-Upper Swabia region in particular are specifically looking for specialists who can combine technical systems with digital solutions.

Practical experience during your studies

  • You will work on real technical tasks in laboratories and projects.
  • During the practical semester, you gain valuable experience in industrial companies - often the door opener for your Bachelor's thesis and career entry.
  • In the scientific project, you will train your ability to work on complex topics in an interdisciplinary way - from the idea to the digital twin to the prototype.
Studierende im Digital Engineering-Labor
Gerade bei der praktischen Anwendung von Wissen eignen sich Studierende wertvolle Fähigkeiten an.
Image source: Samuel Vogel, RWU

Your career prospects

Digital engineers are in demand across all industries - wherever products are networked, processes are automated and data is used intelligently.

Typical fields of activity are

  • Development of smart products - from networked sensor devices to intelligent machines and vehicles
  • Planning, simulation and optimization of automated production systems
  • Data analysis and digitalization of industrial processes
  • System integration and interface management between mechanics, software and production
  • Project management and technical consulting in digitalization projects

Here you will find frequently asked questions about the degree program. If you have any further questions, please contact the head of degree program, Prof. Dr. Samuel Vogel. If you have any questions about admission, please contact the Admissions Office.

Differences to computer science, mechanical engineering & industrial engineering

Computer science courses focus on software, algorithms and theoretical computer science. Digital engineering combines computer science with physics, electrical engineering, mechanics and production engineering. You not only develop software, but also understand the underlying technical systems.

Mechanical engineering focuses more on design, mechanics and traditional manufacturing. The digital engineering degree course also includes topics such as embedded systems, robotics, AI, data analysis and digital twins. You will therefore be working at the interface between mechanical systems and digital technology.

Industrial engineering combines technology with business administration and management. Digital Engineering has a clear focus on technology and computer science: you will study scientific and technical fundamentals, programming, automation and AI - with less business content and more focus on the development and implementation of digital solutions.

Math & previous knowledge

You should have a solid grounding in school mathematics (up to A-levels) - especially calculus and the basics of linear algebra. If you have been out of school for a while or feel unsure, bridge courses and supervised exercises will help you get started.

Previous knowledge is helpful, but not mandatory. You will learn programming systematically from the ground up, e.g. in software development and computer science: basics, algorithms and data structures. It is important that you enjoy logical thinking and are not afraid of programming.

Yes, before and during the first semesters, math pre-courses, tutorials and supervised practice groups are offered to help you get on well. In many modules there are additional exercises and contact persons for questions.

Workload & job alongside your studies?

On average, you should plan around 40 hours per week for studying and self-study - similar to a full-time job. This includes lectures, labs, projects and preparing for exams.

Yes, a part-time job is generally possible, especially in higher semesters when you are better organized. However, the workload can increase significantly during exam periods or intensive project phases - you should take this into account when planning.

Many students work as working students from the 3rd/4th semester onwards, e.g. in the areas of software development, automation, data analysis or design. This is a good opportunity to gain practical experience and make contacts for an internship semester or Bachelor's thesis.

Contact & People

General contact details

Opening hours By arrangement
Phone
Room B 213
On campus
Building B
Leibnizstr. 12
88250 Weingarten
Postal address RWU Hochschule Ravensburg-Weingarten
University of Applied Sciences
Digital Engineering - Smart Products & Manufacturing
P.O. Box 30 22
88216 Weingarten
Germany

Dean of Studies & Student Advisor

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Samuel Vogel
Digital technologies, electrical engineering, electronics
Dean of Studies Mechatronics (Bachelor)

Secretariat

Gudrun Stärk
Secretariat Faculty of Technology and Management
Dean's Office, Bachelor's degree programs "Physical Engineering" and "Mechatronics"
  • Building B
  • Room B213; H123
gudrun.staerk@rwu.de

Professors

Prof. Dr. Daniel Kolacyak
Production technology, materials, chemistry
Library officer
Prof. Dr. phil. Götz Walter
Business psychology, change management, research methods, applied statistics
Dean of Studies Business Psychology (Bachelor)
  • Building B
  • Room B 119
goetz.walter@rwu.de
Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Jan Schlemmer
Physics, Physical Measurement Technology, Cyber Physical Systems
Dean of Studies Physical Engineering (Bachelor)
  • Building B
  • Room B 010
jan.schlemmer@rwu.de
Prof. Dr. Jörg Eberhardt
Machine vision, optics and 3D technologies
Dean of Studies Industrial Engineering (Technology Management) (Bachelor)
Prof. Dr. Markus Straub
Automation technology, manufacturing automation
  • Building D
  • Room D022
markus.straub@rwu.de
Prof. Dr. sc. techn. Michael Pfeffer
Physical device construction, optical design, micro and integrated optics, optical information technology, medical imaging techniques
Vice-Rector for Research, International Affairs and Transfer
  • Building B
  • Room B 013, N 004
michael.pfeffer@rwu.de
Prof. Dr. Michael Wagner
Operational information systems, digitization
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Samuel Vogel
Digital technologies, electrical engineering, electronics
Dean of Studies Mechatronics (Bachelor)
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Theresa Breckle, MBA
Manufacturing Technology
Dean of Studies Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor)
Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Tobias Harth
Mathematics and statistics
  • Building B
  • Room B 108
tobias.harth@rwu.de
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Tobias Miunske
Artificial intelligence, digital engineering, cybernetics, object-oriented programming
Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Martin Smaga
Mathematics and statistics
Representative of the Faculty for Equal Opportunities
  • Building B
  • Room B 210
martin.smaga@rwu.de

Practice office

Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Tobias Harth
Mathematics and statistics
  • Building B
  • Room B 108
tobias.harth@rwu.de

Admissions office

Tamara Blaschke
Admissions Office, Student Administration Office, Faculty of Technology and Management, Fee Management
  • Building H (main building)
  • Room H021
Tamara.Blaschke@rwu.de

Examination office

Dr. Marta Oerter
Student Examinations Office Faculty of Technology and Management, Student Administration Office
Study programs BM, PE, PT, PW
  • Building H (main building)
  • Room H024
marta.oerter@rwu.de