Institut für Nachrichtentechnik
Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Alexander Raake
From March 3 to 5, 2026, the Institute of Communications Engineering will host a workshop for the project "NeuroSensEar – Neuromorphe akustische Sensorik für leistungsfähige Hörgeräte von morgen". As part of this event, the following public lectures will take place in Lecture Hall FT (Melatener Str. 23, 52074 Aachen):
—
Detailed presentation summaries:
—
Tuesday, 03.03.2026, 5pm: Univ.-Prof. i.R. Dr.-Ing. Dr. h.c. Rainer Waser
Neuromorphic computing – energy efficiency and the use of artificial intelligence (AI)
Information technology is undergoing a transformation: traditional, command-based data processing, in which algorithms act like recipes to produce deterministic results, is increasingly being replaced by an AI-based approach. This approach is based on machine learning and the automated extraction of knowledge from data, with the results being probabilistic in nature. A key challenge of this development is the rapidly growing energy requirements of modern computer systems.
In our projects, we are researching novel components and systems for neuromorphic computing (NC) that have the potential to operate much more energy-efficiently than conventional architectures. The focus is on the development and analysis of redox-based memristive elements.
The lecture outlines the physical principles of these components and shows how materials science and electrical engineering are inspired by the impressive energy efficiency of the human brain – a topic that is being intensively studied in the field of neuroscience. The insights gained from this research are being incorporated into the development of future computer hardware, which in turn can be applied in computer science and AI research. I will show how such an interdisciplinary approach – between neuroscience, materials research, electrical engineering and computer science – can make a decisive contribution to the design of energy-efficient neuromorphic systems.
In addition, exemplary applications of AI will be presented and their opportunities and risks at the individual and societal level will be discussed. Finally, we will reflect on the question of whether future AI systems could develop their own consciousness – thus bringing us back to brain research.
—
Wednesday, 04.03.2026, 2pm: Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Janina Fels
Bringing the real world into the lab: Hearing research in interactive virtual environments
The understanding of auditory cognitive processes and abilities, ranging from perception, attention, and memory to complex performances such as scene analysis and communication, has advanced considerably in recent years. To this end, well-controlled but often unrealistic stimulus presentations have been used. These have included simple instances of virtual environments. Audiovisual Virtual Reality (VR) has reached a high level of perceptual plausibility, overcoming some of the limitations of simple laboratory settings, with recent developments in hardware and software technologies. Interactive auditory VR is now available and even applicable to non-specialized labs, where humans can interact with the auditory scene. This allows for real-time adaptation of complex auditory input to the listener's ears. The increased use of such interactive VR technology in laboratory settings is expected to contribute to the understanding of auditory perception in complex audiovisual scenes that are closer to real life, including acoustically challenging situations such as classrooms, open-plan offices, noisy multi-talker communication, and outdoor scenarios. However, understanding the extent to which classical theories of auditory cognition and related empirical findings are applicable within representative interactive audiovisual VR is an important consideration in bringing real life into the laboratory. This talk will present recent examples of research currently being conducted by the Institute of Hearing Technology and Acoustics (IHTA) at RWTH Aachen University. A particular focus is on our studies of activity-based acoustic situations in primary schools, where we analyze classroom noise, attention, and listening effort using audiovisual VR methods. These advances will be discussed in relation to the future of interdisciplinary approaches that combine auditory perception and processing and audiovisual VR in the study of hearing.
—
Thursday, 05.03.2026, 9am: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Peter Jax
Glasses for Ears – In-Ear/On-Ear Communication Systems of the Future
More and more people are using hearables in their everyday lives. These are smart wireless microcomputers equipped with artificial intelligence that contain both speakers and microphones. These “glasses for the ears” act as a kind of personal assistant that is always worn. The fields of application are diverse, ranging from consumer audio to healthcare and communication. For example, there is great potential in 3D telephony, which allows for intuitive voice differentiation, among other things. Immersing yourself in a distant meeting creates a feeling of natural closeness despite the physical distance and improves the sense of presence: communicating as if you were there in person.
Such innovative communication platforms are being developed in research and industry. What possibilities do such systems offer, and what acoustic and technical challenges do they pose?
