Paul Kohler

I work on simulation- and optimization-based methods for designing sensor sets for highly automated driving functions. My research focuses on perception performance, scenario-driven evaluation, and safety-oriented system design. The work is conducted in the RD/AFF department and supervised by Prof. Michael Resch (HLRS, University of Stuttgart). Key topics: • Sensor set optimization & system architecture • Scenario-based development workflows • Perception reliability & safety metrics • Python tooling, simul

I co-founded RP Treks together with my Nepali friend and mountain guide Rajan after several shared expeditions in the Himalayas. My role focuses on all digital and organizational aspects of the company: online presence, customer communication, booking structures, and marketing. The idea behind RP Treks is to strengthen local guiding expertise and enable authentic, safe, and fair trekking experiences for international travelers.

Part of my doctoral research was carried out on-site with the ADAS AI & Algorithms team in Shanghai. I contributed to LiDAR performance evaluations, perception analysis, data pipeline development, and autolabeling research. Work highlights: • On-site LiDAR testing & point cloud quality analysis • Sensor placement studies and evaluation methodology • Standardized LiDAR evaluation scripts and tooling • 4D object detection autolabeling: model quality assessment • CFDI preprocessing workflows & data engineerin

As president of MIT VISTA, I led the board, coordinated events, and represented the interests of international visiting students. We focused on community building, intercultural exchange, and advocacy within the MIT ecosystem.

Research at the Aerospace Controls Laboratory (Prof. Jonathan How) on safe navigation for ground robots in dynamic environments. I combined model predictive control with neural network policies through imitation learning. Research topics: • Safe & efficient robot navigation • MPC + imitation learning integration • Static & dynamic obstacle handling • Simulation, evaluation & experimental testing

Lead instructor for 15 intensive mathematics Abitur preparation courses (online & nationwide). I also coordinated several on-site course events and handled organizational processes. Key responsibilities: • Teaching groups of ~20 students in 6-day courses • Structuring curricula & exercises • Event management & logistics • Supporting thousands of students in exam preparation

Instructor in talent development programs for children, teaching robotics, strategy games, early STEM projects, and creativity-focused classes. Developed an EV3 robotics course for the University of Tübingen (HectorCore).

Tutor and teaching assistant in various engineering and control systems courses. Developed exercises, supported practical training sessions, and assisted student projects. Courses taught: Measurement Engineering, Mechanics I–IV, Dynamic Systems Simulation, Signal Processing, Feedback Control, Systems Theory, Programming labs.

During my research stay at MIT, I conducted my master’s thesis at the Aerospace Controls Laboratory under Prof. Jonathan How. My work focused on enabling mobile robots to navigate safely and efficiently through complex indoor environments with dynamic obstacles such as pedestrians. I combined model

In my master’s program, I specialized in autonomous systems, control engineering, and automated & connected driving. I worked on theoretical foundations as well as data-driven and model-based methods for dynamic systems and intelligent control. Honors & Programs: • “Honours Course” participant • C