Stefan Ackermann is a proficient mechatronics specialist with a bachelor's and master's degree from the Technical University of Darmstadt, Germany. In 2017, he commenced his Ph.D. studies at the Institute of Automotive Engineering at the Technical University of Darmstadt, where he focused on dynamic driving task fallback systems for automated vehicles while contributing to the UNICARagil research project backed by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. Ackermann has published several scientific papers on automated vehicle safety. He joined Continental in 2023, where he is responsible for creating the Safety Assurance Framework for automated driving systems to guarantee safety throughout their lifecycle. This approach includes a comprehensive safety case assessment and the implementation of the safety management system. Ackermann's skills and expertise have been recognized, resulting in his appointment as Expert Safety Engineering for Automated Driving since 2024, where he contributes to the company's safety engineering advancements.

The Pop in Your Job – What drives you? Why do you love your job?
As a professional in the field of automated vehicles, my primary goal is to promote the safe and seamless implementation of this innovative technology. I am proud to contribute to the advancement of the transportation industry by providing solutions that enable the efficient and reliable transportation of goods and people. It is very fulfilling to know that my work is helping to alleviate the shortage of truck drivers and improve the comfort and time utilization of drivers.
One of the critical aspects of my job is to ensure that the autonomous vehicle operates safely throughout its lifecycle. This includes evaluating the system's performance, identifying and mitigating potential hazards, and ensuring that the vehicle complies with industry regulations and safety standards.
I am thrilled to be working in the field of automated vehicles and am passionate about making a positive impact on the transportation industry. My goal is to continue to provide innovative and efficient solutions while ensuring the safety and reliability of the automated vehicles I work on.