TU Clausthal Expands China Partnerships and Explores Future of Air Taxis

CLAUSTHAL-ZELLERFELD, Germany — Clausthal University of Technology is continuing to expand its international academic partnerships in China. In May, a five-member delegation led by President Dr.-Ing. Sylvia Schattauer visited three partner universities in Chengdu over the course of five days. The talks focused on joint degree programs and the further development of existing collaborations. The delegation also visited EHang, a leading provider of unmanned aerial vehicles and a pioneer in autonomous air taxis.

“China is an important partner for TU Clausthal — scientifically, technologically and with regard to the international exchange of students,” said President Schattauer. At Sichuan University, discussions centered primarily on the joint bachelor’s program in electrical engineering. The language requirements for Chinese students during their study phase in southern Lower Saxony were also addressed.

Potential Cooperation in the Master’s Program in Petroleum Engineering

At Southwest Petroleum University in Chengdu, the delegation explored additional opportunities for cooperation. The focus was on a potential collaboration in TU Clausthal’s master’s program in Petroleum Engineering. Subject to ongoing coordination and approval processes, the program could begin in the winter semester of 2026–27.

“The master’s program in Petroleum Engineering is designed to prepare students specifically for drilling and production engineering, reservoir engineering, energy storage and distribution, and deep geothermal energy,” said Prof. Leonhard Ganzer, who is responsible for the program.

In addition to Schattauer and Ganzer, the Clausthal delegation included Prof. Michael Z. Hou, Dr. Florian Carstens and Dr. Ke Li.

At Southwest Jiaotong University, the delegation also discussed possible joint bachelor’s programs in computer science and digital management.

Clausthal Delegation Completes Test Flight at EHang

A highlight of the trip was the visit to EHang. The company develops unmanned aerial vehicles and is internationally regarded as one of the pioneers of autonomous, battery-powered air taxis. President Sylvia Schattauer visited EHang before the later visit by Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Katherina Reiche.

The Clausthal delegation gained insights into development, test operations and potential application scenarios — and also boarded a test aircraft themselves. All members of the delegation completed a vertical takeoff and flew over the company’s site at an altitude of around 20 meters.

“The combination of advanced technology, autonomous flight and new mobility concepts is impressive,” Schattauer said.

For TU Clausthal, the topic represents more than a technological outlook. As the only university in Germany without its own train station, the university is familiar with the challenges of mobility in rural areas. At the same time, Schattauer sees strong opportunities for TU Clausthal to provide scientific support for a test route for autonomous, battery-powered air taxis, drawing on the university’s profile in the circular economy, sustainable energy systems, digitalization and artificial intelligence.

The field also presents significant research needs, particularly with regard to maintaining battery performance under real operating conditions.

“Autonomous air taxis could become a symbol of tomorrow’s mobility — but only if we reliably advance the technological foundations today,” Schattauer said. “Battery performance, service life and system integration are areas where I see major opportunities for joint research, and where TU Clausthal can contribute its strengths in a targeted way.”

Potential Test Route Could Strengthen Clausthal’s Innovation Profile

A potential test route could become a visible element of Clausthal’s innovation profile. It would combine research on safety, energy efficiency, system integration, battery performance and public acceptance with the practical testing of new mobility solutions in a real-world environment.

At the same time, the project could provide momentum for technology transfer, regional value creation and the development of new qualification profiles in the region.

Contact:
TU Clausthal
Christian Ernst
Press Spokesperson
Phone: +49 5323 72-3904
Email: christian.ernst@tu-clausthal.de