Overview
Assignment of theses
The final theses in the AG Riehle are usually not pure literature theses but include the development of small prototypes or the collection and analysis of data. Below you will find a list of suggested topics. It is also possible to submit your own topic suggestions, as long as they can be assigned to one of the following topics:
- Sensors and Internet-of-Things (LoRa, etc.)
- Cloud architectures (IT infrastructures, virtualization, orchestration, etc.)
- Data management and data analytics
Please refrain from inquiries that cannot be assigned to any of the above areas.
Topics for theses
Modeling of existing and novel Business Processes and Workflows at the University of Koblenz using IoT Sensor Data
For: Bachelor, Master
A variety of IoT sensors exist at the Koblenz campus, offering novel possibilities in information processing. The goal of this thesis is the modeling of existing and novel business processes using the data from the IoT sensors.
Supervisor: Jun.-Prof. Dr. Dennis Riehle
Installation and configuration of IoT smoke detectors based on LoRaWAN
For: Bachelor, Master
IoT sensors enable a variety of new possibilities for information processing. In this thesis, the possibilities of the LoRaWAN infrastructure at the Koblenz campus will be tested by installing and configuring IoT smoke detectors, which will be installed in the server rooms of the university as an example.
Supervisor: Jun.-Prof. Dr. Dennis Riehle
Evaluation of an IoT Platform for the Management of IoT Sensors and Gateways at the University of Koblenz
For: Bachelor, Master
As the Internet of Things becomes more widespread and important, the significance of IoT platforms as a central component of IoT systems is also increasing. For the management of the IoT sensors at the Koblenz campus, a suitable IoT platform is to be selected and evaluated in this thesis. The functionality of the IoT platform is an essential evaluation and selection criterion.
Supervisor: Jun.-Prof. Dr. Dennis Riehle
Comparison of different interactive visualization systems in terms of suitability for visualizing IoT data
For: Bachelor, Master
At the University of Koblenz, there are a number of different IoT sensors that transmit environmental data to a central database at the university. In order to make the variety of data and information readable and easily accessible for users, this work will compare and test different interactive visualization tools on the market.
Supervisor: Jun.-Prof. Dr. Dennis Riehle
Speech-based Chatbots
For: Bachelor, Master
This thesis aims to explore the different approaches to implementing speech-based chatbots. The study will evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of both text-based and speech-based chatbots and the different technical approaches to transforming text-based chatbots to speech-based ones. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview of different solutions and demonstrate their implementation through practical examples. The thesis is an opportunity to gain a deep understanding of the techniques used in chatbot development.
Supervisor: Jun.-Prof. Dr. Dennis Riehle
Development and Improvement of a Web Application to display free Working Spaces in the University Library
For: Bachelor, Master
The aim of this thesis is the further development of a web application, which is to display free and occupied workstations and group working rooms in the library. The information about which workstations and rooms for group working are available is determined by existing IoT sensors in the library. The web application is to be designed intuitively on large screens as well as on mobile devices.
Supervisor: Jun.-Prof. Dr. Dennis Riehle
Development of an automated interface for the door locking system at the University of Koblenz
For: Bachelor, Master
The University of Koblenz operates an electronic system for managing door keys, which requires various employee data. Additionally, this information is stored in the university's ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system. Currently, the process of transferring data between these two systems is conducted manually via paper-based methods. However, both systems are equipped with data interface capabilities. This project aims to develop middleware that will enable automatic synchronization of data from the ERP system to the key management application, streamlining the process for enhanced efficiency and accuracy.
Supervisor: Jun.-Prof. Dr. Dennis Riehle
Development of a Concept for the Evaluation of Large Language Model-based Chatbots
For: Bachelor
Large Language Models (LLMs) are increasing applied in chatbots. However, the evaluation of such chatbots is challenging. This thesis aims to develop a concept for the evaluation of LLM-based chatbots by comparing different evaluation frameworks and tools and suggesting an improved framework to tackle the challenge of evaluating LLM-based chatbots.
Supervisor: Jun.-Prof. Dr. Dennis Riehle
Development and Evaluation of a Hybrid Chatbot Architecture
For: Bachelor, Master
Traditional chatbots often have limited capabilities in natural language processing, as they rely on predefined rules to understand the user input and respond accurately. In the recent past, Large Language Models (LLMs) have been increasingly integrated into chatbots due to their strengths in processing and generating natural language. The use of LLMs, however, is not without drawbacks, since they tend to produce hallucinations, meaning inaccurate, factually incorrect, and even harmful responses. The goal of this thesis is to implement and evaluate a hybrid chatbot architecture that utilizes both, traditional chatbot techniques and LLMs, to mitigate their respective weaknesses.
Supervisor: Jun.-Prof. Dr. Dennis Riehle
Enhancing IoT Data Accuracy through Sensor Data Fusion in Data Platforms
For: Master
In the Internet of Things (IoT) landscape, large networks of sensors collect data that drive crucial insights and decisions. However, the reliability of this data can be compromised due to environmental noise, sensor drift, or hardware inconsistencies. Sensor data fusion—the process of combining data from multiple sensors—can help overcome these challenges by producing a more accurate, consistent, and reliable estimation of the monitored system. The objective of this thesis is to develop a robust mechanism to fuse sensor data, focusing on techniques that validate and enhance data accuracy. By applying sensor fusion techniques, the aim is to design a system that improves data reliability in dynamic IoT environments, creating the basis for smarter, data-driven systems.
Supervisor: Jun.-Prof. Dr. Dennis Riehle
Anthropomorphic Design of Pedagogical Conversational Agents
For: Bachelor, Master
Pedagogical Conversational Agents (PCAs) are increasingly utilized in educational settings to facilitate and enhance the learning process. These agents are commonly implemented as text-based chatbots, functioning as conversational interfaces that provide instructional support. PCAs can serve as tutors or motivators, assisting learners in achieving their educational objectives. This thesis aims to integrate anthropomorphic design elements, i.e., features that enhance the agent’s human-like appearance and interaction, into an existing tutoring chatbot. The primary objectives of this research are to conduct a comprehensive review of relevant literature, implement human-like design features, and evaluate their impact on user experience and learning outcomes.
Supervisor: Jun.-Prof. Dr. Dennis Riehle
Application for a topic
Please proceed as follows when applying for thesis supervision:
- Contact the respective tutor responsible for your topic via e-mail.
- Briefly explain your motivation for the targeted topic.
- In the attachment to your e-mail, send an excerpt of your previous academic achievements so that we can see which subjects you have successfully completed.
- Indicate the date when you would like to write the thesis (from/until).
We will be happy to explain the detailed terms of reference to you in a personal meeting afterwards. Please note: A condition for supervision is the acceptance of a research proposal written by you. You will receive the necessary assistance from your chosen tutor.
Templates
Research proposal
For all theses, a research proposal according to our template must be submitted before starting the work. Please send this proposal to your tutor for approval.
The research proposal is divided into the sections "Motivation of the thesis", "Formulation of objectives" and "Methodological approach". The proposal should already be provided with several literature sources, especially in the area of motivation, and should consist of a total of 1-2 pages of text.
Writing the thesis
The processing time for your thesis can be found in your examination regulations; as a rule, this is six months. When writing your thesis, you must adhere to the layout guidelines of our working group, for which we will provide you with appropriate templates: