Based on his extensive practical experience in power tool development and the management of multidisciplinary development areas, the research focus of Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Sven Matthiesen is on the research and development of methods and processes to support product development of human-machine systems.

Prof. Matthiesen conducts research on human-machine systems (MMS), mechatronic machine elements and system reliability (MME). In addition to the validation and testing of mechatronic systems, the use of AI methods and the exploration of machine elements in a system context, the interaction of technology with humans is the focus of research here. Another subject he focuses his research on is the design methodology (KM), which deals with the exploration of the mental design process, as well as the development of design methodologies.

Central to his teaching activities is the development of new training concepts to increase synthesis competence in integrated product development. Furthermore, he is advancing the topic of research-based teaching, whereby he uses his activities in mechanical design to explore the thinking and design process of the emerging mechanical designer. His courses are components of the "Karlsruhe Teaching Model of Product Development - KaLeP", which is an integrated training system oriented to the development process in practice and conveys product development competence.