The aim of this work was the structural and production-orientated design of an automated tape placement head (TPH) for thermoplastic materials. The main function includes the placement of preimpregnated, continuous fiber reinforced tapes (prepregs). The tape placement process is defined as the automated placement of prepregs on complex surface structures at specific positions and directions. The main functional groups are the material loading unit, the feeding unit, the cutting mechanism, the heating device and the consolidation system. The four main phases of design methodology (clearify the task, conceptional design, mechanical design and finishing) have served as a basis throughout the development process. Due to the analysis of existing TPH and the given conditions, the requirement profile has been derived. Subsequently, the concept design of individual functional groups and the entire structure of the TPH have been accomplished. By means of decision matrices, the concepts have been evaluated and compared to one another. The resulting design recommendations have been roughly implemented as surface models in a 3D-CAD system in a first step. Based on these surface models the detailed design of the TPH has been carried out. The manufacturing possibilities have been considered during this phase as well. The result, the LS-I, is a modular and very light weight tape placement head. The process dynamics as well as the ease of maintenance have been influenced positively. Additionally, a uniform placement motion can be achieved due to the structural setup together with the implemented functionality of the TPH.