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Richard Balogh and David Obdržálek
conference co-chairs

Greeting by Stefan Wehner

10.04.2024, 09.00

Prof. Dr. Stefan Wehner is a physics professor and the first President of the University of Koblenz. As former Vice President he has played a significant role in restructuring the newly independent University of Koblenz. His extensive experience includes fostering research, technology transfer, and internationalization. Born in 1969 in Bayreuth, Wehner earned his doctorate and habilitation from the University of Bayreuth and has conducted research at various institutions, including the University of California Riverside. He has been elected for a six-year term by the Senate of Koblenz University, with the endorsement of the University Council and the Ministry of Science and Health of Rhineland-Palatinate.

Keynote talk by Katrin Heuzeroth

Vocational Education through 2PointRobo

10.04.2024, 10.00

A keynote talk, about how to turn industrial robots into educational robots to enhance learning.

While in many cases simulation programs are often used to transfer theoretical knowledge into practical experience this talk illustrates instead how to use real robots for robotics education in a vocational school. For this, this talk will illustrate the advantages of using real industrial robots as educational robots in the classroom for learning, for acquiring skills and for hands-on learning. It will be presented an overview of the fields in which these robots are applied in the classroom, how the lessons are organized and which exercises they work on in class. In addition, experiences will be shared about what students learn when using the robots, how they can apply it on their job and what the companies expect from the students.

Overall, this talk will discuss together with the audience how the integration of robots into vocational education can positively change not only the daily school routine, but also work in companies.

Katrin Heuzeroth is a passionated metal technology teacher working at the Carl Benz vocational school for technology in Koblenz. Her teaching is focused on robotics and automation for mechatronics apprentices. She started her way into technology initially from a childhood interest as an optician, where she acquired her first basic manual skills from an apprenticeship. However, this experience awakened her interest in more complex technical challenges. With this in mind, she decided to study teaching profession at the University of Koblenz where she discovered her deep fascination for machines and how they work. In 2018 she received her Masters Degree as a vocational teacher and completed her associated traineeship in 2020. Today she manages the robotic laboratory at her school while her personal mission is to pass more enthusiasm for technology.

Speakers Links: example Video

Keynote talk by Dietrich Paulus

Robot Challenges as an Opportunity for Students

11.04.2024, 09.00

Progress in computer science, in particular research on pattern recognition, gained speed considerably when public challenges were announced and competitions were organized. Examples are the NIST data set for postal reading or segmentation challenges at international conferences which measure performance of visual recognition tasks. Interpretation of sensor data and vision are core topics in robotics. Robotic competitions, such as RoboCup, test solution for vision problems as well as robotic architectures. Teams of the Koblenz University participate in such competitions since almost two decades. Lead by few researchers, teams of several students solved tasks set in these challenges quite successfully. In this contribution we outline the history of these achievements. We describe which structure of the teams was most effective, how the teams were built and how the students were selected. We give examples, how the academic freedom, financial and personal support, passionate researchers, and strategic planning lead to several first places in international robotic challenges.

Overall, this talk will discuss together with the audience how the integration of robots into vocational education can positively change not only the daily school routine, but also work in companies.

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Dietrich Paulus is head of the Active Vision group at the University of Koblenz. His research focuses on the analysis of medical images and the interpretation of sensor data in robotics. As a valuable part of his teaching activities 42 robot teams of students were assembled in his group since 2001. Most of them participated in national and international robotics competitions and many of them were most successful finishing in first places.

Speakers Links: Bio, Video (see him at 0:17)

Keynote talk by Felix Witzelmaier

Unlocking the Future of Production

12.04.2024, 09.00

A fischertechnik-powered keynote on Agile Manufacturing, IoT, Automation, and AI

Embark on a transformative journey into the future of production with our keynote presentation: "Getting Ready for the Production of the Future – with the fischertechnik Agile Production Simulation" In this dynamic session, we delve into the realms of agile manufacturing, IoT integration, automation, and artificial intelligence. Together, we explore the pressing challenges that both current and future production and logistics landscapes face, while also shedding light on innovative solutions and the myriad opportunities that lie ahead.

This keynote not only identifies the hurdles in the path of evolving production methodologies but also showcases the concrete solutions and advantages that modern production and logistic systems bring to the table. The overarching question we aim to answer is: Who, how, and with what objectives shall we equip ourselves to navigate the challenges and implement the solutions in the production landscape of tomorrow?

Central to this discussion is fischertechnik's groundbreaking learning concept designed to empower both learners and educators in comprehending the intricacies of future production. fischertechnik has ingeniously crafted a learning approach that allows users to simulate and grasp the nuances of advanced production processes. By providing a hands-on and digital training experience through a combination of a factory simulation model and a Digital Learning Platform, fischertechnik ensures that learners are well-versed in the principles before venturing into large-scale implementations.

The crown jewel of this learning concept is the incorporation of a Digital Twin, enabling learners to envision and create diverse production scenarios. This innovative approach not only fosters a deep understanding of the intricacies involved but also provides a practical foundation for tackling real-world challenges. Through a blend of theoretical insights and practical applications, this keynote presentation unveils the power of the Digital Twin in shaping the production landscape of the future.

Felix Witzelmaier has been a passionate tinkerer since his early childhood. That is why he joined the fischertechnik education team, dedicated to promoting #FutureSkills through hands-on learning concepts from kindergarten to university. Since 2017, he has closely collaborated with teacher training colleges and educational experts. This collaboration led to the development of the current fischertechnik education concept for schools, aiming to easily integrate hands-on learning into lessons and enhance STEM teaching in a modern way.

Lately, given the intriguing developments in Industry 4.0, automated and agile production, and industrial robots, Felix has shifted his focus to higher education and vocational training. In response to the challenges and opportunities arising in these dynamic fields, he actively addresses the need for innovative educational approaches that align with the evolving landscape of production and logistic systems. Additionally, he always seeks fruitful collaboration with subject matter experts and university researchers to further develop fischertechnik's learning solution portfolio.

Special Recognition