Students from Fachhochschule Dortmund also took part in the 8th Makeathon "Smart Green Island" on the Spanish island of Gran Canaria with original contributions.
Under the direction of Prof. Dr. Simone Arnold from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, twelve students from the UAS worked in interdisciplinary teams from engineering and natural sciences for four days in mid-March 2025 on industry challenges from several sponsors.
Industry challenges with a sustainable focus
The students gave thought to specific tasks set by companies and research institutions. In addition to many exciting challenges from the areas of sustainability, circular economy and digital transformation, the most exciting challenges and pitches included, for example
- Banana Cup: Development of an automated solution to press banana fibers into cups and coat them with wax - a sustainable approach to avoiding plastic waste
- Smart Greenhouse: Control of an intelligent, automated greenhouse with a precise irrigation system and the use of robots for plant care
- Autonomous truck: training a model construction truck that can park and load containers independently - an application for logistics
- PET recycling with added value: Automated grinding, melting and reuse of PET bottle caps for the production of protective covers for electronic components
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Practical learning and intercultural exchange
"Taking part in the Makeathon was a special experience for our students," reports Prof. Dr. Simone Arnold. "Here they met international teams, worked on real challenges in a practical way and were able to apply their creative and technical skills directly. This mixture of teamwork, innovation and intercultural exchange is what makes the Makeathon so valuable."