EMPOWERING EDUCATION: MOBILE EXHIBITIONS ON TOUR ACROSS GERMANY

The InnoTruck and the DISCOVER INDUSTRY Truck: two interactive experiences in Germany

The InnoTruck initiative (2017 – 2024), funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, was designed to enhance Germany's innovative potential and bolster its technological independence. Within its approximately 100 m² of exhibition space spread across two levels, InnoTruck showcased advancements in six exciting future-oriented fields. The implementation of 3D scanning technology, specifically the Peel 3 from Creaform as a highlight exhibit, demonstrated how this technology has proven transformative, enhancing design processes, boosting production efficiency, and advancing product development across industries. This marked a major milestone in innovation, highlighting the ways advanced technologies enhance economic development and encourage collaboration.

Advancing Innovation and Sustainability

The integration of 3D scanning in InnoTruck's initiative started with a keen understanding of the challenges small and medium enterprises face in adopting new technologies. Many smaller firms often struggle with limited resources and expertise, which can hinder their ability to innovate and compete in a rapidly changing market. The InnoTruck initiative sought to address these challenges by offering hands-on demonstrations and workshops, bringing advanced technologies like 3D scanning to a wide range of audiences, including enterprises during leading trade fairs.

Additionally, the environmental benefits of 3D scanning technology perfectly complemented InnoTruck's overarching goals, particularly its focus on sustainability. By integrating 3D scanning into their processes, companies can minimize waste through more accurate production methods. For instance, companies tasked with replicating unique antique artifacts can use this technology to create high-quality replicas without depleting resources or damaging the original pieces.

“The BMBF's InnoTruck (acronym in German for Federal Ministry of Education and Research) was about bringing technical innovations closer to many people across Germany and inspiring young scientists to take an interest in STEM subjects. The Peel 3 3D handheld scanner was a wonderful, fascinating addition to this concept." said Dr. Andreas Jungbluth, the Scientific Project Manager for InnoTruck from the company FLAD & FLAD Communication GmbH.

Interactive Learning for All Ages

The motto of InnoTruck was not merely to 'look, touch, and try'; visitors embarked on an exciting journey of discovery. There were interesting event formats that appeal to all age groups, especially for tour stops at schools: from experimental workshops with creative task solutions to guided tours and open days. Young people could slip into the role of researchers themselves in various experiments. The hands-on activities emphasized the significance of technological advancements in daily life, sparking curiosity and excitement for scientific innovation. The individuals behind these innovations are highlighted as well, emphasizing that it is their research-driven curiosity that transforms the potential of future technologies into tangible advancements.

The initiative InnoTruck is recognized not just for its technology-driven approach but also for how it exemplified a holistic understanding of innovation. It is now a model for future initiatives aimed at fostering innovation landscapes. The case studies involving 3D scanning highlight the transformative impact of targeted initiatives in showcasing remarkable improvements in efficiency and innovation through the adoption of accessible technology.

Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators

As another innovative roadshow initiative, COACHING4FUTURE introduced the DISCOVER INDUSTRY Truck in Baden-Württemberg. Funded by the Baden-Württemberg Stiftung and supported by the Southwest Metal Foundation (Südwestmetall) and the German Federal Employment Agency, this initiative further expanded the reach of interactive, technology-focused education.

This truck offers students a chance to explore the industrial product development process in an interactive space spanning approximately 100 m2. Within its walls, participants gain valuable insights into the methods and mindset of engineers as they tackle real-world challenges.

At five specialized workstations, students engage in learning about the industrial product development process through hands-on activities. These include digitizing objects using the Peel 3 3D scanner, examining components and materials with a digital microscope, programming a real industrial robot, and even experiencing a logistics process through virtual reality. Each activity provides students with practical exposure to cutting-edge technologies.

"On our DISCOVER INDUSTRY interactive learning truck, the students experience, in a playful way, how real objects can be converted into digital sketches with the Peel 3D scanner and how this technology can be used in various industries. The students particularly enjoy creating a digital 3D model of themselves." - said Jaqueline Pernet, Scientific Project Manager at COACHING4FUTURE.

At the Construction and Design station, students use the Peel 3 3D scanner to digitize a variety of objects. The scanning process is monitored live on the screen until a realistic 3D model of the object is finally created on the computer. This highlights the significance of mathematics and optics while offering a clear example of how digital models are utilized in processes like digitalization, reverse engineering, or quality control.