Programming, sensors and networks - the first Sensor Space Summer School
TRIDELTA Campus / Hendrik Bengs • 20.10.2022
The aim of the Summer School was to teach basic concepts of Industry 4.0 and to arouse interest in STEM (mathematics, computer science, natural science, technology). Pupils from the 7th to 11th grade were given insights into programming, plant engineering and automation during the one-week holiday course.
Microcontrollers, sensors and a programming interface for beginners were used. The focus was on practical testing: already on the second day, the participants were able to implement their own programming projects. Later, these were supplemented with more complex sensor technology and networking.
Smart machine and system design
By the end of the week, the students had built and wired an intelligent flower pot: with appropriate programming and an integrated moisture sensor, it was automatically watered via a pump. In this way, complex interrelationships of automation, plant technology and sensor technology were illuminated on a small scale, which are highly relevant for the companies of the Tridelta Campus Hermsdorf. During the guided tours at Fraunhofer IKTS and Micro-Hybrid, where industrial and research facilities were visited, the participants were able to find out more.
The Sensor Space Summer School was conceived and implemented by the Fraunhofer IKTS working group "Smart Machine and Plant Design". The Sensor Space is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research and is a joint project of TRIDELTA CAMPUS Hermsdorf, STIFT, Nucleus Jena, Schülerforschungszentrum Gera, Saale-Holzland-Kreis and Fraunhofer IKTS. AGs, events and summer schools for children and young people are to be offered around the Hermsdorf site in Eastern Thuringia, with a special focus on imparting knowledge about batteries and sensor technology.