The Packaging Valley Makeathon entered its fifth round this year. 45 students, technology enthusiasts and experts from Packaging Valley companies developed creative solutions for a digitalised and sustainable future for the industry. The focus was on the use of artificial intelligence in mechanical engineering.
Decentralised, at the four locations Rommelag Digital GmbH (Karlsruhe), Murrelektronik GmbH (Kirchheim unter Teck), Syntegon Technology GmbH (Crailsheim) and Bosch Rexroth AG (Ulm), interdisciplinary teams of young talents, universities, companies and technology partners from the packaging machinery industry came together to work together on practical AI use cases within 48 hours and ideas to life.
The aim was to, to make the potential of innovative technologies for mechanical and plant engineering tangible and to open up new perspectives for a digitalised and sustainable future. Functional prototypes and concept ideas on highly topical issues - AI-supported automation, robotics, predictive maintenance and voice interfaces - were developed at the four locations in a very short space of time. The results clearly show how AI can be used specifically in the field of automation and mechanical engineering to optimise processes and create sustainable added value.
The challenges at a glance:
- Rommelag Digital GmbH worked mainly with time series data from the Rommelag Pharma Platform to uncover anomalies in production processes and develop prediction models. Independently of this, the students analysed possibilities for downsampling data sets and compared the prediction quality.
- Murrelektronik GmbH challenged the teams to develop an AI-based gadget that digitally enhances existing machines through voice control and simplifies the interaction between man and machine. A 3D printed robot controlled by a Murr PLC (Vario-X) was available as a test system. In addition to the conceptual design and prototype implementation of the gadget, the robot's cell had to be set up and the robot programme adapted.
- Syntegon Technology GmbH demanded technical flair and creativity with a robotics challenge in the field of sterile filling, in which camera systems, sensor technology and AI were combined to make automated processes safer and more efficient.
- Bosch Rexroth AG set the participants the task of developing approaches for AI-supported engineering in the field of flexible material flow systems. The focus was on the ctrlX Flow6D planar system and investigating the extent to which large language models can optimise its programming and control.
Interdisciplinary exchange and promotion of young talent
The Packaging Valley Makeathon offers students the opportunity to collaborate beyond the lecture theatre, try out the latest technologies and gain insights into real industrial challenges. At the same time, companies use the format to gain inspiration for their own innovation processes, get to know specialists and expand their networks.
„The high level of interdisciplinarity showed once again that the interplay of engineering knowledge, software expertise and industry expertise creates solutions with real potential for packaging machine construction. Artificial intelligence is no longer a topic for the future, but a reality - and the Makeathon proves that young talents are right in the middle of it and are actively shaping the future. With the Makeathon, Packaging Valley not only strengthens the innovative power of the industry, but also specifically promotes young talent and their innovative spirit.“
Etienne Graf, Packaging Valley Germany e. V., project manager of the Makeathon
Source: Packaging Valley Germany
