A dog... on a construction site?! Bauhaus-Universität inspires future engineers with ideas for tomorrow's construction sites.
Over 300 children excited about construction robots. As part of Weimar Children's University 2025, the Chair of Construction Engineering and Management offered young explorers a glimpse behind the scenes of their research fields on September 24. Impressed by the enthusiasm and curiosity of the future engineers, the professorship was delighted to present the program to the pupils of Mellingen Elementary School on October 1.
“Grandpa, what does a civil engineer do?” Taking up the title of Heinz Günter Schmidt's book, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jürgen Melzner and his colleagues Ronny Helbing and Friedrich Schrödter not only guided guests through the diverse tasks of civil engineers in two exciting lectures, but also demonstrated live how modern robots can be used on construction sites. True to the motto “protect and relieve,” the robot pilots reported on everything from automated processes to support for occupational safety.
A special highlight: the four-legged robot dog SPOT, alias “the BauWau,” and his little companion. Watching a real robot dog safely climb up the lecture hall brought smiles of amazement to the faces of not only the children.
Perhaps one day they will return to Bauhaus-Universität Weimar to contribute their own ideas for the future of construction.
Further information about the Weimar Children's University and the lecturer:
https://www.kinderuni-weimar.de/
https://www.kinderuni-weimar.de/vorlesungen/dozentinnen-und-dozenten/prof-dr-ing-juergen-melzner/
Image sources: photographer Maik Schuck (photo 1 and 2), BBV (photo 3)