Thuringian SMEs bring strong competencies in product development, manufacturing, sensor technology, automation, and system integration. Combined, these can lead to new solutions for maritime applications and safety-relevant deployment scenarios.
The workshop builds on these potentials and translates them into concrete questions from maritime practice. With expert support from Fraunhofer IOSB-AST, requirements of the Navy are classified, technical solution approaches are discussed, and possible contributions of Thuringian companies are made visible.
Using the example of underwater drones, participants gain practical insights into current needs, technical challenges, and starting points for cooperative product development in the maritime environment.
Program
| Time | Agenda item | Short description |
| 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM | Arrival, check-in, and welcome coffee | Reception of participants, initial conversations, and informal introduction to the event. |
| 2:00 PM - 2:35 PM | Welcome and keynote speech | From idea to offer: Fraunhofer IOSB-AST as a bridge between the Navy and Thuringian SMEs |
| 2:35 PM - 2:45 PM | Walk to the underwater research basin of Fraunhofer IOSB-AST | Joint transition to the research infrastructure, which serves as the practical context for the following program items. |
| 2:45 PM - 3:15 PM | ROV and operational requirements | Presentation of a remotely operated underwater vehicle as well as key technical and operational requirements. Among other topics, modularity, IT and data infrastructures, sensor technology, control, robustness, and operational capability are discussed. |
| 3:15 PM - 4:00 PM | Workshop at the Water Basin | Practical exchange on possible product ideas, components, and cooperation contributions. Participants will work out which competencies from Thuringian companies can be brought into a joint development project. |
| 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM | Return Trip and Coffee | Break for in-depth discussions, networking, and reflection. |
| 4:30 PM–4:50 PM | Initiation of a cooperation network | Joint discussion of possible structures, roles, and next steps for a Thuringian company network for the development of maritime applications. |
| 4:50-5:00 PM | Conclusion and next steps | Summary of results, outlook on possible follow-up activities, and agreement on concrete next steps. |
