Claas

As one of our challenge partners at IAA MOBILITY 2023, TÜV NORD was challenging the selected startups with a solution for data synchronization and an incentive system at the same time. At the end of the demo day, the team clearly agreed: „We were simply thrilled!“

The jury was made up of experts from different departments, including Matthias Vaterrodt, Project Lead for Venture Clienting at TÜV NORD’s new venture clienting unit innoTank and Roman Meier-Andrae, Head of IT & Digitalisierung at TÜV NORD Mobility. More support came from Claas Alexander Stroh from the Corporate Communications Department at TÜV NORD Mobility and Christian Rohling as Head of Operation Management IT and Digitalization at TÜR NORD Mobility, who knew the background of the challenge by heart.

What was the Claas challenge about?

Embark on a visionary exploration of agricultural advancement through the challenge centered on crafting the „Farm Control Center of Tomorrow.“ This collaborative endeavor, orchestrated in partnership between CLAAS and Fraunhofer IGD, aimed to revolutionize the user experience (UX/UI) in agriculture. The challenge posed by this dynamic initiative involved designing smart cabins for the seamless management and monitoring of intelligent field robots. As automation transforms traditional machine operations, the emphasis shifted to creating an appealing, modern workspace within the cabin to attract and retain skilled workers in the evolving landscape of agriculture.

What was the winning solution?

The victorious solution from Lumos.ac emerged as a groundbreaking response to the CLAAS & Fraunhofer IGD Challenge. Lumos.ac, led by co-founders Michael Stoffels and Jana Terren, crafted a 3D digital twin within the smart cabin, revolutionizing how autonomous field robots are managed. This innovative approach addressed the challenge of visualizing complex processes and pertinent information for the machine operator, ensuring safe and efficient interactions. Lumos.ac’s exceptional work secured them the first prize, a 100-day Proof of Concept (PoC), and marked a significant leap forward in shaping the future of human-machine interaction within agricultural settings. Congratulations to the Lumos.ac team for their outstanding contribution!

What is the reflection from Claas?

During the CLAAS & Fraunhofer IGD Challenge, Max and Arne Bohl were impressed by the depth of user-centric thinking evident in the pitches. Max emphasized the dual importance of technological advancement and user-centric development to best serve their end-users. The notion of collaboration resonated strongly, indicating a desire to work collectively towards innovative solutions. Arne Bohl acknowledged the challenge of selecting winners among stellar pitches, underscoring the quality and diversity of the concepts presented. Both representatives hinted at an extended collaboration beyond the event, emphasizing the practical integration of successful outcomes into CLAAS’s ongoing product development cycle. This commitment reflects a strategic approach, blending innovation, user focus, and sustained collaboration for impactful, real-world solutions

What is the background of the challenge?

In the context of the ongoing digital transformation in agriculture, the CLAAS & Fraunhofer IGD Challenge delved into envisioning the „Farm Control Center of Tomorrow.“ Organized by prototype.club and topic given from CLAAS and Fraunhofer IGD, the challenge responded to the evolving role of machine operators. As traditional tasks become automated, operators now focus on organizing surrounding processes, requiring a shift to a more contemporary and enticing workspace within smart cabins. This challenge was motivated by the absence of a defined concept for integrating autonomous field robots into these cabins, essential for maintaining a connection with the farmer’s on-site presence. The challenge thus played a crucial role in exploring groundbreaking ideas that could shape the future of agriculture by harmonizing digital innovation with traditional farming practices.